Unglazed terracotta does, twice: once before grouting so the clay does not absorb grout, and again after. Glazed terracotta needs no sealer, only the grout does.
Is terracotta suitable for a kitchen floor?+
Yes, and it is a traditional choice for one. Seal it well, wipe oil quickly and accept that the floor will gain character over the years rather than staying factory new.
Why are the tiles different shades?+
Clay is fired in batches and often hand pressed, so shade and size vary. That variation is the look. Pull from several boxes at once while laying so the floor reads even.
Can terracotta be used outdoors?+
In warm climates, yes, sealed and on a drained base. Where it freezes, choose a frost rated porcelain with a terracotta look instead.
Terracotta Floor Tile
Fired clay floors in the warm reds, browns and cream tones terracotta is made for. The range covers natural unglazed clay and glazed pieces, mostly 6x6, 8x8 and 12x12, with hexagons and handmade shapes through the middle.
Unglazed terracotta is porous and needs sealing before and after grouting; done properly it develops a patina that most people buy it for. Glazed terracotta skips the sealing and wipes clean, at the cost of some of that aged character.
It suits kitchens, sunrooms and Mediterranean or Spanish interiors, and it takes underfloor heating well. Colour varies from piece to piece because the clay is fired in batches, so mix from several boxes as you lay.
