Are Cement Tiles Eco-friendly?

Discover 7 Reasons Why Cement Tiles are a Sustainable Choice for Your Eco-conscious Home Design 

“Green” design goes way beyond color choices these days! Whether sourcing reclaimed wood, antique furnishings, or non-toxic paint, eco-conscious homeowners place sustainability at the top of their home design must-haves. So, are cement tiles eco-friendly? The LiLi Tile team shares seven reasons why cement tiles are a sustainable flooring choice for your home. (Not to mention a beautiful one to boot!)

7 Reasons Why Cement Tiles are the Eco-Friendly Choice for Your Home

There might be a lot of things you don’t know when it comes to cement tiles, like that they’re one of the most sustainable building materials available. Here are the top reasons that make cement tiles an eco-friendly choice. 

1. Energy-free Production

Most flooring options, including ceramic and porcelain tile, require a lot of energy to produce. For example, ceramic tiles need to be fired in a kiln to set their glaze, requiring temperatures of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. To do this, large amounts of electricity are used or gas, wood, or oil are burned. LiLi Tile, on the other hand, uses no power to create its tiles. Instead, once the cement is poured into a mold, each tile is pressed under 2,000 psi of pressure and placed on a rack to cure for 11 days. This production process has been used for almost two centuries, showing that some of the most sustainable products go back to the basics. 

2. Pollution-free Manufacturing

In addition to using lots of energy, kilns release carbon monoxide, smoke, and other toxic chemicals into the air. Cement tiles don’t require firing. So, manufacturing them produces no unwanted byproducts that pollute the air. Although other flooring materials are turning up the heat on the planet, cement tiles are chilling on racks as they air dry and cure on their own. 

3. Made from Natural Materials 

We like to keep our tiles au naturel. LiLi Cement Tiles are made from natural materials, including portland cement, sand, and marble powder. Our cement recipe is simple, durable, and allows for beautiful color pigmentation while keeping environmental concerns at the forefront of design. Plus, you can rest easy knowing you aren’t bringing any toxic or artificial materials into your home.  

4. A Handmade vs. Machine Process 

While many building-material manufacturers have moved to automated machine processes that can consume lots of energy and produce pollution, the LiLi Tile Team still uses the same process developed in the 1850s. All of our tiles are made by hand, so our production facility has fewer noisy machines and more smiling faces of the talented artists who create our tiles. And that’s just how we (and the planet) like it.  

5. On-site Recycling

No manufacturing process is free from mistakes, and many broken or damaged building materials end up in landfills and dumps. Even though our cement tiles are handmade with the utmost care, we do come across some broken tiles from time to time. However, our cement tiles are entirely recyclable. So, when a tile breaks on the line, we crush it up and reuse it for cement that will go into another tile. You can even recycle our tiles at home. If a cement tile breaks on your build site, use it to make gravel for a flower pot. If you have extra, create pavers for the yard. Get creative! 

6. Lasting Durability

Other flooring options may need to be replaced after a few years, but cement tiles are durable enough to last a lifetime. Increased lifespan of a product equals more sustainability! Our cement tiles are pressed under 2,000 psi of pressure during manufacturing, giving them the strength to stand up to anything that comes their way. Cement tiles are great for indoor and outdoor use in high-traffic areas. Because the pigment runs through the tile rather than just sitting on the surface, cement tiles can be sanded to remove scratches and look brand new. 

7. Improve Energy-efficiency 

Cement tiles can also help lower your electric bill because of their energy-efficient design. Since cement has a high thermal mass, installing cement tiles will work to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This added insulation works to reduce energy consumption and, as an added bonus, lower your monthly bills. Sounds like a win for you and Mother Earth! 

Create an Eco-friendly Home 

From production to installation, cement tiles are one of the most sustainable flooring choices for your home. Their low-energy production, lasting durability, and energy-efficient design work together to reduce your carbon footprint, all while looking gorgeous underfoot. Celebrate the planet's beauty in your home with nature-inspired designs like Flora, Rise, and Savannah. We can’t wait to see the beautiful and sustainable design you dream up for your space! 

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