Original Cement Encaustic Tiles (Peranakan Floor Tiles)
Discover the forefather of Art Deco and Straits Chinese heritage floor design. Known as Peranakan Tiles or Cement Encaustic Tiles, our collection features 100% hand-pressed hydraulic cement tiles famous throughout historic shophouses in Pulau Pinang, Melaka, and Singapore. Crafted exactly as they were hundreds of years ago, these classic tiles are built not just for you, but for generations to come.
Product Specifications & Technical Features
- Application: HEAVY-DUTY FLOOR & WALL SURFACES (High-traffic flooring, courtyard floors, living rooms, cafés, feature walls)
- Standard Dimensions: 200 x 200 mm (Approx. 13 Pcs / CTN)
- Material & Craftsmanship: 100% Hydraulic pressed cement with real marble dust pigment layer (Non-fired)
- Porosity & Aging: Naturally porous material that matures over time, developing a rich, organic patina
- Thermal Cooling: Natural cement mass provides passive thermal cooling underfoot (Ideal for Malaysian climate)
- Refurbishment Property: Surface can be buffed, polished, and waxed repeatedly to renew its finish over decades
- Joint Gap Requirement: Minimum 2mm to 3mm grout joint for 200x200mm cement tiles
- Recommended Spaces: Living area flooring, heritage shophouse restorations, hotel lobbies, boutique cafés, outdoor covered verandas, and feature floor carpets
Handcrafted Cement Character & Patina
Original cement encaustic tiles are individually hand-pressed using the same traditional methods as hundreds of years ago. Because they are naturally porous, beauty is in the eye of the beholder—they absorb life, develop a rich patina, and soften gracefully with age. We supply these tiles to clients who truly understand and cherish the genuine character of authentic cement art.
Built for Generations: The Legacy of Peranakan Cement Tiles
Unlike modern ceramic tiles with digital surface prints, original cement encaustic tiles feature a thick, pigmented color layer (3–4mm depth) pressed directly into the cement body using brass divider molds. This deep pigment layer ensures that even after decades of heavy foot traffic in Straits Chinese shophouses across Penang, Melaka, and Singapore, the vibrant Peranakan patterns never wear off.
It is often said that original cement tiles are not built merely for you, but for the generations that follow. They offer a timeless, tactile presence that insulates against ambient heat, keeping living spaces cool and grounded in authentic heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cement Peranakan Floor Tiles
Some mention original cement tiles are porous and easy to stain—is this true? +
Yes, original cement tiles are naturally porous, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We exclusively supply these tiles to clients who understand and appreciate true cement character. Made using the same traditional hand-pressed methods from hundreds of years ago, these classic tiles age gracefully to develop a distinct patina. As many heritage architects say: original cement tiles are not built just for you, but for generations to come.
Are these original Cement Encaustic Tiles suitable for floors? +
Yes, absolutely. Unlike ceramic wall-only tiles, original hydraulic-pressed cement tiles are engineered specifically for high-traffic indoor and outdoor residential or commercial floor applications.
How do I install cement tiles, and what is the strict 2–3 hour cleaning rule? +
Cement tiles install similarly to standard stone or floor tiles with a 2mm to 3mm grout gap.
Crucial Installation Rule: During installation, any cement adhesive or slurry on the tile surface must be cleaned off with clean water within 2 to 3 hours. Likewise, after grouting, wipe down the tile face thoroughly within 2 to 3 hours. Never allow cement mortar or grout haze to sit on porous cement overnight, as it will leave permanent marks on the tile face.
How should original cement encaustic tiles be cleaned and maintained? +
Clean daily using normal water and pH-neutral soap only. Avoid acidic cleaners, vinegar, bleach, or harsh chemical detergents, as acid reacts with the natural cement minerals. Periodically buffing with floor wax will maintain a silky luster.
Can cement tiles be restored or polished if they age or dull? +
Yes. Because the color layer is a thick 3–4mm mineral pigment composition, worn or stained cement floors can be diamond-sanded, buffed, and waxed—just like marble or terrazzo flooring—to restore their original glory.
Where can I inspect physical Cement Encaustic tile samples in Selangor? +
You can inspect physical samples and consult our technical team at the main Terracotta Tile / GNG Tiles showroom: No. 15, Jalan Pendidik U1/31, Hicom Glenmarie Industrial Estate, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Original Cement Encaustic Tiles vs. Digital Printed Imitation Tiles
| Feature / Property | Original Cement Encaustic (GNG Tiles) | Digital Printed Porcelain/Ceramic Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Production Method | Hand-Pressed Hydraulic Cement & Marble Dust | Factory Inkjet Surface Print |
| Pattern Depth | 3–4mm Deep Mineral Pigment Layer | Paper-thin Surface Ink Print |
| Thermal Properties | High Thermal Cooling (Stays Cool Underfoot) | Standard Surface Temperature |
| Refurbishment & Polish | Polishable & Buffable over decades | Cannot be polished (Scratching destroys pattern) |
| Primary Application | Heavy-Traffic Floors & Heritage Walls | General Light Floor & Wall Use |
