Floor Tile Matters: The Beauty Of Terracotta Tiles

There’s something inherently comforting and charming about terracotta tiles. Maybe it’s their earthy tones that whisper stories of ancient times, or their rustic warmth that turns any space into a cozy haven. Terracotta – Italian for ‘baked earth’ – has been a favorite in homes for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why. In this post we’re exploring why these versatile tiles are popular, how they’re crafted and how they can add a touch of timeless elegance to the floors in your home. 

The Appeal Of Terracotta Tiles 

The word terracotta literally translates to mean ‘baked earth’. These tiles are known for their natural earthen hues, dusky colors and unique texture and the tiles have a rich history and timeless appeal. Each tile carries its own story, with subtle variations in hue and pattern – something that mass-produced tiles can’t emulate. We like to think of them as not just being tiles, but pieces of art in their own right!

Did you know that although terracotta floor tiles are primarily known for their natural earthy tones, they are actually available in a range of colours? The color variations are typically subtle and depend on the clay used to make the clay tile and the firing process. Each of the colours can add a unique character and appeal to your home decor.

For example, you can find terracotta tiles in colours such as:

Reddish-Brown: The wide range of reddish hues is the most classic colour associated with terracotta tiles. Tiles in this colour can be a warm, rich hue that ranges from deep, dark reds to lighter, more orange-brown shades and dark brown. 

Peach and Pink Tones: Some terracotta tiles come in softer peach or pinkish hues, offering a more delicate and subtle aesthetic.

Yellow and Golden Shades: These colors give a sunnier, more vibrant look to the tiles, brightening up spaces with their cheerful tones.

Brown and Beige: For a more muted and understated look, terracotta tiles in various shades of brown and beige are available. These can range from light sandy colors to darker, chocolatey tones.

Grayish Hues: Some terracotta tiles can have a gray cast, offering a more contemporary and modern look while still maintaining the rustic charm.

Terracotta with Glazed Finishes: While not traditional, some terracotta tiles are glazed in various colours, offering a wide range of options from blues to greens and even more vibrant colours.

Why Choose Terracotta Tiles For Your Floors?

Terracotta tiles are aesthetically pleasing. Unlike other tiles, they exude a warm, earthy vibe that’s both classic and versatile and can complement various styles, from traditional to modern minimalism. They’re available in a variety of different shapes and sizes, from large floor tiles to smaller size tiles, with some handmade terracotta tiles boasting irregular edges and natural variations of colour that people love. 

Made from natural clay, terracotta tiles are an eco-conscious choice. They’re sustainable and can be recycled, aligning perfectly with our growing focus on green living.

They’re a good choice of tile for all sorts of flooring needs, as terracotta floor tiles are tough! They can withstand heavy foot traffic and last for decades. Plus, their color doesn’t fade away easily, which means they age gracefully over time.

Another reason why terracotta tile flooring is a popular choice is that these handmade tiles have thermal properties too. Terracotta naturally helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your space cool in summers and warm in winters – clever, huh? 

How Are Terracotta Tiles Made?

Terracotta tiles are crafted using a time-honored process that combines natural materials and traditional techniques. The artisan creation process begins with the extraction of raw clay, usually from open-pit quarries. This clay, which is the primary material for terracotta tiles, is then cleaned and purified to remove impurities like rocks, vegetation, and other debris.

The cleaned clay is mixed with water to create a malleable consistency. Sometimes, other natural materials, like sand or grog (fired clay ground into small particles), are added to the mix to enhance the properties of the tiles, such as strength and durability.

The prepared clay mixture is then shaped into tiles. This can be done manually by skilled artisans who use molds to ensure uniformity in size and shape, or it can be done using machines in a more industrial setting. For handmade tiles, clay is pressed into wooden or metal frames/molds and then smoothed by hand. In machine processes, clay is extruded through a die to create long ribbons, which are then cut into individual tiles.

After shaping, the tiles are left to dry. This is a crucial step as it removes moisture before firing. The drying is often done slowly and naturally, but in some cases, mechanical dryers are used to speed up the process.

Once dried, the tiles are loaded into kilns for firing. The firing process hardens the clay and brings out the natural colors of the material. The temperature and duration of the firing can vary, but it typically ranges from around 950°C to 1050°C (1742°F to 1922°F). The kiln’s atmosphere (oxidizing or reducing) and the clay composition also influence the final color and texture of the tiles.

While traditional terracotta tiles are unglazed, some modern variations include a glazing step where a liquid glass layer is applied to the surface for extra durability and aesthetic variety. Glazed terracotta tiles can come in a wide range of colors and finishes.

Once fired, the tiles are slowly cooled to prevent cracking. They are then inspected for quality. Tiles that meet the desired standards are packed and shipped, while those with imperfections are often recycled. In some cases, additional finishing touches might be applied, such as hand-painting or antiquing, to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

In addition to freshly made terracotta tiles, some tiles are made from reclaimed, recycled and salvaged tiles from old rooftops and buildings. These add an extra level to the sustainability and eco-friendly credentials of terracotta.

