Spanish Mission Red Tile
terracotta floor tile
Spanish Mission Red tile is a popular flooring option in our Saltillo tile product line. It draws inspiration from the early Spanish explorers and missionaries. These charming brick-red terracotta floors bring a touch of history and warmth to any space, reminiscent of the old missions and early settlements.
The rich hue and rustic texture of these tiles add character and a cozy feel to your home, creating an inviting atmosphere that will surely impress guests and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Embrace the heritage of Spanish Mission Red tile in your indoor or outdoor spaces for a touch of historic elegance that will never go out of style!
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If you like Saltillo flooring but desire more consistency in the terracotta colors, then our Mission Red Spanish tile may be a perfect choice. While there is still some color variation among tiles (even within an individual tile), there exists minimal light or yellow shades typical of Traditional Saltillo flooring.
→ Myth Buster: Spanish Mission Red tile is not a “red” tile. This terminology refers to tiles in terracotta shades of color, a generations-old industry term for brick red tiles.
And just like other Saltillo tile colors, this color choice is available in all of our Saltillo Tile Patterns.
→ Learn more about Saltillo tile in our Ultimate Guide to Saltillo Tile Flooring.
What is Spanish Mission Red Tile?
Spanish Mission Red tile refers to a type of terracotta tile commonly used in Spanish colonial architecture. It is characterized by its distinctive brick-red color and rustic, handmade appearance. These tiles are often used for roofing or flooring, adding a touch of traditional Spanish-style charm to any space.
What are the Benefits of Using Spanish Mission Red TileFlooring?
Spanish Mission Red tile offers several benefits, including durability, natural insulation properties, and a timeless aesthetic. Its Saltillo clay composition allows for excellent heat retention, making it a popular choice for warmer climates. Additionally, the rich brick-red tile color adds warmth and character to any space. The rustic look is part of the beauty of this natural terra cotta clay tile.
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How Does Spanish Mission Red Flooring Tile Get Its Color?
kiln-fired brick red terracotta tile
These natural clay tiles are produced to reflect more consistency than other Saltillo tile colors.
Most people don’t realize that the kiln-firing process and stain additive in the penetrating sealer directly impact the final color of sealed terracotta tiles. Heat distribution in the kiln also produces varied colors in the clay tiles.
So, when we produce our Spanish Mission Red tiles, we manipulate the tiles in this firing process to mitigate the number of lighter colors produced, making them look like brick red tiles. Check out our library of Spanish Mission Red tile pictures online.
Please refer to the sample pictures to examine the tile’s texture more closely. If necessary, you may order a sample.
Myth buster → Saltillo tile is not painted. The color enhancement comes from a stain additive in our penetrating sealer that is applied during manufacturing. These several coats of sealer also fortify the clay. And, when you see a “stripe” on a single tile, this is an effect of the firing process where tiles are stacked on top of one another. It’s completely normal and should be expected in handmade Saltillo tiles.
Finally, though our goal is to produce a more consistently colored Saltillo floor, there will always be some color variations, even in our brick red tiles. Most of the variation is within terracotta shades. But because this is natural clay, there will be minimal amounts of light terracotta colors along with yellow, cream, and golden shades.
Why is it Considered Rustic?
handmade clay tile variations
Because our Spanish Mission Red tile is a type of Saltillo tile, it has well-known rustic characteristics.
Did you know that Saltillo flooring has been made by hand for many generations? While working conditions, artisan techniques, kiln-firing processes, and quality of sealers have improved over the years, Saltillo tile remains known as the “perfectly imperfect tile.”
Expect to find variations in color, texture of the tile, size, shape, and thickness in handmade Saltillo tiles. You’ll even find an occasional paw print, which Mexican tradition refers to as good luck! In fact, no two tiles are the same.
These characteristics are not defects; they are an effect of a generations-old artisan process that uses old-world methods and local natural resources. These include the clay deposits from Mexico introduced to this region by the first Spanish explorers and missionaries who made the first missions with adobe clay tiles, which were only saun-air dried.
Additionally, the floors, walls, and roofs of these missions were covered with terra cotta tiles, showcasing the rustic charm and traditional craftsmanship of the era.
Buy Spanish Mission Red Tiles Online
explore our samples store
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Arabesque Spanish Mission Red Tile | San Felipe Flooring Pattern$3.50 -
12×12 Spanish Mission Red Mexican Floor Tiles | Mexican Pavers$4.10 -
16×16 Spanish Tiles in Mission Red Flooring – Rustico Tile$7.00 -
Picket Tile Pattern | Rustico’s Spanish Mission Red Saltillo Flooring$5.40 -
12×12 Octagon Tile in Spanish Mission Red Terracotta Flooring$5.25 -
12×12 Saltillo Tile | Antique Textured Non Slip Tile Flooring | Rustico$4.25
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