Which Terracotta Tile Is Right For You?

We’ll compare our five terracotta options, so you can find the right tile for your next project

 

Terracotta tile is the new “it” tile according to The New York Times! We offer five types of terracotta tile, all handmade in Mexico:

• The most popular: Saltillo Natural Terracotta
• The most consistent: D'Hanis Red Terracotta
• The most natural: Organic Terracotta
• The strongest: Cotto Terracotta
• The most refined: Pressed Terracotta

Though these tiles look similar and share many characteristics it's important to understand the differences to determine the best terracotta tile for your project.

Saltillo Tile

Saltillo tile has moderate durability. It’s less dense than Cotto which makes it more porous. Though all our Saltillo tiles come presealed, we recommend applying a finish seal to your Saltillo floor after installation. Saltillo tiles are our most popular terracotta tile option, and have an outstanding reputation. These traditional Mexican tiles have been used in homes across the United States and Mexico for over 100 years. 

Saltillo tiles are available in a range of sealed and textured finishes, from high gloss to matte as well as many size and shape options. Saltillo has the greatest range of color variation, from dark reds to gold tones. The surface of Saltillo tile is irregular and often includes pitting, chips and scratches. Suitable for indoor and outdoor in mild climates, but all finishes are not recommended for wet areas. While gloss-sealed Saltillo can be used in showers with proper care and maintenance, we also recommend exploring other options like glazed terracotta or glazed clay if you prefer low-maintenance alternatives. For example, our Claro Glaze which you can find our 100% water resistant terracotta tile here.

D'Hanis Red Satin Terracotta

D’hanis Red terracotta tile is our most refined terracotta for those who prefer a more predictable, uniform look but still want an authentic clay tile with mild tone variations. Deep red, and consistent these are the defining characteristics of D'hanis red. D’hanis red is flatter, smoother and less varied in color and sheen than any of the other terracotta tile options. 

Often customers who love the look and feel of Saltillo tile but want to limit the color range to dark red colors are very satisfied with D’hanis red. D'hanis Terracotta tiles have ridged edges and corners which contribute to a more refined, cleaner and streamlined look after installation. Ideal for indoor applications, you can also use them in covered outdoor areas.

Organic Terracotta Tile

Our new Organic terracotta tile is our most natural tile yet. Its unapologetically handmade look and feel tell a story of historic Mexican architecture. It’s ideal for those who appreciate the natural patina that handmade products will develop over time. Because this product is so unrefined, expect high variations in size and irregularities in shape. With organic terracotta you should expect and appreciate mild chipping, irregular edges as well as surface scratches and pits. 

Organic does require sealing but is sold unsealed, completely natural allowing you to select a sealer of your preference (You can find sealer options in our store here). Seasonally produced, then sun dried and fired at a low temperature, this tile contains the least amount of carbon emissions of all of our tiles. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor flooring in mild climates.

Cotto Tile

Cotto terracotta tile is considered our most durable terracotta because it’s pressed denser than any other terracotta and fired at a significantly higher temperature. The combination of compression and high firing temperature result in an incredibly dense product. It's so dense it doesn't have to be sealed. Cotto tile is the only terracotta that Clay Imports offers that does not require sealing. However, applying a coat of finish seal after installation can help to keep the floor cleaner. Ideal applications for Cotto are indoor or outdoor in mild and moderate climates and wet areas such as showers floors.

Cotto tiles are available in several color options: Tierra, Umber, and Sienna. Each color option has slight tone variations, ranging from darker to lighter shades. Cotto tile is the least likely to patina, or fade over time.

Pressed Red or Brown Terracotta

Pressed terracotta brings a distinct charm to any space, marrying the consistency of modern manufacturing with the soul of traditional craftsmanship. The pressing process creates a smoother surface than found in natural terracotta, lending a refined appearance while retaining the warmth and earthiness of the clay. Available in two organic colors, red and brown. Although the color is generally uniform, the handmade process introduces subtle color variations. Minor chips and cracks, far from being flaws, serve to enhance the authenticity and appeal, celebrating the beauty of imperfection. These unique textures and nuances highlight the artisanal nature of pressed terracotta, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike.

Embracing pressed terracotta is to appreciate the charm and character of natural clay, making it a great choice for those seeking to add a touch of handmade character to their space. 

To wrap things up, when deciding between Clay Import’s terracotta tile options, keep in mind that:

Cotto
Cotto is the densest option making it the most durable and far less likely to chip or fade over time than any other options. Its rough texture provides a lot of traction making it ideal for interior and exterior floors.  

Saltillo
Natural Terracotta, commonly know as Saltillo, is a classic favorite that has withstood the test of time. It’s highly varied in color and available in many sizes and shapes. Although it’s presealed, the sheen and color will patina over time.  

D’hanis
D'Hanis Red Satin Terracotta is designed to include the features of original D’hanis, Texas tile. Its higher density production process results in a relatively flat floor with minimal size variation. Color range is limited to only shades of dark red.  

Organic
Organic Terracotta, is our most natural option with a less refined, more seasoned look and feel. Unlike Saltillo, which has variation in color from tile to tile, and even within the same tile, Organic has high variation in shade, meaning that the tiles stay within the same color range, but vary greatly in tone.

Pressed 
Pressed Terracotta is a pressed terracotta, hence the name, with low color variation and an semi-smooth satin finish. Two color options, Red and Brown are great neutrals, seamlessly blending warm tones with minimal variation in color and texture.

Keep in mind that these handmade tiles will exhibit natural variations, which are inherent traits of their natural materials. These variations in color, texture and sheen are not defects but rather a natural part of the product. We highly recommend ordering Natural Terracotta and Speciality Terracotta samples before making a final purchase to confirm and appreciate these natural variations in each tile.

Finally, 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. From sealers to cleaners, purchasing these maintenance items together with your tiles not only simplifies your order but also prepares you to enjoy your tiles for a long time.

We hope this article helps you find the right tile for your space. And remember, if you have any questions or require more information, don't hesitate to reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com