All about Cotto tiles

Everything You Need to Know About Cotto Tiles

By Clay Imports

Cotto tiles have been a staple in Mediterranean architecture for centuries. Originating from ancient clay-working traditions, these earthy tiles are celebrated for their natural beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. Whether you're an installer, a designer or just looking for options for your next DIY project, in this article you'll discover everything you need to know about cotto tiles and why cotto tiles remain a beloved choice in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Sarah Stacey Interior Design | Photo by Avery Nicole Photography

The Rich History of Cotto Tiles

Terracotta tiles like cotto have ancient origins dating back thousands of years. As we mentioned in our article about natural terracotta, their popularity increased rapidly, especially in the Mediterranean region, where the abundant natural clay made them a practical and accessible building material.

During the Middle Ages, cotto tiles continued to be popular in Europe, particularly in Italy. In fact, their name “Cotto” is an Italian word," which literally means "cooked" or "baked." This term refers to the process of making these tiles, where natural clay is shaped and then fired in a kiln at high temperatures to harden it, transforming the raw clay into a durable, solid material.

During the 20th century, cotto tiles saw a revival, particularly in regions like Tuscany, Andalusia, and Provence because their natural, handcrafted look became highly valued in both historical restorations and new constructions aiming for a rustic or traditional aesthetic. As such, nowadays, cotto tiles are a key feature in design trends that aim to imitate this Mediterranean style, like Spanish revival.

What’s the difference? Cotto vs. Saltillo Tiles: Key Differences Explained

Even though they are made with natural materials, there are some key differences between Cotto and Saltillo tiles. The first difference is how they are made: Saltillo tiles are hand pressed into wooden molds using the weight of the tile maker and baked at relatively low temperatures. This results in thicker tiles (around ¾”) that have a pillow top look, are less dense and more porous.

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Due to size variation, Saltillo tiles are going to require a larger grout joint than cotto tiles
Design & architecture by Cult Creative | Photo by Mya McCabe

Cotto tiles are machine pressed and baked in higher temperatures. This results in a more refined product that is less thick (½ inch), higher density, flatter on the surface and with less variance in shade and color. Thus, cotto tiles are the perfect choice for those who seek the natural look of terracotta with the extra durability.

Clay Imports cotto tiles are available in three colors: Umber brown, Sienna gold and Tierra red. These shades will be quite uniform; however, variances in color shades within the tile do appear in your cotto tiles. We highly recommend ordering samples before making a final purchase to confirm and appreciate these natural variations in each tile.

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Design by Annie Downing | Photo by Lindsay Brown

Another difference between cotto and Saltillo tiles is their origin. “Saltillo tile” is a designation of origin; the product needs to be made in the Mexican city of Saltillo with the traditional process to be considered a Saltillo tile. Cotto tiles made by Clay Imports are produced in Dolores Hidalgo, just outside of San Miguel de Allende, following a more modern process.

Next, let’s talk about the finishes of terracotta tiles. While Saltillo tiles at Clay Imports are pre-sealed due to the high porosity of Saltillo tiles, Cotto tiles are so compressed and dense that their natural unsealed surface does not need to be sealed, however at Clay Imports we recommend a finishing top coat of sealant for extra protection.

Satin Sealed Terracotta (left) vs. Cotto Tierra (right)

Finally, cotto tiles need a mild maintenance routine. Because of the heavier texture and density, cotto tiles tend to trap more dirt and require more maintenance to keep clean. Applying a coat of penetrating finish seal after installation can help to keep your cotto tiles in the best shape possible.

We recommend taking a look at our Clay Care products. These maintenance items have been carefully tested with our products, and they are designed to preserve your tiles' beauty, ensuring their longevity and durability.

Cotto Tiles: The Perfect Outdoor Flooring Solution

Cotto tiles have a significantly rougher surface than most terracotta tiles, making them ideal for indoor or outdoor uses. For indoor tiling, we recommend them for flooring and walls,both domestic and commercial; mudrooms, kitchen islands, entryways, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, bathroom floors and decorative walls.

Compared to Saltillo, cotto tile is the least likely to patina, or fade over time, even while installed in outdoor spaces. For outdoor applications, cotto tiles are suitable as flooring such as patio floors, outdoor kitchens or driveways, all under a covered area and not directly exposed to freezing conditions.

Modern interior design with terracotta tiles

Design by Kartwheel Studio | Photo by Andrea Calo

Cotto tiles are less slippery when wet, so they are also recommended in wet areas such as shower floors and other wet areas, but keep in mind that additional sealing is recommended while used in these installations. Please, refer to our easy to follow installation guide for cotto tiles for further assistance.

Design for Oak and Stone Residential

Order your cotto tiles here!

For its warm leather look, paired with its moderate maintenance and strength, cotto tiles offer a beautiful and durable surface for a wide range of design options. From traditional hacienda to desert modernism, cotto tiles are the perfect combination of a durable, modern tile made with natural materials that enhance the natural feeling of your space. If you want to know more about the different types of clay tiles, take a look at our article on how to find the best terracotta tile for you. And remember, if you have any questions or require more information, reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com.