Different Types of Terracotta Tiles: Overview, Uses, and Care
Is Terracotta Tile Right for Your Home?
The Spruce/ Christopher Lee Foto
Reviewed by Johnathan BrewerFact checked by Emily Estep
When deciding on getting terracotta—one of the oldest forms of ceramic tiles—the many types of terracotta tiles can seem overwhelming. Terracotta, or "baked earth" in Italian, is made from a porous, easily shaped clay with a high iron content that gives the tiles their characteristic reddish-brown color.
Terracotta is fired at a relatively low temperature (around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit), and its surface remains quite porous unless it is glazed. Terracotta tile is readily available and less expensive than many other ceramic forms. Its popularity stems mainly from its attractive natural colors, which are the epitome of earth tones.
If you're considering flooring, here's a guide to discerning the difference between the many types of terracotta tiles.
Types of Terracotta Tiles
Low-Density and High-Density Tiles
Terracotta tiles are sometimes categorized as high-density or low-density materials, though manufacturers often tout the "high density" label. They are also characterized by their thickness. High-density tiles are thicker; meanwhile, the low-density types are thinner. High-density terracotta will be more resistant to cracking and is a better choice for heavy-use areas.
Low-density terracotta is a bargain material that may not hold well under heavy use. Low-density terracotta is also more porous, so it is not a good choice for wet areas or areas prone to stains, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Color Variations
Terracotta tile is a natural material with color variations determined by the location where the clay is obtained. Typically, terracotta tiles range from yellow to dark brown, with a wide range of reddish hues between the extremes.
Saltillo terracotta is a prevalent form made from clay found in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Saltillo tiles have a unique and identifiable blend of yellow and reddish tones. Other color varieties include antique Saltillo, manganese, and Spanish mission red.
Natural, Burnished, or Sealed Tiles
In their natural state, terracotta tiles are a lovely mix of red and earthen hues, which wash in swooping clouds of color, creating unique yet subdued images across the surface of every tile fired. But this attribute makes terracotta very porous in its natural, unglazed state. That means that water and liquids can seep easily into its core, causing mold or stains. For this reason, natural terracotta is usually periodically treated with a sealant to protect it against those hazards.
Another process, known as surface burnishing, can also reduce the absorbency of natural terracotta. Burnishing is done during manufacturing and consists of rubbing or polishing the surface with fine abrasives to create a denser, smoother finish.
Glazed vs. Unglazed
As with any ceramic tile, terracotta can be glazed—a process by which a glass-like surface finish is bonded to the clay tile during a second firing process. It's easy to tell glazed terracotta from its unglazed counterpart since it has a glossy finish.
Glazing is how standard ceramic tiles obtain their color through dyes blended with the glazing material. The process creates a waterproof surface to the tile, making it impervious to stains.
When glazing is applied to terracotta, it covers the muted beauty of the earthen colors of the tile. Consider buying hand-glazed or hand-painted terracotta tiles to balance appearance and function. Hand-glazed or hand-painted terracotta helps impart some of the tile's natural beauty while improving its stain and water resistance.
Warning
If you purchase glazed terracotta tiles, make sure the glazed tiles are non-slip, particularly in areas such as a kitchen or bathroom where water tends to accumulate. Glazed terracotta tiles can be especially slippery, so make sure no one slips while walking over your new floor tiles.
Machine-Cut vs. Handmade Terracotta Tiles
You can choose between machine-cut or handmade products when buying terracotta floor tiles. Machine-cut tiles can be identified by their uniform size and shape, which produces a more consistent look in the final installation. Handmade terracotta is identifiable by its imprecise cuts and slight irregularities.
Machine-cut tiles are produced by a factor-based process that fires, cuts, and offloads terracotta tiles into precise, computer-guided geometric forms. These tiles retain the natural beauty of the iron-laced clay colors, but they are more consistent in shape and dimension, making it easier to install them. This also produces a more consistent look in the final installation.
Handmade terracotta is an art form indigenous to several regions, including Mexico and much of southern Europe. This process is an imprecise method that produces pieces with slight irregularities that enhance the earthen appeal of the material. The drawback to handmade terracotta tile flooring is that it can be quite expensive since handcraftsmanship takes far longer than machine production. The results can also be a little erratic, and size discrepancies of the tiles can sometimes make installation difficult.
Uses for Terracotta Tile Flooring
Terracotta has a rustic, old-world charm when used as a flooring material. The atmosphere is both rugged and subdued. It is also a good material when certain regional home styles are desired—terracotta perfectly matches Mexican, Mediterranean, or Southwest decors.
This material is an excellent choice for any rustic or natural settings and log cabin style decors. It is popular in living rooms and enclosed porches. Warmer than stone or glazed ceramic, terracotta is also perfect for a hearth-and-home or earth-tone decor.?
Terracotta tiles can be used in some limited outdoor applications, but only in climates that do not get regular freezing temperatures. Water absorbed into the terracotta can freeze and crack the tiles in colder climates.
Terracotta Tile Maintenance and Care
Sealants are used to protect terracotta flooring, and there are several types to choose from—a topical polymer with a satin or glossy finish seal or an impregnating seal. An impregnating solvent soaks into the porous floor, leaving a matte finish. Sealants are easy to apply with a roller or brush, usually needing about 72 hours to cure.
Terracotta tile flooring should be cleaned at least weekly by vacuuming, then damp-mopping the floor with mild soap and water. Stains can be removed with a mixture of oxalic acid and water. Never use acidic cleaners, such as ammonia or vinegar, as these can damage or discolor the tiles. Avoid using wire brushes when hand cleaning the flooring.
Pros and Cons of Terracotta Tile Flooring
The lifespan of terracotta tiles averages about 75 years if maintained properly, depending on the quality. The floor tiles need to be treated with penetrating sealants, and the joints between the tiles should be filled with cement grout. Never use epoxy grout since it can damage the tile surface.
Pros
Durable and resistant to cracking: Terracotta tiles can last a lifetime, resist scratches, and can be impervious to cracks.
Easy to clean and maintain: It is easy to clean and maintain but still requires an extra step—periodic sealing.
Can be used indoors or outdoors: Terracotta is naturally resistant to mold and bacteria and is UV-resistant, so it will not fade in the sun.
Eco-friendly: Made of natural clay materials, terracotta's environmental impact is lower than most other flooring types and is not treated with harmful chemicals or synthetic materials.
Cons
Porous if unglazed: A disadvantage of terracotta tile is if it is unglazed, it absorbs water. When water penetrates its pores, algae can permeate and grow, causing damage. Liquids like oils, citric acid, and vinegar can stain unprotected tiles permanently.
Hard to repair individual tiles if cracked: Though cracks are rare, it can be difficult to repair cracks in the tile. Replacing tiles is another option, but replacement tiles might not match up since the adjacent tiles will have aged and weathered over time.
Requires maintenance: Terracotta tiles need resealing periodically to prevent tiles from getting dirty and stained and to help the tiles last longer. Tiles also need routine cleaning with a gentle floor cleaner. Clean up any spills immediately with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth for easy ongoing maintenance.
