Whether you’re inspired by spending time at a luxury hacienda in Mexico or sipping wine in a Tuscan villa, you’ve likely become enamored with the earthy warmth of spaces with handmade terracotta flooring.
Well, we are, too! That’s why we’ve made it our business to be the terracotta experts for decades!
At Rustico Tile, we focus on offering the best handmade terracotta tiles for homeowners who care about quality. Each artisan terracotta tile shows the skill of our craftsmen, who put their heart into making (by hand!) beautiful pieces that will last for years.
Key Highlights
- Rustico Tile has a beautiful range of premium handmade terracotta flooring options – genuine artisan tiles!
- Our real terracotta tiles are made with high-quality clay in a generations-old artisan process. This makes them affordable, strong, and long-lasting.
- You can find many shapes, sizes, and colors to fit your style and design.
- Whether you want classic squares or modern hexagons, we have many decorative terracotta tiles to match any architectural style.
- At Rustico Tile, you can enjoy cost-effective, durable, real terracotta flooring and world-class customer service. We are the experts in the world of terracotta.
Why Choose Real Terracotta Flooring?
Terra cotta tiles have been used in homes for generations, and there is a good reason why! These strong and water-resistant tiles imbibe a sophisticated yet rustic look into any living space. There’s no denying the authentic character of real handmade terracotta flooring vs. the cheap quality, mass-produced, machine-made look-alikes flooding big box and online sellers today. Whether you want a cozy kitchen or a bright patio, handmade terracotta tiles add value and luxury to your home.
Their appeal is not just about looks. Terra cotta tiles are very durable when 1) sourced from quality clay beds in Mexico, 2) are made by the hands of skilled artisans, 3) are kiln-fired, and 4) are fully sealed for a protected, long-lasting finish. When done correctly, these clay tile floors can handle heavy foot traffic for years, requiring very little maintenance. They are also easy to clean, which makes them a great choice for busy families.
Warning: In the world of terracotta, not all tiles are the same. It’s essential to understand the quality control measures when evaluating any terracotta flooring option for your home or outdoor space. Undeniably, handmade real terracotta from Mexico trumps the quality and longevity of machine-made thin clay tiles.
And we’ll take it one step further—sealed terracotta tiles offer the best value in the long run, are easier and less expensive to install, and require significantly less maintenance over the floor’s lifetime.
The Affordability of Terracotta Flooring
Here’s a nice surprise—terracotta looks great and doesn’t cost a lot. At Rustico Tile, we think everyone should have a touch of artisan craftsmanship in their homes, so we provide a variety of affordable options in the world of terracotta.
The average price for most real, handmade terracotta flooring tiles is $4 – $12 per square foot. Prices vary, depending on your pattern, size, and color selections. It’s possible to find cheaper prices, but those are usually for unsealed tiles, which require significantly more investment in proper sealing on a job site.
Plus, tile contractors (including us) charge more money to install unsealed tiles than sealed terracotta tiles due to the increased complexity and time required. Learn more about why we recommend buying sealed tiles over unsealed tiles.
Here are some reasons why terracotta is a smart choice for flooring:
- Plentiful Material: Terracotta comes from natural clay, which is easy to find in the USA and elsewhere.
- Easy Production: Making Mexican terracotta tiles doesn’t take a lot of complicated steps, which helps keep costs down.
- Durable: Buying terracotta flooring means you are getting something that lasts.
- Eco-Friendly: It’s an eco-friendly flooring solution thanks to its simple artisan manufacturing process, natural clay ingredient, and low carbon footprint.
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Durability Meets Style
Terracotta means “baked earth” in Italian. However, some of the most durable handmade terracotta flooring originates in Mexico – Saltillo tile. The riverbeds in this region of Mexico have one of the richest sources of durable clay in the world of terracotta. In fact, leading interior designers and architects seek out Saltillo tiles for their durability and long lifespans, which make them suitable for hotels, resorts, restaurants, and outdoor living spaces.
Did you also know that terracotta is anything but plain? Each artisan tile has different colors and textures, giving it a stylish and exciting look that feels rustic and on-trend. Today’s terracotta manufacturers boast many shapes and sizes offerings, including timeless choices like hexagon tiles, octagon-pattern floors, arabesque and Riviera patterns, and, of course, a classic herringbone or chevron pattern.
