What are cement tiles?

A Century of Craftsmanship

Secoin’s Encaustic Cement Tiles have a story that began in Vietnam in 1910. Known also as decorative cement tiles or patterned tiles, these handcrafted works of art have adorned floors and walls for generations. With their unique blend of colors, patterns, and durability, they remain a timeless choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Every tile carries the touch of an artisan’s hand — making it more than a product, but a piece of cultural heritage.

Each Tile is a Work of Art

Endless Pattern Designs

Secoin’s collections feature thousands of patterns, from delicate floral motifs and gentle leaf designs to bold geometric lines and modern abstractions. These patterns embody a dialogue between East and West, bridging traditional heritage with contemporary architectural trends.

Just like fashion, Secoin introduces seasonal tile collections, ensuring that cement tiles evolve alongside global design movements. Each tile is as unique as a painting — the personal creation of a skilled artisan.

A Symphony of Colors

With a standard palette of 75 colors, ranging from classic black-and-white to vivid reds, yellows, blues, and greens, Secoin offers infinite possibilities. Custom shades can also be developed to meet the precise vision of architects and designers.

Shapes and Sizes

Secoin cement tiles are available in an impressive variety of shapes and sizes:

• Traditional squares and rectangles
• Hexagons, octagons, lanterns, fish-scale tiles and more
• Standard sizes like 20×20 cm and 30×30 cm, plus custom molds such as 10×10 cm, 14×14 cm, 7×7 cm, and 15×17 cm.

Each form opens new opportunities for creativity in layout and design.

Products with Soul and Emotional Value

International customers often describe Secoin’s cement tiles as “living products” with soul. Unlike mass-produced industrial tiles, these tiles carry emotional value — the character of the artisan, the rhythm of handwork, the spirit of Vietnamese culture.

• In Europe, they are cherished as traditional decorative materials.
• In the U.S., Australia, Japan, and the Middle East, they are admired as artistic, vibrant, and contemporary design statements.

Visitors who watch Secoin’s artisans work are often astonished by the “magic” of the handmade process — a process impossible for machines to replicate.

Materials and Manufacturing Process

Two Layers, One Masterpiece

Each encaustic cement tile is made of two layers:

• Top layer (≈2mm): a mixture of pigments, marble powder, and cement — forming the design and color.
• Base layer: cement and sand for durability.

Nine Steps of Craftsmanship

The making of a Secoin tile involves nine meticulous steps:

1. Preparing molds and colors
2. Placing molds into frames
3. Pouring colors by hand — like painting on canvas
4. Removing the mold
5. Adding the second layer
6. Hydraulic pressing
7. Shaping and demolding
8. Curing at room temperature
9. Surface protection and quality inspection

The result: a handmade masterpiece shaped by the golden hands of Secoin artisans — as unique as embroidery stitched by hand compared to machine-made fabric.

Advantages and Applications

Beauty and Versatility

Secoin cement tiles are works of art for floors, walls, staircases, countertops, and gardens. They bring:

• Elegance indoors: cozy living rooms, serene bedrooms, creative workspaces.
• Durability outdoors: courtyards, patios, walkways.
• Artistic accents: kitchen backsplashes, bar counters, planters, tabletops.

Practical Benefits

• Protective surface layer: waterproof, oil- and stain-resistant, UV-resistant.
• Non-slip surface: ideal for schools, hospitals, homes with children and the elderly.
• Thermal insulation: cool in summer, warm in winter — reducing energy costs.
• Load-bearing strength: customizable thickness allows use in both residential and commercial projects.

Sustainability: Green Tiles for a Greener Future

• Natural Materials: made from cement, sand, stone powder, and pigments — no clay, no farmland depletion.
• Green Production: cold-pressed and cured at room temperature with no heat or fuel.
• Low-Carbon Cement: Secoin integrates eco-cement to reduce emissions.
• Recyclable: tiles can be reused or crushed into new concrete products; packaging is made from recycled materials.
• Safe for Health: certified VOC Class A+, the highest international standard for indoor air quality.

A Living Tradition

For more than a century, Secoin’s encaustic cement tiles have been made with patience, pride, and artistry. They are not just tiles, but living cultural artifacts, connecting Vietnam’s heritage with modern design across the world.

Step into the world of Secoin and let your space tell a story — with tiles made by hand, made with soul.