How To Use Terracotta Floor Tiles

Terracotta floor tiles are versatile and can be used in various rooms of a home, each adding its unique charm and warmth. Terracotta flooring can infuse warmth into living rooms, kitchens, or hallways. Pair it with neutral walls and decor for a Mediterranean feel. Here are some ideas for areas of your home where terracotta tiles can be effectively used. 

Kitchen

Terracotta tiles are perfect for kitchen floors due to their rustic, natural look. This aesthetic is versatile and can complement various kitchen styles, from traditional country to modern Mediterranean. They add warmth to the space and a terracotta kitchen floor is durable enough to withstand the high traffic and spills common in kitchens. Terracotta tiles blend well with various decor elements, from wooden cabinets to metal fixtures, allowing for versatile kitchen design options.

Dining Room

Terracotta tiles in the dining room create a warm, welcoming ambiance for family meals and gatherings. The natural material is a good eco-friendly flooring choice and the natural variation in colour of the tiles helps create a characterful floor. Terracotta tiles can help in dampening sound, which is beneficial in a dining room setting where noise levels can rise during gatherings.

Living Room

For a cozy and inviting living area, terracotta tiles are an excellent choice. Their earthy tones can complement a range of decor styles, from traditional to modern.  Besides their visual appeal, terracotta tiles are known for their durability and longevity, making them ideal for the high-traffic area of a living room. 

Bathroom

Terracotta tiles can be used in a bathroom for shower floors to create a unique, spa-like feel. Do bear in mind that they need to be properly sealed first to prevent water absorption and damage.

Sunrooms or Conservatories

Terracotta tiles are great for sunrooms or conservatories, where their natural look harmonizes with outdoor elements and sunlight.

Hallways and Entryways

Terracotta floor tiles work well in hallways and entryways. As well as providing an appealing look, these areas benefit from the durability of terracotta tiles, as they can handle the heavy foot traffic and dirt brought in from outside.

Cellars

The old-world charm of terracotta tiles can be a great choice of flooring for a cellar or basement. Whether you’re using the space as a wine cellar, storage zone or are thinking of converting it into a usable room, water resistant terracotta tiles work well on the floor.

Utility Rooms

The hardwearing nature of terracotta tiles makes them ideal for use in a utility room or boot room.

Caring for Natural Terracotta Tiles

Maintaining terracotta tiles is relatively easy. Here are some of our top tips to help you maintain your terracotta floor tiles. 

Sealing Terracotta Tiles

Before using your new terracotta tiles, it’s crucial to seal the tiles to protect them from stains and damage. A good-quality sealant should be applied, which can be either a matte finish to maintain the natural look or a gloss finish for a shiny appearance. Sealing not only protects the surface but also makes cleaning easier.

Depending on foot traffic and wear, reseal the terracotta tiles periodically. This could be every few years, but it’s best to follow the sealant manufacturer’s recommendations or monitor the tiles’ condition to determine when resealing is necessary.

Cleaning Terracotta Tiles

Regularly sweep or vacuum the tiles to remove dirt and grit, which can scratch the surface. Use a dry dust mop or a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. 

You can use water to mop them too if you wish. When mopping, use warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for natural stone or terracotta. Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners as they can damage the sealant or the tile. Always wring out the mop well to use as little water as possible, as excessive moisture can seep into the tiles and cause damage.

If spills occur, clean them immediately to prevent staining. Terracotta is porous, and liquids can seep in quickly, especially if the sealant has worn off.

Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or steel wool on terracotta tiles, as these can scratch or erode the surface. For deep cleaning or restoration work, consider hiring professionals, especially if the tiles are antique terracotta, significantly aged or have intricate patterns.

Tile Maintenance

If a tile cracks or chips, it’s important to repair or replace it promptly to prevent further damage.

If the tiles are in an area with direct sun exposure, be aware that prolonged exposure can cause fading over time. Using window treatments or UV-protective sealants can help mitigate this.

Other Ways To Incorporate Terracotta Tiles In Your Home and Garden Decor

In addition to their use as floor tiles, terra cotta tiles can be incorporated into your home in a number of other ways.

Kitchen Backsplashes – Terracotta tiles can be used as kitchen tiles for walls or to create kitchen backsplashes. 

Accent Walls – Create a striking accent wall in your home using a lovely mix of terracotta tiles. They’ll provide an instant feeling of warmth and serve as a focal point. 

Outdoor Spaces – Terracotta tiles are ideal for outdoor use and can be incorporated into walls or floors around patios or outdoor dining spaces. They help add a Mediterranean vibe.

Wall Tiles – Terracotta tiles can be used for interior walls throughout your home, adding to the texture and colour of a room. 

Fireplaces – Terracotta tiles can be used to create an attractive surround around a fireplace. Choose different shaped tiles to draw the eye to the fireplace.

Roof Tiles – If you wish, this versatile tile choice can be used for the roof of your home too. 

Conclusion

Terracotta tiles aren’t just a design element; they’re a statement. Whether you’re renovating or just refreshing your decor, these tiles offer a combination of beauty, durability, and sustainability. They bring warmth and character to any space, proving that sometimes, the oldest materials can be the most stylish.

So, are you ready to bring the timeless beauty of terracotta into your home? Remember, it’s not just about following a trend; it’s about creating a space that feels uniquely yours. Happy decorating!

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