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Design and Architecture Cult Creative | Mya McCabe Photography -
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Design and Architecture Cult Creative | Mya McCabe Photography -
Design and Architecture Cult Creative | Mya McCabe Photography -
Enhaus Design + Build | Los Angeles -
Enhaus Design + Build | Los Angeles -
Enhaus Design + Build | Los Angeles -
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Juneberry Homes | Davey McEathron Architecture -
Juneberry Homes | Davey McEathron Architecture -
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Star & Cross Smooth Satin 5.5
Plan ahead with 10–15% extra tile to cover natural variation and keep your project running smoothly.
Total $216.00
SPECS
SPECS
To create an Star & Cross pattern, there are two components: a Star and a Cross.
- Size: 5.5"
- Actual Size: Cross 5 1/4" | Star 5"
- 1 sq.ft.: 4.5 pieces
- Thickness: 5/8"
- Finish: Satin Sealed
- Texture: Smooth
- 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, balanced finish. Satin sealed enhances the natural terracotta tones while maintaining a subtle sheen that feels warm and approachable.
Expect a material that feels alive and expressive, with color, surface, and form working together to create a warm installation that evolves over time.
Natural Saltillo is crafted using traditional wood-molded techniques passed down for generations. Clay is shaped by hand, pressed into simple molds, and left to dry under the sun before being kiln-fired at low temperatures.
This slow, manual process allows the material to retain its natural movement and variation. Each tile reflects subtle differences in drying, handling, and firing, resulting in the rich character and irregularity that define authentic Saltillo.
Satin sealed offers a low, soft sheen that enhances color without creating a high-gloss effect.
- Slightly deepens and enriches terracotta tones
- Provides a smoother, more finished surface
- Helps reduce staining and moisture absorption
- Balances a natural look with added durability
A top coat sealer may be applied over time to maintain protection and refresh the finish as needed.
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.
Natural Saltillo develops a rich patina as it is exposed to daily use, moisture, and its surrounding environment. Because of its porous nature, changes may occur both at the surface and within the tile, gradually deepening color and softening the overall appearance.
Areas of higher use may show more pronounced aging, contributing to a varied, lived-in look. With proper sealing and maintenance, this evolution enhances the material’s warmth and character without compromising performance.
Each installation will age uniquely depending on use, environment, and chosen finish.
Usage
Recommended
- Interior floors
- Heated flooring systems (e.g. Ditra or similar)
- Mudrooms, laundry rooms, entryways
- Kitchen backsplashes & islands
- Bathroom floors
- Shower walls (requires proper waterproofing systems and compatible installation)
- Fireplaces (surround & interior)
- Decorative walls
- Stair risers
Use With Caution
- Shower floors (possible with proper installation, but may be slippery depending on finish)
- Exterior floors (patios & porches, requires sealing and no freeze exposure)
- Outdoor kitchens (floors & walls, requires sealing)
- Outdoor showers
- Areas requiring regular maintenance
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
- Applications where proper installation and ongoing maintenance cannot be maintained
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 (may show wear over time depending on use)
- Outdoor commercial applications (requires sealing, 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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