Fired clay or terracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles are ceramic pieces made by shaping clay, allowing it to dry and then firing it. In flooring and wall coverings, the terms terracotta and fired clay are often used for this material, which is known for its warm tones, tactile surface and the natural variation associated with handmade production.

However, not every tile with a terracotta appearance offers the same performance. Clay composition, forming method, firing temperature, finish and any subsequent treatment all affect water absorption, strength, maintenance requirements and the applications for which each product is suitable.

What are terracotta tiles?

A terracotta tile is made primarily from clay and gains strength and stability through firing. It can be produced by hand or industrially, with a natural, treated or glazed surface.

In handmade production, differences in tone, texture, edges and dimensions are part of the finished material. At todobarro, we make each piece individually and treat these variations as an essential quality rather than trying to imitate industrial uniformity. Explore the current range on our terracotta floor tiles page.

Characteristics of handmade terracotta tiles

• Natural color variation. Clay and firing create nuances that can differ between pieces and batches. Check and mix the tiles before installation to distribute those differences evenly.
• Distinctive texture. The surface may show pores, forming marks and small irregularities. Its final appearance depends on the collection and treatment selected.
• Formats and geometries. As well as squares and rectangles, clay can be used to create triangles, diamonds, hexagons and custom compositions. Format, orientation and joint design can completely change how a space feels.
• Variable water absorption. Many unglazed terracotta tiles are porous, but one absorption value cannot be applied to every product. The technical data for each collection is the valid reference.
• A surface that evolves with use. Cleaning, protection and maintenance influence its appearance. A suitable system helps control staining and preserve the intended finish.

Types and finishes of terracotta tile

The term “terracotta tile” covers products with different properties. When comparing options, it is useful to distinguish at least three families:

• Unglazed terracotta. It retains the natural appearance of the clay and can receive treatments that alter its protection, sheen or tone.
• Glazed terracotta. A vitrified layer adds color and gives the surface different properties from the clay body beneath it.
• High-temperature terracotta. The body and its performance vary with the formulation and firing cycle; suitability for a particular use must be checked in the product documentation.

In the todobarro catalog, these differences are represented by our Antique terracotta, Antique glazed tiles and high-temperature terracotta collections. Products should be compared by collection and reference, not by appearance alone.

Where can terracotta tiles be used?

Terracotta tiles can be used on floors and walls in homes, retail spaces and hospitality projects, but the correct application depends on the product and the complete installation system.

• Indoors, consider foot traffic, moisture, the risk of staining, the planned cleaning routine and the desired finish.
• Outdoors, rainfall, drainage, temperature changes, frost risk and slip performance matter as well as traffic. A tile should not be considered suitable solely because it is thick or has a rustic appearance.
• On walls and other vertical surfaces, the substrate, tile weight, adhesive and layout all influence the specification.

If the project will be exposed to the weather, read our guide to terracotta tiles for outdoor spaces and always confirm the specific product with the technical team.

How to choose terracotta tiles

1. Define the application. A bedroom, kitchen, entrance, bathroom, terrace and pool surround each place different demands on a surface.
2. Describe the project conditions. Specify whether it is indoors or outdoors, the climate, exposure to water and expected level of traffic.
3. Review the technical data. Check the declared performance of the exact reference and do not extrapolate figures from another collection.
4. Decide on the finish and maintenance. Natural, glazed and protected surfaces respond differently to use and cleaning.
5. Compare samples. Assess color, texture, format and joints under the actual light and alongside the other materials in the project.
6. Plan the composition. Explore our square, rectangular and triangular tiles, as well as the full selection of colors and collections.

Technical performance: what to check

Water absorption, frost resistance, mechanical strength, slip resistance and chemical resistance cannot be judged by appearance. They depend on the composition and manufacturing process and are determined through testing.

UNE-EN 14411:2016 and ISO 13006:2018 establish definitions, classifications and characteristics for ceramic tiles within their scope. When selecting a specific product, its technical documentation and the manufacturer’s declaration take precedence over any generic table.

Installing terracotta tiles

Installation is part of both the technical and visual result. Before work begins, inspect the delivered material, dry-lay a sample area and mix pieces from different boxes or pallets to distribute natural variations.

The substrate, adhesive, grout, joint width and drying times must be specified for the product and the space. There is no universal joint width for handmade tiles: the joint must accommodate dimensional tolerances and support the intended design. Protecting the floor during construction and allowing the required time before cleaning or treating the surface are equally important.

Read the installation guide for todobarro tiles and confirm the instructions for the selected collection with the installer.

Cleaning, sealing and maintenance

For unglazed terracotta, the final builders’ clean and surface protection should be planned as parts of the same system. Applying an unsuitable product, or applying it while moisture remains in the floor, can change the color and make future maintenance more difficult.

The cleaning routine also depends on the finish. Before using concentrated cleaners, acids, waxes or treatments that have not been specified, check the instructions for the product and test it in an inconspicuous area.

We cover these processes separately in our terracotta cleaning and protection guide and terracotta floor maintenance guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are fired clay tiles and terracotta tiles the same?

In flooring and wall coverings, the terms are often used for tiles made from fired clay. “Fired clay” is a broad description, while “terracotta” is commonly associated with the material’s color and tradition. Actual performance depends on the product, not its commercial name.

Do all terracotta tiles need sealing?

No. It depends on porosity, finish, use and the desired appearance. Porous unglazed surfaces commonly require protection, but the system should be chosen according to the technical data and installation instructions.

Can terracotta tiles be installed outdoors?

Yes, provided that the specific product is suitable for the real project conditions. Climate, frost, water exposure, drainage and slip performance are among the factors that must be checked.

Are differences between handmade tiles defects?

Some variation in tone, texture, geometry and edges is expected in a handmade product. Even so, inspect the material before installation and ask about any piece that does not match the approved sample or specification before it is laid.

From material to project

The right terracotta tile is not selected in isolation: application, climate, layout, joints, treatment and maintenance all form part of the decision. Browse our completed projects for inspiration or contact todobarro to discuss a solution for your space.