Design Trend Past and Present of Encaustic Tile

Encaustic cement tiles are handmade tiles that are typically used for flooring.
"Encaustic" is a term that is used for lost-wax metal enameling, and the colors
and patterns of encaustic tile have a similar style and look - leading to the use
of the name.Encaustic tiles are not fired like porcelain or ceramic tiles, and
there is no glazed surface. They are extremely durable, as they are
composed of finely ground Portland cement and sand.
The patterned pigment is typically three to four millimeters thick, and it is
pressed into the surface with hydraulics to create a durable tile. It gives the
illusion of an inlaid design, and due to the thick patterned layer, any surface
wear of the tile will not cause wear to the pattern.

History
The history of encaustic cement tile includes the tile's appearance in 1850s
Catalonia and a Paris exposition in 1867. The tiles became popular around
the beginning of the 20th century when they became a high-end flooring
choice.
The tiles were used in many public buildings and palaces including the United
States Capitol in Washington, D.C. They fell out of favor in the 1920s followed
by a regional resurgence in the 1940s - especially in California and Florida.
Article Source:
http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/149551/encaustic-tile-design-trendpast-and-present