A Circle C Ranch homeowner wanted to make a statement at the entry and add durability to the laundry room — without touching the existing hardwood throughout the rest of the home. The solution: a stunning gray and white ornate encaustic cement-look tile that creates a dramatic first impression.
Before & After
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The Challenge
The home had beautiful hardwood throughout the main level, but the entry and laundry room had original builder-grade tile that was chipped, stained, and visually disconnected from the rest of the home. The homeowner wanted a tile that would make a statement at the entry — something guests would notice immediately — while also being practical enough for the laundry room. The transition from the new tile to the existing hardwood needed to be handled carefully to avoid height mismatches.
Our Solution
We sourced a 12x12 gray and white ornate encaustic cement-look porcelain tile that delivers the visual impact of traditional cement tile with the durability and low maintenance of modern porcelain. The pattern is complex enough to be a focal point but neutral enough to complement the existing hardwood and the home's warm color palette. We used a Schluter RENO-T transition strip at the hardwood boundary and installed the tile in a straight-set pattern to let the ornate design speak for itself.
Scope of Work
- Demo and haul-off of existing entry and laundry tile
- Subfloor inspection and leveling
- Waterproofing membrane in laundry room
- Straight-set installation of 12x12 encaustic cement-look porcelain tile
- Schluter RENO-T transition strip at hardwood boundary
- Grout installation in warm gray tone to complement tile pattern
- Grout sealing throughout
- Baseboard shoe molding and quarter-round at all walls
Project Photos
The Results
The entry transformation was immediate and dramatic. Every visitor comments on the tile — it creates a strong first impression that sets the tone for the entire home. The laundry room is now practical and beautiful, with a floor that handles water, detergent spills, and heavy appliance traffic without any concern. The transition to the existing hardwood is seamless. The homeowner reported that the project exceeded their expectations and that the tile looks even better in person than in the samples.
"I was nervous about choosing such a bold tile — the pattern is very detailed and I wasn't sure it would work with our existing hardwood. Capital City brought the actual tile to our home and laid it next to the hardwood before we committed. Seeing it in our real lighting made all the difference. The result is stunning. Our entry is now the best part of the house."