Where Does Rustico Fit in the World of Terracotta?
Rustico Tile & Stone stands out in the world of terracotta with its diverse offerings. From handmade artisan Saltillo tiles, colorful glazed terracotta tiles, hand-painted tiles, and custom tiles, we are a leading supply source. Plus, we ship worldwide at wholesale-direct prices. Rustico embodies world-class customer service, variety, customization, and quality. But feel free to test us… explore other terracotta options around the world. We’ll wait. ☺
Machine-Made vs. Artisan Clay Tiles
Machine-made terra cotta lacks the authenticity and charm of artisan clay tiles like those at Rustico Tile. In the world of terracotta every handcrafted piece tells a story, showcasing the artistry of skilled craftsmen. In contrast, mass-produced tiles may compromise quality and uniqueness (i.e., plain, monochromatic floor tiles). Opting for artisan clay tiles establishes a one-of-a-kind touch to your space that reflects your contemporary style and generations-old traditions. ¡Viva la artesanía! Rustico Tile offers a premium selection of artisan-made clay tiles that transform any space into a work of art.
Italian Terracotta Tiles
We believe handmade Italian terracotta tiles are the next-best alternative to Mexican handmade terracotta flooring. Unfortunately, they come with a hefty price tag, costing as much as 4-5 times the Mexican Saltillo tiles. But when sourced from artisan manufacturers, they are also meticulously crafted with traditional techniques and exude warmth and charisma, adding a touch of ‘pura vida’ to your space. These premium terracotta tiles, with their earthy hues and artisanal charm, are exceptionally water-resistant if you can find them presealed. Like their Mexican primas, they are ideal for indoor and outdoor settings when properly installed. Handmade in Italy, these terracotta beauties embody timeless elegance and durability, making them perfect for those seeking a blend of style and resilience.
(Warning: be wary of buying machine-made Italian terracotta tiles to look like handmade tiles. There’s no comparison in quality.)
Spanish Terracotta Tiles
Like Italian tiles, Spanish terracotta also comes with a hefty price tag, and many manufacturers no longer offer artisanal tiles. It’s less expensive to mass-produce machine-made tiles while benefiting from premium prices. Sadly, artisan Spanish tile manufacturers have succumbed to economic pressures in recent years.
The allure of handmade Spanish terracotta tiles lies in their rustic charm and timeless beauty. The unique matte finish and earthy tones evoke a sense of ‘casa’ wherever they are installed. Experience the essence of ‘arte’ with authentic Spanish terracotta tiles.
Fun fact: Many people refer to Mexican terracotta tiles as Spanish terracotta tiles. As a purely geek-out academic note, only tiles made in Spain are actual Spanish tiles. But to accommodate many of our clients in New Mexico, you’ll see us occasionally refer to our Mexican terracotta tiles as Spanish terracotta tiles.
Mexican Terracotta Tiles & Pavers
Mexican terracotta floor tiles at Rustico Tile are the cream of the crop in terms of quality, price, and look. Exuding warmth and charm, these handmade pieces add a long-lived artisan heritage and spice to any home—indoors and outdoors.
With a range of earthy hues and dozens of sizes and designs, Mexican terracotta floor tiles are a practical and beautiful floor solution for many architectural styles, including hacienda, Spanish Revival, Mediterranean, beach homes, hunting lodges, and log cabin styles. From traditional to contemporary settings, these water-resistant tiles can also be customized in colorful glazes or matte finishes for a personalized look. Viva la experiencia Mexicana with our premium terracotta selection!
Not sure where to start? Learn a little about us and what makes us tick. We’re a small staff who walks with you through every step of the process – from design, tile selections, shipping, installation, and any future maintenance. Plus, when you work with us, we actually know what we’re talking about! Test that theory!
We’re not in this biz to just make a buck – we really like making beautiful spaces while supporting the artisans in Mexico who have been passing down traditional manufacturing methods for many generations.
