Terracotta Tiles

The word terracotta can be translated as baked earth. In the simplest terms, clay and water are combined, formed into the desired shape or object, then fired in a kiln or sun-dried outside. Terracotta or terra cotta tile is a red-brown building material that can be used outdoor and indoors.

Terracotta is never out of style because it is designed neutral. Terracotta tile is versatile, rich, and naturally beautiful. It can be nicely paired with floral color schemes, metals, various species of wood, and just about anything else.

No. They have a Mohs scale of mineral hardness value of 5. This means that it would take a determined person with a sharp, strong knife to scratch them.

Terracotta tiles have a low water absorption. This makes them highly water and stain resistant in typical residential and commercial settings.

Yes. However, shower floors require a tile that can slope to a drain. So, a little bit smaller tile size is better when using terracotta in a shower. Also, a smaller size will add to slip resistance since the foot will rest on cementitious grout in addition to the tile,

This is a timeless organic material that has been used for thousands of years. It is very easy to renovate a space by swapping out elements such as furniture, lighting, paint, and fabrics while leaving the terracotta floor in place.

No. Terracotta is used as an exterior facade material all over the world. These applications require both UV light and frost resistance.

Terracotta tiles have a high lifetime value given their projected in-place longevity, which makes them a good value for the cost. They are not “cheap” in terms of the inexpensive commodity products found in big-box stores. However, they are also not “cheap” if you are using the word to mean tacky or short-lived. Also, this needs to be emphasized that Stone Tile Depot offers the best value and competitive pricing on terracotta tiles.

No. Unglazed terracotta tiles, which have been properly finished at the point of installation, will have a sufficient coefficient of friction for typical flooring applications. As with most flooring, standing water or liquids should be cleaned up promptly.

Yes. There are examples of terracotta floors that have been in place for hundreds of years. Today, proper installation should ensure long product life. What is the difference between terracotta and ceramic?

Both product categories start as clay and are then fired. The clay used to make terracotta contains more impurities and is fired at a lower temperature than the clay used to produce ceramic. The clay impurities result in the reddish-brown color values associated with terracotta. Consumers and professionals alike think of terracotta as an unglazed reddish-brown tile. Ceramic tiles are usually thought of as having a glaze of some color that was fired over a red or white tile body.

Most of our terracotta tiles will range in price from approximately $6.00 to $12.00 per square foot for field tile. Field tiles are the bulk of the tiles used in a flooring area. Please browse Stone Tile Depot for more concise pricing.

To clean terracotta tiles, we recommend using a mild, Ph-neutral cleaner and warm water. Gently mop the surface of the tile to get rid of dirt or other stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners, since they can damage the surface of the tile.

You can paint non-glazed terracotta tile floors, but it’s important to get the right supplies. We recommend using an acrylic masonry primer and latex paint to paint the surface of the terracotta tile flooring.

If your terracotta tile hasn’t been sealed, then you can stain them. To stain terracotta tiles, you can use wood stainer or a color-enhancing sealer. Always be sure to test the stainer on the corner of a tile first before your cover its entire surface.

Terracotta tiles can range anywhere from $2 – $20 per square foot. The price of terracotta tile depends on its design, texture, and whether it has been sealed. Handmade terracotta tile will always be more expensive.

If your terracotta tile is unsealed, we recommend sealing them to safeguard against moisture damage and staining. A sealed terracotta tile will always last longer and be more durable. To seal the terracotta, we recommend using a water-based or acrylic sealer. The more traditional method of using boiled linseed oil is another good alternative. Ensure the tiles are clean before applying the sealant and wait for each coat of the sealant to dry before applying the next one.

Most terracotta tile is not expensive compared to other tile options like ceramic or porcelain. This natural clay-based tile is an affordable and long-lasting investment for many homeowners.

If your terracotta tile is an earthy-brown shade, we recommend choosing a paint color that is slightly warm to match. Ecru or cream-colored white are a great match for terracotta tiles, since they have warm undertones.