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Davey McEathron Architecture | Photo Jeremy Doddridge -
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Davey McEathron Architecture | Photo Jeremy Doddridge -
Design Juliana Lupacchino | Photo Kathryn Ann Waller -
Design Juliana Lupacchino | Photo Kathryn Ann Waller -
Design Juliana Lupacchino | Photo Kathryn Ann Waller -
Design Juliana Lupacchino | Photo Kathryn Ann Waller -
Design Juliana Lupacchino | Photo Kathryn Ann Waller -
Design Juliana Lupacchino | Photo Kathryn Ann Waller -
Design Davey McEathron Architecture | Photo Jeremy Doddridge -
Design Davey McEathron Architecture | Photo Jeremy Doddridge -
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Reverse Terracotta 10x10
Plan ahead with 10–15% extra tile to cover natural variation and keep your project running smoothly.
Total $42.00
SPECS
SPECS
- Size: 10"x10"
- Actual Size: 9 3/4" x 9 3/4"
- Thickness: 1/2"
- Finish: Unsealed
- Texture: Smooth Side + Textured Side
- 1 sq.ft : 1.5 pcs
- Variation: V1 (Minimal Variation)
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Recommended Sealer: Penetrating Sealer or Ultra-Low VOC Sealer
TILE PREPATION
TILE PREPATION
Before installation:
- Wipe each tile with a damp cloth to remove clay dust and light surface residue.
- Allow tiles to dry completely before sealing or installation.
- Blend tiles from multiple boxes to evenly distribute natural variation.
- Dry lay a small area to confirm layout and surface selection (smooth or textured side).
- Set aside any tiles you prefer to use for cuts or less visible areas.
- Always order extra material to account for cuts, waste, and installation selection..
INSTALLATION DETAILS
INSTALLATION DETAILS
GROUT TYPE
- For a modern look or more color options, choose Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA.
- For a classic look, we recommend MAPEI 2-1/2 to 1 Saltillo Gray Sanded Grout, which pairs naturally with the warmth and variation of handmade terracotta.
- Avoid highly contrasting grout colors
GROUT JOINT SPACING
Joint spacing typically ranges from 1/4" to 3/4".
Smaller joints (1/4") feel cleaner and more modern. Because terracotta is handmade, tighter joints may show subtle variation in width or alignment.
Larger joints work well with larger tiles, helping accommodate natural size variation while maintaining straighter, more traditional lines.
TRIM
Reverse Terracotta does not come with trim tiles. Opting for a "no trim" method can create a clean and polished look. Here are some alternatives to consider.
- Schluter | Sleek metal trim pieces available in various finishes and, our personal favorite a paintable option to create an nearly invisible transition.
- Miter Cut | Achieve 45-degree angles for seamless corners and edges
- Grout, Paint or Caulk | Use these materials along exposed tile edges for a polished finish
SEALING + MAINTENANCE
SEALING + MAINTENANCE
SEALING
Reverse Terracotta tiles arrive unsealed and require sealing before and after installation. We recommend using our Penetrating Sealant or Ultra-Low VOC sealer to help protect against moisture, staining, and everyday wear while preserving the natural beauty of the clay.
Sealing also helps minimize the appearance of minor surface marks and creates a smoother, more uniform finish.
MAINTENANCE
Sweeping or vacuuming regularly and cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner such as our Palo Santo Cleaner Concentrate. Avoid bleach, ammonia, acidic cleaners, and abrasive tools that may damage the sealer.
Clean spills promptly, use felt pads beneath furniture, and place mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear. Depending on use and exposure, periodic resealing may be recommended to maintain long-term protection and appearance.
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
- Installation & Maintenance Guide: Reverse Terracotta is delivered unsealed and requires proper sealing for optimal performance.
- Spec Sheet
Important: Since Reverse Terracotta comes unsealed, the installation process may be more challenging. To achieve the best results, we strongly recommend sealing the tiles both before and after installation. You can use our Penetrating Sealer or our Ultra Low VOC Sealer for this purpose.

Reverse Terracotta
Reverse Terracotta is a dense, double-sided terracotta tile that blends traditional clay with modern extrusion. Made in a 100% solar-powered factory in Puebla, Mexico, each tile features two distinct surfaces, one smooth and one textured.
Reverse Terracotta is crafted in Puebla, Mexico using natural clay, water, and fire, along with a modern extrusion process powered by a 100% solar-powered factory. Rather than pressing clay into a mold, the clay is pushed through a die to create a dense, durable tile with two usable surfaces, one smooth and one textured.
This innovative process produces a more consistent tile body while preserving the warmth, authenticity, and character of natural terracotta.
Reverse Terracotta is made from natural clay using an extrusion process, resulting in subtle variation in color, texture, surface marks, extrusion lines, and edge character. Minor chips, light scratches, and clay residue are normal characteristics of this material and are not considered defects.
Once installed and sealed, many of these characteristics soften visually, creating a warm, timeless installation with authentic terracotta character.
Reverse Terracotta tiles come to you unsealed, straight from our makers’ hands to yours. To ensure their durability and enhance their look, sealing them before and after installation is essential. You can tailor the finish to suit your style.
For optimal protection, we recommend our Penetrating Sealant for tough, outdoor conditions or our Ultra Low VOC Sealer, perfect for both interior and exterior spaces.
The extrusion process naturally creates subtle surface marks that make each tile unique. Minor edge chips, light scratches, extrusion lines, clay residue, and slight variations in texture are all expected characteristics of this material and are not considered defects.
Before installation, we recommend wiping each tile with a damp cloth to remove any light clay residue and blending tiles from multiple boxes to achieve the most natural appearance. Once sealed and grouted, many of these characteristics become less noticeable, contributing to the timeless, lived-in beauty that defines authentic terracotta.
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TEXTURED SIDE
A linear textural design amps up slip resistance making this side ideal for wet areas and exterior applications.
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SMOOTH SIDE
Sleek, dense, and smooth, this terracotta showcases a consistent surface with minimal color variation. It is an ideal choice for natural and neutral designs.
Usage
Recommended
- Interior flooring
- Heated flooring systems (e.g. Ditra or similar)
- Mudrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways
- Kitchen backsplashes and islands
- Bathroom floors
- Shower floors and walls (Requires proper waterproofing and sealing)
- Fireplace surrounds
- Decorative walls
- Stair risers
- Exterior flooring
- Outdoor kitchens
- Outdoor showers
- Pool decks (When properly sealed and maintained)
Use With Caution
- Areas exposed to heavy moisture
- Freeze-thaw climates without proper installation
- Areas requiring regular sealing and maintenance
- High-traffic residential applications
Not Recommended
- Areas with standing water or prolonged saturation
- Steam rooms
- Water features or submerged applications
- Applications where sealing and maintenance cannot be maintained
Recommended
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Restaurants and bars (non-kitchen areas)
- Hospitality spaces
- Decorative and feature walls
- Interior flooring
- Exterior flooring
- Outdoor patios and courtyards
Use With Caution
- High-traffic commercial flooring
- Outdoor applications exposed to harsh conditions
- Areas with frequent moisture exposure
- Freeze-thaw climates without proper installation
- Heavy rolling traffic
Not Recommended
- Commercial kitchens
- Areas with standing water or prolonged saturation
- Steam rooms
- Water features or submerged applications
- Applications where sealing and routine maintenance cannot be maintained
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