To be considered truly handmade, terracotta tiles must be created by a tile craftsman, not by a machine. This not only ensures the quality of the tile, but it also makes for the unique aspects of handmade terracotta tile as opposed to those prefabricated molds that have sameness in looks and texture. Handcrafted terracotta tile [...]

There’s something wonderful about the look of terracotta tile. The buttery feeling underfoot and the warm colors transcend a majestic sentiment of Old Spain, at the source of authentic terracotta tile. Terracotta tiles are a decorator’s dream, lending so many different looks to the charming style of Spanish décor, both inside and out.

Because they are made from all-natural clay from the earth, terracotta tiles have a rustic look that is kind of ‘rough around the edges’ as compared to other styles of tile. Sometimes people don’t realize that terracotta tiles are usually handmade; therefore no two will look exactly the same. They vary in thickness, texture, color [...]

One of the most visually appealing choices in flooring is terracotta tiles. They offer an “Old World” richness and durability that transition easily between exterior and interior functionality. If you’re looking to lend a bit of rustic charm to your décor, terracotta tiles make for a marvelous choice. Many of the Southwestern, Spanish or Italian [...]

A tile is a tile, right? Actually, many types of tiles vary in hardness and durability. They are evaluated through a series of tests to determine their ability to endure wear and tear. This is the same test that is used by gemologists to rate gemstones, such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies. The Moh Scale [...]

Just like any ceramic, stoneware or pottery product, terracotta tiles must be fired to a high temperature in order to be functional. If you’re not familiar with the terminology, “firing” is a process of hardening a soft material, such as clay or earthen materials. There is a trick to it and the importance of getting [...]