Baked clay tiles: Important things to know before buying

Clay tiles are an ideal choice for both indoors and outdoors. Their rustic and natural appearance creates cozy environments, and their water absorption capacity makes them resistant to weather conditions.

Outdoors, they are perfect for terraces and patios. Indoors, they add charm to kitchens and bathrooms as wall and floor coverings.

They can also be used as decorative elements on shelves or to cover fireplaces, thanks to their rustic appearance. When choosing, it is important to consider the quality of the material, compare prices and the variety of colors available.

In addition, they require adequate maintenance to protect them and guarantee their durability, avoiding the use of aggressive chemicals.

Characteristics of terracotta tiles

The baked clay tiles are characterized by having a rustic and natural appearance that adds charm and personality to spaces. Their surface has irregular textures and warm tones, which gives them an authentic and welcoming character.

Water absorption capacity

One of the most outstanding characteristics of terracotta tiles is their ability to absorb water. Due to their porous nature, these tiles can absorb moisture from the environment.

This property makes them especially suitable for use in outdoor areas, such as terraces and patios, as they withstand weather conditions without deteriorating .

At the same time, the water absorption capacity of terracotta tiles can also be used indoors. In spaces such as kitchen and bathroom floors, where there may be greater exposure to humidity, these tiles act as regulators of the environment.

Outdoor use: terraces and patios

Clay tiles are the ideal choice for paving terraces and patios, thanks to their multiple advantages. Let's look at two of them:

Resistance to climatic conditions

One of the outstanding characteristics of terracotta tiles is their ability to resist weather conditions.

Thanks to their firing process, these tiles acquire an inherent resistance that allows them to withstand changes in temperature, humidity and sunlight.

This means that, regardless of whether they are exposed to the intense cold of winter, the scorching heat of summer or constant rain, fired clay tiles will maintain their durability and impeccable appearance over time.

Earthy and rustic nature

Another characteristic that makes terracotta tiles ideal for terraces and patios is their earthy and rustic nature.

These tiles add a touch of authenticity and warmth to outdoor spaces, creating a cozy and traditional atmosphere.

Its irregular texture and warm tones fit perfectly with the vegetation and natural elements of gardens and outdoor spaces. Furthermore, their rustic appearance makes them decorative protagonists, as they add a unique charm to the decoration of the space.

Indoor use: kitchens and bathrooms

Clay tiles are not only an ideal option for paving outdoor floors, but they are also an excellent choice for giving charm and character to interior spaces. As long as you know the peculiarities of handmade clay and its possible drawbacks, as you will see below.

Wall and floor covering

One of the advantages of terracotta tiles is their versatility, since they can be used as both wall and floor coverings.

In addition, these tiles adapt to different decoration styles, from the most rustic to the most modern. Its wide range of warm tones allows it to be combined with different decorative elements, such as wooden furniture or vintage-style accessories.

Considerations when choosing terracotta tiles

Before buying a handmade clay tile you should know that:

• It is a porous material. If you do not treat or protect it, it will absorb any external element and this will influence and modify its original appearance
• It is an imperfect material. Real clay made by hand is imperfect. This means that the measurements of the tiles are not the same, that the tiles may be blunt or even look damaged or defective. But it will be something normal that you have to know before making the decision.
• It is a very unshaded product. The surface of the tile is not treated and the color is very varied. Sometimes we think that manual clay manufacturers should not give color options due to the variety of tones that exist in the same collection, even in the same piece.

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Proper maintenance for fired clay tiles

Fired clay tiles require adequate maintenance to protect them from stains and ensure their durability over time< /b>.

There are some important recommendations that you should keep in mind:

Regular cleaning: It is essential to keep the tiles clean and free of dirt. You can use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris.

Avoid using hard brushes that can damage the surface.

Stains: When stains appear on the tiles, it is important to act quickly.

Use a mild solution of water and neutral soap to gently clean the stain.

Avoid the use of aggressive chemicals that could damage the material.

Sealing: Sealing terracotta tiles is a recommended preventive measure to protect them from the absorption of liquids and stains. You can apply a specific sealant for terracotta, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Avoid impacts: Although terracotta tiles are resistant, it is recommended to avoid strong blows or impacts that could cause them to break or deteriorate.

Alternatives to manual clay floors

If you like the warm and natural appearance that clay offers but you want to not worry about its maintenance, there are very suitable alternatives for this.

Mud-looking floors for floor

If you need to change the floor of your terrace, extruded stoneware flooring is the best option for you.

Historically they have been a one of the most used collections for the exterior of rustic houses. These models are the closest thing to mechanical mud. And although they are uncalibrated and porous tiles, their maintenance and cleaning are very comfortable. Nothing to do with manual clay.

Extruded stoneware floors do not need to be treated with any wax or waterproofing oil.

In this style the most popular models are the Natural series of Gres de Aragón or extruded stoneware from Greco Gres.

Rustic wall coverings for bathrooms and kitchens

These are normally small tiles with a warm color  that simulate mud.

The difference with the previous group is that they are not resistant enough to be placed on the ground. While the difference with clay tiles is that rustic tiles are glazed and are almost completely waterproof.

In our tile store you will find this type of ceramic in brands such as Pissano or Natucer. These tiles are characterized by their small size, almost always in a square format of 20x20 or 10x10 centimeters.