Terracotta Floor Tiles

What are terracotta tiles? 

From pots to paving, terracotta is a familiar building material all over the world. Terracotta tiles are made by sculpting iron-rich clays into moulds and firing them in a kiln. In fact, the name terracotta is derived from the Latin word ‘terra cocta’ which means cooked earth!

During the firing process, the iron in the clay reacts with oxygen, giving the terracotta tiles their distinctive reddish colour, although other hues from salmon pink to brown are often seen. These earthy colours have made terracotta tiles a very popular choice for interior floors, offering a rugged look that won’t date over time. 

Is terracotta on trend? 

Take it from us, terracotta tiles are the next interiors trend and they're the new/old material du jour. Want proof? Pick up any interiors magazine and you’re you’re sure to see those familiar burnt orange hues dancing on the pages. And in our eyes, it’s about time too - after all, terracotta’s been a design staple for over 5,000 years! 

What are the benefits of terracotta effect tiles? 

Being the trend-setters we are, we’ve got a small but cracking range of terracotta effect tiles we just know you’ll love. Why terracotta effect, we hear you say? Well, much as we love natural terracotta, it’s not that practical for family homes, if we’re being honest. It’s likely to scratch, will wear over time and being porous, is incredibly easy to stain. 

However, our terracotta tiles are all made from porcelain which means they’re really easy to live with. They’re also incredibly lifelike and will give your home all the warmth and character you’d associate with natural terracotta, with none of the drawbacks. Hard-wearing, stain-proof and resistant to wear, they will look good as new for years to come. 

Where can I use terracotta effect tiles? 

Our terracotta floor tiles are suitable for floors throughout your home, from kitchens and conservatories to bathrooms and hallways. With their muted tones, they work wonderfully well with almost all interior styles and make the perfect foundation for any room - whether your style is classical, modern or somewhere in between. 

Can I use terracotta tiles on walls? 

While customer favourites like Siena Cotto and Clays Cotto are designed to be laid on floors, many of our terracotta tiles can also be used on walls. They’re a great way to add subtle class to your splashbacks - a step up from plain white tiles yet firmly on the right side of sophisticated. Look towards the simple styling of Dwell Earth or the classy take-on-terrazzo that’s Starburst Cotto. Alternatively, why not clad an entire bathroom wall in Locke Almond Decor, to create a trendy fluted feature? 

Are terracotta tiles only for rustic interiors? 

It’s a myth that terracotta tiles are only suitable for rustic and traditional design schemes. In fact, they can bring their understated character to almost any kind of interior or home. For example, our Croft Cotto tiles have a reclaimed air about them, that’s perfect for crafting a Japandi-style bathroom, especially if paired with Countrywide Cream wall tiles. Meanwhile, the refined tones of Locke Almond are made for minimal rooms, whether that’s a contemporary wetroom or a modern conservatory. 

Do terracotta effect tiles need to be sealed? 

Authentic terracotta must be sealed as it’s porous and prone to staining. However, our terracotta effect tiles are made from porcelain, which is non-porous. This means they don’t need to be sealed, ever. 

Can I use terracotta effect tiles outside? 

Although plenty of Mediterranean villas have beautiful terracotta patios, we don’t recommend using natural terracotta tiles outside in the UK. Our cold, wet climate and porous terracotta don’t mix well together. In the winter months, water can be absorbed in the body of the tiles, freeze, then thaw when temperatures rise. This freeze-thaw cycle can cause tiles to crack and lift up. 

However, all of our terracotta tiles are actually made from porcelain, which is frost resistant and resistant to fading in the sun. This means they can be used outside, whether you’re creating a Moroccan terrace or a rustic retaining wall. If you’re thinking of using porcelain tiles as a patio outside, you will need to consider the slip rating of your chosen tiles or use an anti-slip treatment after installation.