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.
Terracotta tiles have been used all over the world for centuries. They are perfect for outdoor flooring use in warm climates and indoor use everywhere else. They are economical and practical. They are easy to install and maintain.
Outdoor flooring applications such as pool decks and walkway coverings in warm climates (non-freeze) is the most common application in countries like Spain and Italy. These countries have regions that are rich in red clay. In Southern Spain, the Valencia region is a prime example as well as the Tuscany region in Italy. Terracotta tiles, pots, and other building materials have been produced in these areas for centuries. Small artisan kilns and factories produced the best flooring and pottery.
Typical terracotta tiles produced in these areas come 2cm thick and in a variety of shapes. These tiles include squares, rectangular, octagon tiles, and star and cross tile.
Indoor applications are not limited to certain climates and pretty much you can use them anywhere it is covered ( provided that it is not exposed to permanent water.) You can cover your sunroom, indoor courtyard tile applications, and any rustic or traditional design residential tile applications.
