Tile 101 | Dhanis Red Terracotta

Original D’Hanis Red Terracotta tiles draw their name and legacy from D’Hanis, Texas, where they were produced for over 100 years. Popular throughout the 1960s, these iconic tiles are no longer manufactured but remain highly sought after for their timeless, earthy appeal.

What Is Clay Imports D'hanis Red Terracotta?

Clay Imports' D’Hanis Red Terracotta tiles are a faithful tribute to the original. Made from natural red clay, they serve as ideal replacements for the some of the discontinued originals, especially in historic Texas homes looking to maintain their authentic character.

Today, designers and architects are embracing Clay Imports’ D’Hanis Red Terracotta tiles for their ability to evoke a clean, Mid-century modern aesthetic. With minimal color variation and rich texture, these tiles are a perfect fit for those seeking warmth, tradition, and understated elegance.

The Look

Rich in deep red tones and impressively consistent, D’Hanis Red Terracotta is a go-to choice for fans of Mid-century modern design. It offers a refined alternative to traditional Saltillo tile, delivering similar warmth but with far less variation in color, texture, and size. We especially love seeing it in contemporary spaces, like the stylish Sweetgreen restaurant in Austin.

D’hanis terracotta tile adds warmth to this Sweetgreen restaurant in Austin.

D’Hanis tiles are celebrated for their consistent color and subtle semi-gloss sheen. However, as with all natural materials, including our Saltillo, Pressed, and Cotto terracotta tiles, some variation in color, texture, and finish is to be expected. These natural characteristics are not flaws, but rather part of the unique charm and authenticity of the product.

What's the Difference Between D'hanis Red Terracotta Tile and Saltillo Tile?

While both are beautiful terracotta options, D’Hanis Red Terracotta tiles offer a more refined and consistent look compared to Saltillo. They are flatter, smoother, and exhibit less variation in both color and sheen. With ridged edges and minimally tumbled corners, D’Hanis tiles are designed to reduce chipping and maintain a clean, uniform appearance.

Saltillo tiles, on the other hand, are known for their organic charm. They feature more pronounced surface texture, irregularities, and noticeable variation in color and size, hallmarks of their handmade nature.

In short:
Choose Saltillo if you’re after a rustic, earthy aesthetic full of natural character.
Go with D’Hanis Red Terracotta if you prefer a more polished, consistent tile with a Mid-century modern appeal.

What's the Difference Between D'hanis Red Terracotta Tile and Pressed Red Tile?

These two tiles are quite similar, actually!

When comparing the color, both Pressed and D’Hanis Terracotta tiles feature a more uniform color with natural variation in shade and tone, along with a subtle semi-gloss sheen. Pressed Terracotta tends to show slightly more color variation, occasionally revealing soft peach tones, typically in less than 10% of a batch, which can be easily managed by ordering extra tiles for selection. D’Hanis tiles, on the other hand, showcase a rich, deep red color with subtle, darker undertones, while Pressed tiles lean more toward a warm red-orange palette.

Pressed Red Terracotta tiles, as the name suggests, are created using a pressing technique, and generally have a smooth surface, though they may display slight textural and thickness variations and reminiscent of handmade tiles. D’Hanis tiles, also mold-formed, are more refined, with minimal surface imperfections, very slight bumps, and almost no indentations.

D’Hanis tiles are made to order and may require a lead time, while Pressed Terracotta tiles are typically in stock and ready to ship.

In short: 
Choose D’Hanis Red Terracotta for darker tones, softer edges, and a polished finish.
Choose Pressed Red Terracotta for lighter coloring, a bit more rustic character.

Can I use D'hanis Red Terracotta Tiles on a Floor?

Absolutely! D’Hanis Red Terracotta tiles are specifically designed for flooring. They're perfect for indoor applications and can also be used on covered outdoor surfaces or even vertical wall installations. For best results, be sure to check out our Installation Guide to learn how to properly install D’Hanis tiles.

Design North Arrow Studio | Photography Jeremy Doddridge

Are D'hanis Red Terracotta Tiles Easy to Maintain?

Yes, they’re fairly easy to care for! Just clean them regularly using non-acidic, conventional floor cleaners. Keep in mind, while D’Hanis Red Terracotta tiles are sealed for protection and moisture resistance, they are not glazed. Like natural wood, they may gradually change in appearance over time and will eventually need to be re-sealed to maintain their beauty and durability.

For ongoing care, we recommend using our specially tested Clay Care products. From cleaners to sealers, these maintenance essentials are designed to work seamlessly with our tiles, helping preserve their natural look and extending their life. Ordering them with your tiles ensures you have everything you need from day one.

Where Can I Use D'hanis Red Terracotta Tiles?

These tiles are ideal for interior floors and decorative walls. They are not recommended in areas that aren’t exposed to constant moisture or freezing temperatures. Their refined texture and consistency make them a stylish and versatile choice for a variety of spaces.

Why is D'hanis Red Terracotta Tile More Expensive Than Saltillo?

The higher price reflects the more refined and labor-intensive production process. Saltillo tiles tend to have a rougher, more distressed surface, more variation in size and thickness, and a glossier finish compared to the smoother, more consistent D’Hanis Terracotta tiles.

Still have questions? We’re here to help—just reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com and we’ll be happy to assist.