Laying cement tile: layout, protection and grout

By covering type · 6 min read · updated 5 November 2026 · Written by Tilelico

Cement tile is porous and its decor fills the whole surface. Success comes from laying out the pattern, then applying protection at the right moment.

Real example · calculated by Tilelico

Kitchen with an island of 3.50 × 3.00 m, 20 × 20 cm, 2 mm joint

WholeCutCut under 100 mmIsland

The plan flags only a few narrow cuts. With a decorative pattern, the room’s axis matters too: place it where the design will show best.

Calculated result

Room area: 10.50 m²
Area covered: 9.20 m²
Whole pieces: 168
Cut pieces: 84
Actual need: 252
To order (+10%): 278
Waste with no offcut reuse: 8.7 %
Narrow cuts: 6

Most frequent cuts

84 cuts in 13 different sizes.

C01 · 200 × 187 mm× 16
C02 · 200 × 185 mm× 16
C03 · 134 × 200 mm× 13
C04 · 132 × 200 mm× 13

Setting out and products

Starting point 134 mm from the west wall and 187 mm from the north wall, then a 202 × 202 mm repeat. Estimated products: 32 kg of adhesive and 2.4 kg of grout.

Reproduce it in Tilelico

1Draw a 3.50 × 3.00 m rectangle, then add in the centre: Island.
2Choose the covering: 20 × 20 cm, 2 mm joint.
3Select the “Straight” pattern.
4Set the distribution to “Balanced cuts” and the margin to 10%.

Open this example in the editor

When to choose it

It suits kitchens, entrances and rooms where the decor is the point, whether across the whole floor or as a rug.

Best forGeometric patterns, entrance floors and character renovations.
Avoid ifThe area sees many stains without regular upkeep, or the product is not made for this use.

Continue with: Laying zellige tile: irregularity, fine joints and layout →

Preparing the job

Draw the full pattern before ordering: matches are decided on the plan, not on site.

Plan the protection recommended by the manufacturer, and when it goes on relative to grout.

Continue with: Laying small-format tile: a bathroom as the example →

Step by step

Step 1 — Set the pattern’s axisAlign it with the entrance or the middle of the room, then check the edges.
Step 2 — Dry-lay the patternAssemble a large area and check each tile’s orientation.
Step 3 — Apply adhesive carefullyAvoid soiling the surface, which is often hard to clean once stained.
Step 4 — Protect before groutingApply the specified product, according to the sheet, before grout if it requires this.
Step 5 — Grout without stainingChoose a compatible grout and clean straight away, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Continue with: Straight tile laying: the complete guide, with a real example →

Mistakes to avoid

Discovering the pattern once laidA tile turned a quarter turn breaks the whole design: check before applying adhesive.
Grouting an unprotected tileOn a porous surface, grout pigment can permanently mark the decor.

These pointers describe common practice, not imposed rules. The data sheet for your covering and for your installation products always takes precedence, and measurements taken on site are the reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does it differ from cement-look tile?

True cement tile is porous and needs protection. The look-alike is often porcelain and easier to maintain.

Should the lay still be centred?

Yes: the pattern makes centring errors more visible than a plain tile. Compare several origins in the editor.

Technical references

This guide describes common installation practices. It does not replace applicable technical documents, manufacturer instructions or measurements taken on site.