Behind the scenes

Step 1

Mixing colors

First, we mix the white cement and marble powder with pigments, durable and high-quality iron oxides. The pigments are precisely weighed, ground, and sieved. This will become the colored top layer of our cement tiles, whether they are plain tiles or patterned cement tiles.

Step 2

Mixing cement & sand

We then mix the grey cement with medium fine sifted Balinese volcanic sand in the cement mixer. The last step is to also add some water to the mix. All the materials we use are locally sourced and are from within the area where our workshop is located.

Step 3

Making the tile

One cement tile consists of 3 layers: the top layer or colored layer, the middle layer, which is made of dry (colored) cement and which is used to fix the first layer and bind the third layer, and lastly the third and thickest layer, which is made from a mixture of Vulcanic sand and grey cement mixed with water.

Step 4

Tile pressing

Cement tile pressing: Each and every cement tile is separately pressed hydraulically by renovated and adapted old tile presses, to bind the 3 different layers together and to increase density, provide strength and durability.

Step 5

Soaking in the water

The tiles are left to pre-dry for a night to ensure that they are no longer vulnerable, but are instead strong enough to move to the next stage. The tiles are then checked for inconsistencies and cleaned. Now the tiles are ready to be carefully placed in water to cure for 4 days (no kiln needed).

Step 6

Drying

After the four days are up, the tiles are taken out of the water and cleaned and inspected once more. Now they are ready for the last step in the process: drying, placed side by side in racks in our workshop. They need between 12-21 days to dry completely, depending on the weather (humidity).

Step 7

Quality control

After this comes the third and final quality control for our handmade cement tiles; here we check for color nuances, patterns, cracks or chips, thickness and general cleanliness. Only if it passes this last check, does the tile deserve to be called a Sadus Tile and is ready to be packed.

Step 8

Packaging & Shipping

Packing is an important last step, as our tiles need to be packed in a sturdy and dry box and without too much space, otherwise there is a good chance that damage may occur. The tiles must also be placed in a standing position to avoid breakage.