Everything You Need to Know About Mexican Saltillo Tile

Saltillo tile is a unique, handmade clay tile from northern Mexico that has seen a resurgence due to its old world look and feel. Clay Imports has created some of the most unique Saltillo tiles in the world, and with this guide, you’ll learn whether including this tile for your residential or commercial project is a good fit.

• How Is Saltillo Tile Made?
• Where Can I Install Saltillo Tile?
• What Are the Pros And Cons of Using Mexican Saltillo Tile?
• How Do I Install Saltillo Tile?
• How Do I Seal Saltillo Tile?
• How Do I Clean And Maintain Saltillo Tile?
• Why Is Clay Imports' Saltillo Tile So Unique?

How Is Saltillo Tile Made?

Saltillo tile comes from Saltillo, the capital city of Coahuila in northern Mexico. Just like Champagne must come from France’s Champagne region to earn its name, authentic Saltillo tile can only come from the Saltillo region of Mexico.

Saltillo tiles are crafted from naturally occurring red clay, also known as terracotta. While you’ll often hear the terms Saltillo, terracotta, and Mexican tile used together, it’s important to know: all Saltillo tiles are made of terracotta, but not all terracotta tiles are true Saltillo tiles!

Each Saltillo tile is handmade. Artisans hand-pack the clay into wooden molds, sun-dry each tile, and then fire them in wood-burning kilns for 24 hours. The result? A 100% handmade, one-of-a-kind tile with natural variations in color, texture, and sheen.

Pro Tip: These variations are part of the tile's natural beauty—not defects! We highly recommend ordering samples first to appreciate these unique characteristics.

Where Can I Install Saltillo Tile?

Saltillo tiles work beautifully indoors and outdoors, bringing warmth and old-world appeal to any space. Some of our favorite uses include:

• Residential: Bathroom floors, kitchen backsplashes, kitchen islands, and decorative walls
• Commercial: Restaurant floors, bar surfaces, and retail shop interiors
• Outdoor: Covered patios (as long as they aren't exposed to freezing temperatures)

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Mexican Saltillo Tile?

Here are some of the factors to consider when deciding whether to use Saltillo tile:

Pros of Saltillo Tile:

• Eco-Friendly: Made only from natural clay and water, Saltillo tile is 100% organic and biodegradable.
• Unique Character: Every tile is a little different. Some even feature tiny animal paw prints—a charming surprise from our tile factories!
• Conceals Dirt Well: Thanks to their rustic texture and warm tones, Saltillo tiles naturally hide dirt and dust.
• Cost-Effective: Saltillo tile is an affordable alternative compared to many modern tile options.

Cons of Saltillo Tile:

• Unevenness: Since each tile is handmade, slight size and thickness variations are normal. Expect a more rustic, less uniform floor compared to machine-made tiles.
• Challenging Installation: Installation requires skill and experience due to the tiles’ thickness and individuality. Hiring a pro familiar with Saltillo is a smart move!

How Do I Install Saltillo Tile?

Installing Saltillo tile is similar to installing other clay tiles, but with a few key differences:

• Use slightly larger grout joints—up to ¾ inch—to accommodate size variations.
• Standard grout joints for tile are ¼ to ½ inch, but Saltillo’s natural irregularities call for more space.

For best results, work with an experienced installer who understands Saltillo’s unique charm.

How Do I Seal Saltillo Tile?

First, check whether your Saltillo tiles from Clay Imports are sealed or unsealed. If unsealed, you’ll need to apply a high-quality sealer to protect them.

Here’s Clay Imports co-founder, Nick Barreiro, explaining the different sealer options:

How Do I Clean And Maintain Saltillo Tile?

Good news—Saltillo tile is low-maintenance! Here's how to keep it looking beautiful:

• Routine Cleaning: Mop with a gentle soap and water solution.
• Dust Management: Use a vacuum cleaner to clean those slightly wider grout joints.
• Long-Term Care: Reassess your sealer every few years to keep your tiles protected.

We also recommend exploring our Clay Care maintenance products, specially designed for our tiles. Investing in these products ensures your Saltillo tiles stay gorgeous for years to come!

Why Is Clay Imports' Saltillo Tile Unique?

• Antique Line: We created our Antique Saltillo line by pressing burlap bags into wet tiles, giving them a textured, distressed look that's perfect for rustic outdoor spaces.

• Glazed Saltillo: We pioneered a game-changing innovation—Glazed Saltillo Tile!
  • For over 300 years, Saltillo clay was left unglazed. Inspired by Moroccan techniques, we introduced glazing to Saltillo clay, creating vibrant, durable finishes.
  • Glazed Saltillo is now one of our best-selling products, loved in restaurants, retail shops, bathrooms, patios—you name it!

Photo and Styling by Lela Day Design | Build by Urban ATX Development

Design by Glynis Wood Interiors

Saltillo tile has become one of Clay Imports most sought after products – whether glazed or authentic. Restaurants, retail stores, bathrooms – it’s everywhere! And if you’re looking for style inspiration, check out our Project Gallery.