WHERE MODERN DESIGN MEETS
TRADITIONAL MOROCCAN CRAFT
As exclusive partners with Popham Design in the UK
we are proud to present you their newly established
UK stock with a lead-time of only 2 weeks!
Popham’s beautiful cement tiles are made by hand in Marrakech by a team of skilled artisans.
Lovingly handmade, they are each unique with subtle variations in color and line. Perfectly-imperfect and made to stand out. A handmade product true to lending depth, movement and character to designs.
Popham Tiles are pressed in a Hydraulic press, not kiln fired like ceramic tiles, so very little energy goes into their production. The tiles are then cured and air dried and contain no lead or other harmful toxins
They are suited for commercial and residential applications – walls and floors – and perform very well partnered with radiant heat. The tiles are durable, functional, and easy to care for but require attention and love.
The Tiles
Envelope A+B Marine, Milk £127.44 Per Box 0.62M2 Per Box 7.75 sq ft / box
Backgammon Indigo, Milk £171.66 Per Box 0.87M2 Per Box 9.33 sq ft / box
Baguette Milk £129.36 Per Box 0.77 M2 Per Box 8.29 sq ft / box
Diamond Chevron Lawn/Milk/Kohl £132.66 Per Box 0.67M2 Per Box 7.21 sq ft / box
Zig Zag on Four Kohl, Milk £127.44 Per Box 0.62M2 Per Box 7.75 sq ft / box
Backgammon Kohl, Milk £171.66 Per Box 0.867M2 Per Box 9.33 sq ft / box
Hex Star Indigo, Milk £109.70 Per Box 0.62 Per M2 6.66 sq ft / box
Hex Artichoke Kohl, Milk £138 Per Box 0.7M2 Per BOx 7.53 sq ft / box
Splinter A+B Slate/Kohl/Marine/Milk £121.72 Per Box 0.49M2 Per Box
Hex Knot Dove, Milk £109.74 Per Box 0.62M2 Per Box 6.66 sq ft / box
The Minimum order is 5 boxes. That equals to 2-5 sq./m according to the shape you choose. There are on average 18 tiles per box, but it might vary accordingly to the pattern of your choice.
You can also place your bespoke order with Popham. With a wide range of patterns to choose from and a Pantone colour palette, you can choose your pattern and let your creativity take over
Recommendations and F.A.Qs
Please follow the installation instructions carefully and have a good read through this section. In addition, if your installer is stuck or unsure please just ask. We are always happy to help!
How can you make sure your tile installer makes your tiles look as beautiful as they do in all the photos?
Installing an Encaustic tile is a skill. In order to get the best result, the best way to start is by using an amazing installer. Encaustic tiles require a different skillset compared to installing ceramic tiles. If an installer says he will have a go, say NO. As handmade tiles they require a delicacy and ability.
How do I prepare the tiles?
It is essential that the surface of the tiles is level, clean and dry. The tiles have been pre-washed and pre-sealed with an initial coat of penetrating sealant.
How do I lay the Tiles?
Work in small areas of just 3-4 feet at a time so that the tiles can be cleaned properly as they are installed. Patterns look best with small grout joints (about 1-2 mm), although a grout joint of 2-4mm is recommended for tiles laid over radiant heat. Cement tiles should be installed with thin-set mortar, using a double-adhesive process, whereby the mortar is applied to a clean, level substrate as well as to the back of the tile using a notched trowel or similar.
If setting the tiles on a concrete slab on grade, provide a moisture barrier.
Otherwise, be certain the concrete substrate is fully cured to prevent white efflorescence spots from showing on the tiles after installation.
Submerge the tiles in clean water before they are laid to remove any dust from the back of the tile.
During installation, tiles should be gently pressed into place by hand; never strike the tiles with a hammer (even a rubber hammer) as this will cause cracking. Be sure to clean off any of the mortar from the face of the tiles as you work
How do I Grout the Tiles?
Tiles should be allowed to set for 24 hours before applying grout to the joints. A non-pigmented, flexible, cement-based grout is recommended. Carefully clean the surface of the tile as they are grouted to keep the grout from setting in the tiles’ porous surface.
(Even with a pre-sealed tile, it is important to clean the tiles during the various phases of the install.) If cement residue remains on the face of the tile, a Scotch-Brite pad or fine-grained sandpaper can be used to gently remove the residue.
What sort of grout should I use?
Try to use grouts with a low level of pigment. Try to avoid bright colors but if that is part of the design please follow the steps below. Our advice is always trying to use the darkest grout possible that you feel comfortable with, without going darker than the tile. Remember you want to see tiles not the grout.
I would like to use a bright grout, is that okay?
Well Yes and no. You can for sure but we would not advise it. However, if you really want to add it and it’s the look you are going for, please make sure:
To seal before and after grouting
Completely saturate and remove any excess that does not soak after a few minutes
Make sure to bleed the grout around the edges of the tile before grouting.
When using these grouts the color could leech into the tile causing what could cause a tramline affect.
Be very delicate when grouting- almost point grouting and be sure not to get any on the tiles.
Pre-clean before each sealing stage
What is the best sealer?
Once the tiles have been grouted and properly cleaned leave them to dry completely. Regardless of where the tiles are installed, a sealant is required to protect the tiles from staining. Depending on the type of sealant used, the appearance of the tile can range from matte to a satin finish. Most tile or hardware companies stock Lithofin products. There is an eco-version but we would recommend the non-eco. Apply 2-3 coats of sealant with a sponge, carefully removing any excess from the tile’s surface. Applying the sealant is not about how many times, its more about completely saturating the tiles and removing anything that does not soak in after a few minutes. Keep repeating this until it is no longer penetrating the tiles. Sealant manufacturers’ instructions should be followed by a professional installer.
Maintenance of the tiles
One of the attributes of cement tiles is that they improve with age and wear and cleaning. The tiles should be regularly washed with mild soap and water. Never use bleach or acidic products to clean the tiles.
While the tiles are naturally matte, the level of luster can be enhanced by applying coats of wax (a natural paste wax or a chemical wax).
When wax is rubbed into the tiles and polished, a lovely lustrous finish can be achieved. Depending on the floor traffic, the wax should be re-applied once every few years, or as desired.