What Is Terracotta?
Terracotta is a material, the name of which comes from an Italian phrase that means “baked-earth”. Terracotta tiles are made from clay that has been shaped into their form and then fired or baked to become hard. They are a variety of ceramic tiles that are porous. Most natural terracotta floor tiles come sealed in order to protect them from spills which can lead to mold or stains. Some terracotta tiles are burnished to create a tighter surface finish to reduce water absorption.
Terracotta ranges in warm earth toned colors from yellow to red, brown, and pink. The color comes from the high iron content of the soil from which the clay is found.
Terracotta Tile Finishes
There are two main tile finishes for terracotta: glazed or unglazed. Glazed terracotta floor tiles have a colored or transparent vitreous coating. This coating protects the terracotta tile floor from any liquid that is spilled. It prevents stains and the growth of mildew. Manufacturers create terracotta tiles in a variety of glaze levels from semi-glazed to high-glazed. Glazed terracotta tiles offer many benefits but are more expensive than unglazed tiles. Unglazed tiles do not have a protective coating, but have a more natural look. Sealing unglazed tiles will give the surface some protection against moisture and stains.
A beautiful entryway clad with hexagon terracotta tiles and a glazed wall, with a rough wood bench and beams, lots of potted plants.
A beautiful rustic kitchen with lots of natural light, shiplap walls, a terracotta tile floor, slate grey cabinets, leather stools.
A bright dining space with a stained table, white curved chairs, a pendant lamp, a hearth, a bold artwork and a terracotta tile floor.
A bright modern kitchen with white fluted glass and green shaker style cabinets, black countertops, white square tile walls and a terracotta tile floor.
Terracotta tile floor adds warmth to this contemporary bathroom in neutrals. An oval tub and glass-enclosed shower space create a sleek look, complemented by a wall-mounted sink. Use terracotta tiles for a modern yet cozy bathroom.
A creamy kitchen with curved cabinets, a large kitchen island with a seating zone and a terracotta tile floor that adds interest and texture.
A glazed wall brings light into this cozy farmhouse bathroom. The design feels warm and inviting, perfect for a rustic home. Use glazed walls to brighten up your bathroom space.
Neutral tiles and a terracotta tile floor define this farmhouse bathroom. An oval tub and glass door to the garden add a touch of luxury, while neutral textiles keep the look calm. Use glass doors to connect your bathroom to the outdoors.
A farmhouse dining room with white shiplap walls, a built-in banquette seating, a round table and a terracotta tile floor.
Terracotta Tile Pros
Terracotta floor tiles are very durable. Glazed terracotta is the most durable form of tile, though unglazed tiles with a quality sealer are also long-lasting. All terracotta tiles wear better in covered and protected areas. Unglazed tile is the most fragile and may crack in cold environments.
Terracotta tiles create a gorgeous and earthy style with depth and texture. Designers use clay tiles in versatile home design from modern and contemporary to rustic and traditional.
Terracotta tiles are sustainable and recyclable floor choice. Clay is a less expensive natural floor product compared to natural stone surfaces and porcelain tiles. Installing terracotta tile can be a DIY job if you have experience in tiling, which again decreases the costs.
A farmhouse kitchen with a terracotta tile floor, blue cabinets, a navy kitchen island, a black cooker, wooden beams and pendant lamps.
A farmhouse kitchen with a terracotta tile floor, grey cabinetry, a graphite grey kitchen island, wooden beams and pendant lamps.
A farmhouse kitchen with green shaker cabinets with white stone countertops, a terracotta tile floor, a stained vintage table and chairs.
A farmhouse kitchen with tan plaster walls, a terracotta floor, a concrete kitchen island, a wooden dining set and metal pendant lamps.
A farmhouse laundry with a terracotta tile floor, navy cabinets, white countertops, open shelves and a basket is very cozy.
Blue printed tiles bring Mediterranean charm to this bathroom with a terracotta tile floor. Stained cabinets and arched mirrors add elegance. Use blue tiles for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired bathroom.
A mid-century modern living room with glazed walls, a terracotta tile floor, a fireplace, some seating furniture, potted plants.
A mid-century modern living room with white walls and a ceiling, a terracotta tile floor, a leather sofa, a stained cabinet and a fireplace.
White skinny tiles and square terracotta tiles give this modern bathroom a clean look. A large neutral vanity and potted plants complete the design. Use tiles and greenery to create a fresh, modern bathroom.
A modern black kitchen with a terracotta tile floor, black cabinets, butcherblock countertops and a backsplash is a bold and catchy space.
A modern farmhouse bathroom clad with terracotta tiles, with black cabinets and a rough wood table that is a kitchen island.
Terracotta Tile Cons
Terracotta is a porous substance similar to natural travertine. Glazing and sealing makes the floor tiles more water resistant. If you have unglazed terracotta flooring tiles, it is important to wipe up any spills before they have a change to soak into the tiles.
