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Tiling

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Products and Materials

Modern Tiles Keep Morocco’s Artisanal Culture Alive

These encaustic cement tiles blend modern design with motifs borrowed from ancient art and architecture.

By Rob Wotzak

Popham Design got its start nearly ten years ago when founders Caitlin and Samuel Dowe-Sandes set off on a sabbatical to Morocco where they became enamored by the country’s lively craft culture. They set up a shop, assembled a team of skilled tile makers, and never looked back.

Handmade in an eco-conscious factory just out of Marrakech, Popham Design’s encaustic cement tiles blend modern design with motifs borrowed from ancient Moroccan art and architecture, and with shapes and colors inspired by nature. Because the pigmented face layer of each tile is several millimeters thick, the rich, colorful patterns should hold up as long as the centuries old tiles they are modeled after.

  • Made with locally sourced materials and reclaimed water
  • Similar to porous stone tiles, encaustic tiles should be sealed before and after installation
  • Most tile collections are special order through AnnSacks.com
  • Prices start at $25/sq.ft.

pophamdesign.com

motifs borrowed from ancient Moroccan art and architecture

motifs borrowed from ancient Moroccan art and architecture shed light on a custom bathroom

encaustic cement tiles

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Selecting Tile
  • The Basics
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Tools & Techniques
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Installation Materials
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Preparation
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  • Installing Backerboard
Tiling Floors
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Tiling Walls & Backsplashes
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Tiling Showers
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  • Video Series: Tile a Shower
  • Video Series: Tile a Barrier-Free Bathroom
Grouting, Sealing & Caulking
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Maintenance & Repair
  • Maintenance
  • Tile Repair
  • Grout Repair

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