Your Guide to Installing Terracotta Tiles in Bathrooms and Showers
Terracotta tiles are one of the most popular tiles for decades. Their rustic warmth and unique charm mixed with their identifiable color variation makes terracotta tiles one of the first choices for home owners and designers alike. Terracotta’s versatility is also one of the most beloved features; they can be used as flooring, wall tiles, backsplashes, indoor and outdoor, but one of the most frequent questions is “Can I install terracotta tiles in my shower?” In this article, we’ll discuss how you can install Terracotta tiles in wet areas and make them the star of your next wet area project.
- Can I install terracotta tiles in my shower?
- How often do I need to Re- seal my terracotta tiles in my shower?
- Low maintenance terracotta tiles for shower rooms
- Buy your tiles for showers here!
Can I install terracotta tiles in my shower?
The short answer is… yes! Terracotta is a beautiful material and great for most installations, including bathroom floors and showers. However, there are more things you should consider before installing these tiles in wet areas. For example, while our gloss sealed terracotta tiles can be used in the shower, it's important to consider your maintenance preferences compared to the frequency of resealing required for Terracotta and special cleaning requirements. Also, if you have hard water, Terracotta might not be the best option for a wet area application.
Terracotta tiles are handmade products made with natural clay. Given the fact they are relatively lightly pressed, fired at lower temperatures than other tiles and are not glazed, terracotta tiles tend to be more porous. Since terracotta tiles are just fire, clay and water, they are susceptible to absorbing water if not properly sealed.
That’s why, in order to keep your tiles in the best shape, Natural terracotta tiles offered by Clay Imports are pre-sealed. We strongly recommend to seal them again after installation with a top coat sealer for non-wet area installations and especially for wet areas, to provide an additional layer of protection from moisture and to seal the grout.
Design by NJW Real Estate Adventures
How often do I need to Re- seal my terracotta tiles in my shower?
For terracotta tiles installed in wet areas, we recommend applying a protective sealant approximately once per year. There are many factors to consider for the frequency of resealing your terracotta such as; soft or hard water, frequency of use of the wet area, type of shower pan, proper drainage, types of shower products used, sheen preference, patina preference and maintenance preference.
It is important to apply coats of sealants after the initial installation even though your tiles are pre-sealed. Applying a top coat of sealer on your completed installation will provide additional protection not only to your tile, but also to your grout, helping maintain the integrity and color of your installation.
Secondly, top coat sealers differ from the factory seal on your tile and offer an extra layer of protection, particularly beneficial if it's installed in areas such as flooring, outdoor installations or like in this case, showers. Choosing the right sealant for your application is very important, not all sealants are protective enough for wet area installation. We recommend our most durable solvent-based sealant, Penetrating Sealer.
Tiles installed in showers and bathrooms will require a heavier maintenance routine; that’s why we recommend taking a look at our Clay Care products. Products like our Palo Santo Cleaner Concentrate, are specially formulated for cleaning terracotta tiles. These maintenance items have been carefully tested with our products, and they are designed to preserve your tiles' beauty, ensuring their longevity and durability.
Low maintenance terracotta tiles for shower rooms
If regular sealing and maintenance are deal breakers for you, here are some alternatives with lower porosity that can still achieve a similar aesthetic:
High-density clay tiles such as Cotto tiles tiles are ideal for shower installations. These tiles are densely pressed, making them less porous and better at resisting water absorption. Additionally, they provide a less slippery surface when wet, ensuring both safety and aesthetic appeal in your bathroom.
Another perfect example of terracotta tile for bathrooms is our Claro Glazed terracotta tiles. Claro tiles are natural terracotta tiles with a transparent glaze fired onto the terracotta tile body that allows them to be practically waterproof terracotta tiles. This also translates into a terracotta floor tile that is easier to maintain and is more resistant to patina than traditional sealed terracotta products.
Glazed tiles with terracotta colored glazes are a popular choice because the glazed finish provides a more robust barrier against moisture and staining, making them particularly suitable for high-traffic areas and spaces exposed to water.
Design by Work5hop | Photo by Andrea Martinez
As seen on HGTV's 100 Day Hotel Challenge
These alternatives not only offer a charming look but also come with the added benefit of reduced maintenance, because of their glazed finish. If you want to know more about the difference between sealed and glazed tiles, you can read our article on this topic here.
Buy your tiles for showers here!
Whether you opt for the rustic warmth of terracotta or the glossy elegance of glazed tiles, our team is here to support you throughout your renovation journey. Each type of tile will require different installation methods for wet areas installations. Take a careful read to our installation guides so you can learn more about how to install tiles in showers. And remember, if you have any questions or require more information, reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com.
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