Water will not soak into glazed tiles, but these may become slippery when wet. Make sure that if you are using glazed tiles in areas with water they have a slip-resistant surface.
If you have unglazed tiles, sealing your floor is the first step to beginning well. Use a commercial sealer formulated for terracotta or create your own with linseed oil and turpentine. Check by dropping a bead of water onto the floor. If it soaks into the tile, reseal the tile.
A modern farmhouse bathroom with white tile walls and a terracotta hex tile floor, a whitewashed vanity, an oval tub and greenery.
A modern farmhouse kitchen in black and white, with a terracotta tile floor, black cabinets and a large table as a kitchen island.
A modern farmhouse kitchen with a terracotta herringbone tile floor, blush cabinets, a white marble backsplash and pendant lamps.
A modern farmhouse kitchen with a terracotta tile floor, a white subway tile backsplash, white shaker style cabinets, dark-stained wooden beams.
A modern farmhouse kitchen with a terracotta tile floor, black cabinets, a large kitchen island, pendant lamps.
A modern farmhouse kitchen with lower grey cabinets and a large kitchen island, a terracotta tile floor and pendant lamps.
A modern grey kitchen with a glazed wall, a terracotta tile floor, graphite grey cabinets and a white dining set.
Terracotta and neutral Zellige tiles bring a rustic charm to this modern bathroom. An oval stone tub and a woven pendant lamp add natural touches. Use Zellige tiles for a textured, rustic feel.
White plaster walls and a terracotta tile floor define this modern rustic bathroom. A stained vanity, oval tub, and greenery complete the look. Use plaster walls for a clean, rustic aesthetic.
A modern rustic dining room with white walls and wooden beams, a terracotta tile floor, a whitewashed table and woven chairs.
Location For Use
Terracotta tiles work best in covered locations in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Outdoor applications should be limited to climates that do not experience regular freezing temperatures. If outdoor tiles soak in water and it freezes, the tiles can crack.
A modern rustic living room with a stained ceiling and wooden beams, a terracotta tile floor, white seating furniture, a black hearth.
A modern Sapnish living room with wooden beams and a terracotta tile floor, a hearth, built-in seatings, printed texiles.
A Moroccan bathroom clad with terracotta tiles, with blue ones and blue curtains, a Moroccan pendant lamp and a dark-stained dresser.
White Zellige tiles cover this neutral bathroom, featuring a shower space and an oval tub. A terracotta tile floor and stained vanity add warmth. Choose Zellige tiles for a clean, textured look.
A large window and a tub next to it create a refined vintage feel in this neutral bathroom. A terracotta tile floor and an acrylic stool complete the look. Position your tub by a window for a vintage touch.
A wabi-sabi tub and terracotta floor bring a serene vibe to this neutral bathroom. White plaster walls with niches, a white stool, and baskets add functional elegance. Incorporate niches for extra storage and style.
A neutral Provence kitchen with a terracotta tile floor, tan cabinets, a large hood and a white Zellige tile backsplash.
A neutral shabby chic kitchen with a Provence feel, a terracotta tile floor, shabby chic whitewashed furniture and an entrance to the garden.
A refined vintage breakfast nook with a terracotta tile floor, a blue banquette seating and a chair, a stained table and a chic chandelier.
A rustic Spanish style liivng room with terracotta tiles and plaster walls and a ceiling, a refined daybed, baskets and potted plants.
How To Clean Terracotta Tiles
Vacuum your terracotta floors on a regular basis to keep them free of dust, debris, and sand that can stain or scratch the surface. Do not use a vacuum attachment that scratches the floor. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush.
Mop your terracotta tiles each week with warm water and a cleaner for terracotta. Do not use a soaking mop. Instead, use a mop that you have wrung out to avoid leaving standing water on the tiles.
A Spanish style corridor with terracotta tiles, dark-stained and white upholstered furniture, tall candelabras and a glazed wall.
A Spanish style kitchen with a terracotta tile floor, navy cabinets, a large cooker and a built-in hood, dark-stained wooden beams.
A vintage kitchen with sage green shaker style cabinets, a large hood, a glossy tile backsplash, a wooden table and some artworks.
A vintage space with a terracotta tile floor, a dark-stained console table, decorative plates and a vintage lamp.
A vintage-inspired white kitchen with only lower cabients, a large cooker and a hood, stained beams, a large table that is a kitchen island.
A welcoming kitchen with a large window, a terracotta tile floor, light-stained cabinets, open shelves and a large kitchen island.
A white famrhouse kitchen with a terracotta tile floor, white shiplap cabinets, niches, a large kitchen island and pendant lamps.
A white galley kitchen with sleek cabinets made more eye-catchy with a terracotta tile floor, butcherblock countertops and artwork.
A white laundry room with a terracotta tile floor, white storage cabinets, baskets and shelves, pendant lamps.
An outdoor living room with a terracotta tile floor, white seating furniture, a low coffee table, potted plants and a wooden ceiling with beams.