What to Consider when using Terracotta Tile

Using terracotta tile is a great way to add “age” to your space without having to wait for it to… well, age. 

We love the unique and “lived-in” effect terracotta tile will create – especially when using handmade terracotta tile. This is because no-two tiles are identical – each one is made as if it is a single piece of art. When you install multiple terracotta tiles together you get a beautiful canvas of tile; rich in texture, shades, and color. 

Some Considerations:

It is always best to seek the opinion of a professional installer prior to choosing terracotta tile for your project. If you’re unable to do that, below are some items to keep in mind when you consider using terracotta tile.  

Handmade or Machine-made terracotta tile?

• Handmade tile is going to produce greater variance and inconsistency between each individual tile. However, this variance can create a beautiful effect for spaces seeking to achieve an aged ambiance.
  • Because each tile is handmade you should also expect the tile to vary slightly in shape and size. This is important to know and relay to your installer so they can properly plan and space your tiles during installation.
• Machine made tile will have little to no variance between individual tiles. They will all look the same and maintain the same shape and size.
  • If you are desiring a more even and consistent look among your tiles, then purchasing machine made tile is the way to go as there is far less variance among each tile. This type of tile is also typically easier to install because less planning is required to account for the variance of size and shape that can exist among handmade terracotta tile. 

Glazed or Unglazed terracotta tile?

• Either option is a beautiful choice – especially handmade terracotta tile. With handmade tile you’ll see greater variance among individual tiles. This can achieve an effect of warmth and character in your space.
• Choosing between glazed or unglazed tile can also depend on the type of application you want to use it for (e.g. shower stall versus living area).
• Unglazed tile will form a patina over time if you don’t seal the tile. And glazed tile can obviously come with far more color options because of the glaze.
• It’s best not to use either type of terracotta tile in freeze/thaw climates.

Interior or Exterior use?

• Terracotta tile can be used in interior and exterior applications.
  • Terracotta tile should not be used in freeze/thaw climates. 
• Adequate waterproofing is required when using terracotta tile in exterior applications when seeking to prevent water entry into a building.

Dry, wet, or submerged applications?

• Dry applications are areas where little to no moisture will come in contact with your tile.
  • Glazed and unglazed tiles can be used in any dry application areas.
• Wet applications are areas where water will frequently come in contact with your tile, but the tile will also be dry for extended periods of time (e.g. backsplash, shower stall, bathroom floor, etc).
  • Glazed and unglazed tiles will need to be sealed for wet area applications.
  • It is also necessary to properly waterproof the sub-surface layers prior to installing your terracotta tile. 
  • It’s best not to use unglazed tiles in frequently wet application areas. However, with proper sealing applied to the tile, and prompt clean up of moisture on installed terracotta tile, unglazed tile may be used in a wet area applications. 
• Submerged applications are where your tile is almost always submerged under water (e.g. pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, etc).
  • We highly recommend consulting a professional builder or installer for their advice when installing terracotta tile in this type of application.
  • Submerged applications of tile pose their own unique requirements depending on the space you are working with.
  • It’s best to limit your use of terracotta tile in a submerged application in exterior climates that do not freeze or thaw. 
  • Adequate waterproofing and sealing is required in a submerged application.

To Seal or not to Seal?

• Sealing tile is meant to help provide additional waterproof protection and preserve the look of the tile.
  • You should seal terracotta tile whenever it is installed in wet or submerged application areas.
  • For sealing interior applications, we recommend using BulletProof sealant.
  • For sealing exterior applications, we recommend using Heavy Duty Sealer.
• In dry application areas, you may or may not seal terracotta tile.
  • Sealing terracotta tile will help prevent stains or other build up from penetrating the tile, and make it easier to clean.
  • Sealing the tile will also prevent unglazed terracotta tile from forming a patina.
• It is important to test the sealant you plan to use on unused pieces of tiles prior to applying to your whole project installation. This will help you validate whether the sealant preserves or has an averse effect on the aesthetic you aim to achieve.

Grout Joint or no Grout Joint?

• Almost all applications of terracotta tile are made without a grout joint.
  • Tile installed close together with little to no-gap is also called a butt joint and does not require the application of grout. 
• If you plan to use a grout joint, we recommend a minimum 3/8 inch grout joint for installation patterns using only one shape of tile.
  • For installation patterns using multiple designs or shapes of tile, we recommend increasing the grout joint size as needed to preserve the install pattern consistency.
• Ask an installer for their advice when selecting types of grout to use. Certain grouts can stain or leave residue on your tile.
  • To prevent grout from hazing or staining your tile, you may apply a pre-grout treatment after the tile has ben set, but before grouting the tile. We recommend using Heavy Duty Sealer as a pre-grout treatment.
• You will also want to test your chosen grout on pieces of tile not used for installation. This will help you determine if the grout stains your tile and if the grout buffs the surface of your tile when cleaning excess grout off your tile.
  • In some cases, due to the contents in the grout (typically sand), grout can smoothen the appearance of your unglazed terracotta tile. This won’t damage your tile, but can alter the aesthetic you are aiming for.