Want the look of concrete tiles on your floor or backsplash without the installation and maintenance headaches? These porcelain and ceramic patterned tiles will give you the concrete tile alternatives you’re looking for, typically for a fraction of the cost!
Ah, the sweet sounds of tiles smashing and shattering in my bathroom. It’s music to my ears.
I always love Demo Day, but today is special because I’m not doing the hard work of demolition. Since we’re “weekend warriors” our larger DIY projects like this one generally take weeks to complete. But with friends coming in a couple of weeks to visit, we need all our bathrooms in working order.
So we decided to hire a contractor to makeover our master bathroom. I feel a little bit like I’m playing hooky, sitting at my computer listening to the guys break stuff. It’s glorious.
(Check out our ugly “before” pictures and the plans for the master bathroom, as well as get your free downloadable remodeling budget worksheet, if you’re planning your own remodeling project.)
So why am I sitting at my computer when all the fun stuff is happening just down the hall? Because I’ve been researching concrete tile for our backsplash and floor, and I’ve learned some things I want to share with you.
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Concrete Tile is Beautiful, but Maybe Not Practical For Me
I’m currently obsessed with patterned concrete tile, both for walls and floors. I love its natural, hand worked look, and the endless varieties of patterns, styles, and colors.
I recently did a fireplace makeover to make the surrounding tiles look like concrete tile, and I loved how it turned out. But when designing my bathroom, I knew I wanted the real thing.
Then I found out how expensive real handmade concrete tile is, and knew I had to make some adjustments. I also learned that concrete tile carries some risks and disadvantages that I didn’t want to deal with.
If you’re interested in the details, here’s a great article on the DIY Network about the Pros and Cons of concrete tile. They say it much better than I could!
How to Get the Look for Less
Fortunately, the alternatives to real concrete tile have become so popular and diverse that it was no problem to find a different option. And today I’m sharing my favorite concrete look tiles that I’ve found in my search for the perfect patterned tile for my bathroom remodel.
By the way, you might see this type of tile referred to as “cement” tiles as well. I use concrete because that’s how I think of them, but they’re both basically the same concept.
Tile Pricing Tip:
Keep in mind when you’re looking at pricing on tiles that they may be listed as “per square foot” or “per piece” or “per carton”. Obviously, this could make a huge difference in your overall price.
My Favorite Concrete Tile Alternatives
I hope you enjoy these selections, or they give you inspiration to go off and find your own options. (There are plenty to choose from out there!)
Check out #4 for my own personal favorite…
Gorgeous Concrete Tile Alternatives
Love the look of concrete tile, but not ready to commit to the price or installation hassles? Check out these beautiful and affordable options. Ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tile can give you the look for less, with even better durability and usability!
Paloma 8 in. Glazed Porcelain Tile
I love this muted black and white hand-painted concrete look at a fraction of the price.
Orleans Spanish Pattern 18 in. Ceramic Tile
This blend of Spanish and French Mediterranean styles looks modern and traditional all at once. With light bluish gray on a creamy background, these tiles would add a beautifully subtle color to a kitchen backsplash.
Merola Twenties Petal 7 3/4 in. Ceramic Tile
This is a fun, bold pattern that would be eye-catching in a modern or Art Deco style bathroom. I love how the pattern either looks like x's or frames, depending on how you look at it once it's pieced together.
Valencia 16 in. Ceramic Tile
This is actually the same tile I'm using. It's a very light gray (almost white) background with light gray and dark slate colored accents. In some lights it looks black, gray and white, but to me that dark accent looks like a moody dark bluish gray.
Kings Star Nero Encaustic 18" Ceramic Tile
These beautiful old world tiles look perfectly time-worn for a rustic style. They come in four different color ways: an off white background with either black (shown), green, blue or red.
Bijou Bleu 8 in. Porcelain Tile
I love the soft blue and slightly worn looking gray of this tile, as well as the linear pattern.
Turkish Iznik Carnation & Floral 8 in. Ceramic Tile
This one's a bit of a departure from the traditional concrete tile look, but the royal blue and exuberant pattern caught my eye and made me start thinking about how fun it would be to use this in a small space.
Azila 8 in. Porcelain Field Tile
This one has a bold geometric pattern, while keeping the color palette simple white, gray and black. It's very sophisticated with a touch of whimsy.
Loire 8 in. Multicolor Ceramic Tile
This bright tile gets a special mention for it's multi-colored palette. It has a very handmade look to it, and could go with just about any style and color of room decor.
Antico Peel & Stick Floor Tiles
Thinking out of the box, this tile is a whole different type of concrete tile alternative. It's not a ceramic tile, but a peel & stick product, so you can have a whole new floor or backsplash without even demo-ing or retiling your room!