There are a number of different types of terracotta available and it is important to ensure that you do not cut corners with quality. Terracotta tiles are made of clay, which is taken from the earth and the physical and chemical impurities removed. Sometimes minute stones remain and the tile maker will check the clay as it is shaped and cast individually into frames. Terracotta tiles are left in the sun to dry. On the bottom of the tiles you will see the marks of the sand bed. Sometimes there can even be paw prints or handprints visible on the surface of the tile! If you seek perfection then natural tiles are not for you but in a world of machine made regularity it is refreshing that irregular, chipped, marked and unevenly coloured terracotta is still as popular as ever.
Carrillo Terracotta
A traditional handmade natural terracotta tile. Rich earth red in colour with shade variations, flash marks and imperfections visible on surface. The uneven shape adds character to this traditional looking tile. Variations in size and colour occur from tile to tile and batch to batch.
To bring out the colour in the terracotta they must be sealed and polished. We can advise you about this.
Insets can be replaced with decorative insets. For a full choice of complimentary wall and insets please look at the International section of our site. We have combined traditional Mexican tiles with the terracotta. They are the same product and the rustic, uneven, imperfect hand painted wall tiles compliment the character and classic beauty of this range.
Toscano Terracotta
Traditional, high quality frost resistant Italian terracotta. Warm, reddy brown colours with variations in colour from tile to tile and within individual tiles. There are slight surface undulations and size variation between tiles. They can be fixed externally but must not be sealed in this instance and should be fixed so that water can drain off the surface. Perfect for conservatory, utility or kitchen to give that farmhouse feel. In this instance they would be sealed and polished to bring out the true colour of the tiles.