Terracotta Effect & Real Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta Tile FAQ'S

Should i have vintage or modern style Terracotta Tiles?

its important when searching for terracotta effect or real terracotta tiles to think about the type of style you want, have a more traditional house...we recommend a more rustic vintage type style terracotta tile, have a more modern property then why not choose a more smooth style terracotta for a more modern feel on a timeless classic?

Do you have to seal terracotta tiles?

Porcelain terracotta effect tiles do not require sealing, they have a porosity of 0.5% so are stain proof making them an ideal solution for busy households looking for a practical solution. Natural terracotta however does, it is a porous material like a sponge, we recommend a traditional sealing method of boiled linseed oil until the sealant is no longer absorbed, it may take a few applications and once complete the water will sit on the surface in a bubble, for internal applications we also recommend finishing with a clear wax to protect which can be reapplied every couple of years, keeping your floor in perfect condition with minimal upkeep.

What size grout joint should i use with my terracotta tiles?

When thinking about grout joints with terracotta tiles we usually recommend going for a wider joint, from 3mm up to 10mm depending on the desired effect you are looking to achieve, using a smaller joint is more practical in terms of cleaning however a wider joint will give the more traditional look of installed terracotta whether its terracotta effect or real terracotta tiles. Top tip: when grouting real terracotta tiles ensure to have pre sealed them first and ensure the joints are wet, this allows the grout to dry slowly and avoids cracking of the grout due to the terracotta pulling the moisture out of the grout whilst drying, it will also help avoid bleeding and staining from your grout into real terracotta tiles.

What are some of the disadvantages when it comes to real terracotta?

One of the main disadvantages of this material is its porous nature. However this can add to its beauty over time as the material ages with the property, real terracotta wasn't made to remain perfect.

Are terracotta tiles hard to maintain?

If treated correctly real terracotta tiles can provide a gorgeous finish and will be fairly easy to maintain, but you will need to be prepared to reseal them every couple of years. Terracotta effect tiles that are porcelain are super easy to maintain due to there low porosity of 0.5% so if your looking for a more practical solution we always recommend the porcelain inspired versions.

Are terracotta tiles slippery?

Real terracotta is not slippery, as its a raw clay material its porous in nature which helps with slip resistance, porcelain terracotta tiles can be slippery when wet which is why we are careful to choose products with slip rated finishes making them safe whilst being easy to clean.

How long would terracotta tiles last?

Terracotta tiles should last forever, real terracotta will age so embrace the story of your floor, porcelain tiles will also last forever and are always one clean away from the day they were installed with no ongoing maintenance.

Can you use terracotta tiles externally?

Yes, we offer both porcelain terracotta effect ranges  as well as real terracotta which are frost proof so all you need to consider is the slip ratings by choosing a non slip tile.