Riviera Antique Matte
Plan ahead with 10–15% extra tile to cover natural variation and keep your project running smoothly.
SPECS
SPECS
To create a the Riviera pattern, there are two components: a San Felipe and an Fleur.
- Size: San Felipe 12" + Fleur 8"
- Thickness: 5/8"
- Square Foot: 1.5 pc of each
- Finish: Matte Sealed
- Texture: Antique (Distressed)
- Material: Saltillo Terracotta
- Variation: V3
INSTALLATION DETAILS
INSTALLATION DETAILS
GROUT TYPE
- For a modern look or more color options, choose Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA.
- For a classic Saltillo look, we recommend MAPEI 2-1/2 to 1 Saltillo Gray Sanded Grout, which pairs naturally with the warmth and variation of handmade terracotta.
GROUT JOINT SPACING
Joint spacing typically ranges from 1/4" to 3/4".
Smaller joints (1/4") feel cleaner and more modern and are best for smaller tiles (6" and under). Because Saltillo 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 AND TRANSITIONS
When transitioning between terracotta and another material:
- Bullnose - Versatile transition piece suitable for floors or walls, featuring a rounded bullnose edge for smooth surface transitions.
- Coping - Ideal for stairs or steps, offering a smooth, curved design.
- Wood transition - Creates a seamless connection to wood flooring. Finished height may vary slightly.
- Schluter trim - A clean aluminum edge for floors or walls. Ideal for a simple, modern finish.
- Exposed edge - For a more organic look. All exposed edges must be properly sealed.
SEALING
SEALING
Saltillo is delivered pre-sealed. After installation, apply a top coat sealer to protect the surface, improve durability, and maintain appearance over time.
We recommend Ultra Low VOC Satin Sealer especially in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.
Top coat sealers provide:
- An additional protective layer for the tile surface
- Sealing and protection of grout joints
- Enhanced durability in high-traffic areas
RESEALING
There is no fixed resealing schedule. Frequency depends on traffic, environment, and desired appearance.
Some installations may need resealing after 1 year, while others may go 3 to 5 years or longer.
A simple test: If water no longer beads and begins to absorb into the tile or grout, resealing is recommended.
TERRACOTTA
Authentic Saltillo tile with a soft, natural finish. Matte sealed offers the closest look to traditional unsealed terracotta, preserving its raw character while providing essential protection.
Expect a material that feels grounded and organic, with visible variation, texture, and movement that create a warm installation that evolves over time.
Accordion content
Matte sealed provides a low-sheen, natural finish that closely resembles traditional unsealed terracotta.
- Minimal sheen for a more organic look
- Maintains the raw, natural appearance of the clay
- Provides protection against staining and moisture
- May show more surface character compared to higher sheen finishes
Because of its low sheen, the surface may highlight oils, stains, spills and markings more visibly.
A top coat sealer can be applied over time based on use and desired appearance.
Saltillo tile carries the natural characteristics of terracotta formed from clay, sun, and kiln firing.
You can expect:
- Fine surface pores, sometimes referred to as lime pops
- Hairline cracks, sun-drying marks, and occasional natural impressions
- Moderate to high variation in color within a warm terracotta palette
- Strong tonal movement, including shading, patching, or striping
- Irregular edges and variation in size and thickness
- Surface movement including waves, texture, and natural undulation
- Minor surface markings such as indentations or handling marks
- Light bumps, divots, chips, and edge variation
- Occasional paw print
Each tile is made from natural clay and will not be perfectly uniform. Variation between tiles and batches is expected.
These characteristics are part of authentic Saltillo and contribute to its depth and character.
Terracotta is a living material that evolves over time.
With a matte finish, the aging process is more visible and expressive. Because the surface has less sheen, changes in tone, wear patterns, and use may appear more pronounced over time.
Areas of higher use may develop a deeper, more varied patina, contributing to a lived-in, natural look.
With proper care and maintenance, this evolution enhances the character of the material while maintaining performance.
Each installation will evolve differently depending on use, environment, and maintenance.
Usage
Recommended
- Interior floors
- Heated flooring systems (e.g. Ditra or similar)
- Mudrooms, laundry rooms, entryways
- Kitchen backsplashes & islands
- Fireplaces (surround & interior)
- Decorative walls
- Stair risers
Use With Caution
- Bathroom floors (may require additional sealing and maintenance; can patina, darken, or stain over time)
- Exterior floors (patios & porches; requires proper waterproofing, sealing, and ongoing maintenance)
- Outdoor kitchens (floors & walls, requires sealing and maintenance)
- Outdoor showers
- Exterior walls (protected, no freeze exposure)
- Areas exposed to frequent moisture
Not Recommended
- Freeze-thaw climates (any freezing conditions)
- Areas with standing water or prolonged saturation
- Exposure to de-icing salts, snow melt, or harsh outdoor chemicals
- Steam rooms
- Commercial kitchens (floors or walls)
- Applications where proper sealing and ongoing maintenance cannot be maintained
- Frequently wet areas
- Shower floors (possible with proper sealing and maintenance; user discretion)
Recommended
- Retail and office spaces
- Restaurants and bars (non-kitchen areas)
- Hospitality spaces (hotels, lobbies, common areas)
- Decorative and feature walls
- Fireplace surrounds
- Interior flooring (moderate-traffic environments)
Use With Caution
- High-traffic commercial floors (will require maintenance and may show wear or patina over time)
- Bathroom or frequently cleaned areas (may require additional sealing and maintenance)
- Outdoor commercial applications (requires sealing, maintenance, and no freeze exposure)
- Areas exposed to frequent moisture
Not Recommended
- Commercial kitchens (floors or walls)
- Freeze-thaw environments
- Areas with standing water or prolonged saturation
- Exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals or industrial agents
- Steam rooms
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