Explore the Handmade Terracotta Flooring at Rustico Tile & Stone
At Rustico Tile & Stone, we love terracotta. Truly. Our Saltillo and Glazed Terracotta collections feature many different styles and colors of this natural clay.
Terracotta Colors
Terracotta Patterns
Shapes and Sizes of Artisan Terracotta Tile
From classic squares to stylish hexagons, our terracotta tiles can bring your ideas to life. If you like the traditional look of large tiles or the detailed charm of small mosaics, Rustico Tile has something for you.
Our wide selection includes:
- Classic Squares and Rectangles: These are tiles of multiple sizes, from small to large format.
- Trendy Hexagons and Octagons: These geometric shapes add a classic and modern touch to your space.
- Decorative Terracotta Patterns: Arabesque, fleur de lis, Riviera, Botella, and more.
- Intricate Mosaics: Use our beautiful mosaics to make stunning accent walls or special floors.
- Terracotta Pavers: Terracotta brick tiles ideal for outdoor spaces.
Our expert floor’ists will help you find the right tile to match your style and budget!
Beautiful Color Palettes
Terracotta is known for its beautiful earthy colors, but it also comes in many shades beyond the usual reddish-orange. At Rustico Tile, we offer five classic Saltillo colors, customization, stains, and glaze options.
- Traditional Saltillo: terracotta colors ranging from dark to orange and golden.
- Manganese Saltillo: light and dark brown colors with hints of terracotta color undertones.
- Spanish Mission Red Terracotta: dark terracotta shades with minimal color variations.
- Antique Saltillo: hand-textured, non-slip tiles reminiscent of antique Italian terracotta tiles.
- Antique Mission Red Tiles: hand-textured tiles in the Spanish Mission Red color palette.
- Glazed Terracotta Tiles: glazed ceramic tiles in colorful shades or custom colors.
- Custom Stained Tiles: Pick the stain color, and we will customize the tiles for your project.
- Unsealed Saltillo Tile: Yes, you can buy unsealed clay tiles from us. ☺ While we almost always recommend buying sealed tiles for value and durability, there are some instances when installing unsealed Saltillo tiles is best. (Shocker!)
No matter your style, you will find the right terracotta color to bring your ideas to life.
Custom Tile Options
Have a unique vision? No problem! At Rustico Tile, we offer special options for custom terra cotta tiles. You can work closely with our design experts to make your dream design come true.
The process is simple.
- Pick your tile shape and size.
- Explore glazed terracotta colors or custom stain options.
- We produce it for you.
Whether you want beautiful handmade Mexican terracotta or a unique size or shape, our floor’ists are here to help.
Pictures of Handmade Mexican Clay Tiles
Wrapping Up
Unleash the beauty of your space with Rustico Tile’s high-quality terracotta flooring! You can enjoy style without spending too much or dealing with maintenance headaches down the road. With decades of experience, we know more about handmade terracotta floors than anyone.
Not sure where to begin? Contact us for expert help. Make every space count with Rustico Tile & Stone—reach out to us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of artisan terracotta floor tiles?
Artisan terracotta floor tiles offer a unique blend of craftsmanship and long-lasting quality. Their handcrafted nature provides authenticity steeped in artisan heritage to any space, while the natural materials safeguard for durability and a one-of-a-kind look.
Can terracotta tiles be used outdoors?
Terracotta tiles are a great option for outdoor areas when correctly installed. These clay tile floors last a long time and do not absorb water if properly sealed. Just like indoor terracotta, make sure to install fully sealed tiles and finish the installation with the application of a high-quality topcoat sealer. Topcoat sealer provides UV protection and water resistance and seals grout lines.
Are terracotta floors affordable?
Yes, terracotta floors, also called cotto flooring, are usually cost-effective. Prices range from $4 – $12 per square foot, depending on the pattern and color selection. They are affordable when compared to other natural stone options, too. Their price, longevity, and classic look make them popular among homeowners who want to save money.
How long does terracotta flooring last?
Terracotta flooring, especially the handmade Mexican terracotta tiles, is known for its outstanding durability due to the origins of clay in Saltillo, Mexico. It can last for many decades and sometimes even centuries. This lasting beauty is one reason that Mexican terracotta still attracts homeowners today.
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