Baked Thin Paver 8x16

Handmade terracotta pavers are formed using traditional techniques and kiln-fired from natural clay. Each piece is individually shaped, resulting in organic variation in size, texture, and surface character. This process is what gives terracotta pavers their authentic, old-world appearance and timeless appeal.

Variation is part of what makes authentic handmade terracotta pavers special. Expect natural differences in size, texture, flatness, and color. Surface details such as gentle indentations, lime pops, divots, tonal shifts, excess clay, small edge chips, irregular markings, and visible distressing are normal and celebrated characteristics of true handmade clay, not defects.

The level of distressing varies by paver thickness.

• Thinner pavers tend to have a slightly more refined surface
• Thicker pavers are intentionally more rustic, featuring heavier texture, deeper variation, and occasional missing chips that enhance their old-world character.

No two pavers are exactly alike, and that individuality is what creates a warm, lived-in, and timeless finished installation. For the most balanced look, we strongly recommend dry-laying and blending pavers from multiple boxes during installation.

Thin Pavers

• Suitable for interior floors such as entryways, kitchens, and main living spaces
• Can be used for exterior patios, walkways, and courtyards in non-freeze climates
• Sealing is recommended for interior applications to aid in protection and ease of maintenance

Thick Pavers

• Designed for exterior, ground-level applications only
• Suitable for patios, walkways, courtyards, and streetscapes in non-freeze climates
• Typically sand-set, not grouted
• Not recommended for interior use

Important Climate Note

• Terracotta pavers are not frost-rated
• Not recommended for exterior use in freeze–thaw climates
• Best suited for warm, temperate climates or interior installations (thin pavers only)

Thin Pavers (Grouted Installation) | Thin pavers are installed much like traditional tile and are typically thinset-set and grouted.

• Installed over a flat, rigid substrate (concrete slab, properly prepared subfloor, or backer board)
• Set using polymer-modified LHT thinset mortar
• Back-buttering is required to achieve full coverage
• Grout joints are typically 3/8"–1/2"
• Finished with sanded grout rather than sand
• Best suited for interior floors, walls, and vertical applications
  

Thick Pavers (Sand-Set Installation) | Thick pavers are installed more like traditional masonry pavers and are typically sand-set, not grouted.

• Installed over a compacted gravel base with a sand bedding layer
• Set directly into washed concrete sand (no thinset)
• Joints are filled with polymeric sand or joint sand
• Pavers are plate-compacted after placement to lock everything in
• Require edge restraints to prevent movement
• Best suited for exterior spaces, patios, walkways, and ground-level applications
  

Thin and thick pavers are designed for different installation methods and environments. Using the correct installation system ensures proper performance, longevity, and the intended look of the material.

JOINT
We suggest a grout joint of 3/8” minimum, with up to 1/2” being very common for this tile. Due to the natural variation in size, thickness, and edges, a slightly wider joint helps accommodate irregularities and results in a more balanced, intentional look.

TYPE
A sanded grout is recommended. We commonly suggest Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA, as it performs well with wider joints, offers excellent color consistency, and has added durability for floors and heavier-use areas. (Laticrete Permacolor is also a solid alternative.)

As always, we recommend doing a small mock-up if possible to confirm joint size and grout color before full installation.

All terracotta pavers arrive unsealed.

Thin Pavers (Interior): Sealing is recommended. Apply sealer before and after grouting to reduce staining and moisture absorption.

Thick Pavers (Exterior): Do not seal. Sealing exterior, sand-set pavers can trap moisture and lead to efflorescence.

Always test sealers prior to full installation, as sealers may alter color and sheen.

Outdoor Applications | Thick Pavers

Minimal maintenance is required. Regular sweeping, occasional joint sand refresh, and visual inspection will help address any movement or settling over time.

Indoor Applications | Thin Pavers

Routine care includes regular sweeping or vacuuming, damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner, prompt spill cleanup, and periodic resealing as needed based on traffic and use.

For full care and maintenance recommendations, visit our Ultimate Paver Guide.