Spanish terracotta tile floors are the epitome of rustic meets artisan craftsmanship meets luxury. This flooring should outlast your lifetime. But, how can you make sure that happens while keeping the artisan tiles looking good?
Whether you’re renovating a traditional hacienda-style home or adding warmth to a modern interior, properly installing and maintaining these tiles is key to preserving their beauty and longevity. From preventing cracks during installation to sealing and cleaning techniques that enhance their rich, earthy tones, caring for your Spanish terracotta floors ensures they remain stunning for decades.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps for installing, maintaining, and preserving Spanish terracotta tile to keep your floors looking their best. Whether you’re a homeowner or a designer, understanding these best practices will help you maximize the life and look of your artisan flooring. Keep reading to discover expert tips on sealing, cleaning, and protecting your investment in authentic Spanish Terracotta Tile!
Vamos, amigos!
First, let’s give this topic some historical context! Black and brown glazed terracotta tiles were uncovered during restoration works at the Rotorua Museum in Rotorua, New Zealand. They will remain part of the renovation works that can last until 2027. Appreciated for their beauty and durability, terracotta tiles remain a popular flooring material. This can be attested to by the renowned Bath House building that dates back to 1908. That’s over 100 years old!
Proper Installation of Spanish Terracotta Floors
Spanish terracotta tile floors are known for their rich, rustic vibe and durability. However, their longevity depends on proper installation and maintenance. A well-installed Spanish terracotta tile floor remains stable, resists cracks, and retains its beauty for decades. On the other hand, uneven subfloors, poor grout application, and lack of sealing can lead to shifting, moisture damage, and deterioration over time.
Waterproofing & Crack Prevention Membrane
We’ve got some pro tips! Start with a level and debris-free subfloor to prevent these issues, making a solid foundation for the clay tiles. A proper moisture barrier is essential in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and basements to protect against efflorescence, dampness, and mold. We recommend applying a 2-in-1 membrane as a full application across concrete subfloors in moisture-prone areas. Why not benefit from getting moisture barrier protection alongside crack prevention protection at the same time? (Also, see our article about installing on wooden subfloors if this applies to your space.)
Thinset and Grout Choices
Premium thinset is a must for setting Spanish terracotta tiles. Thinset is the adhesive that glues these tiles to the subfloor. Handmade terracotta tiles are thicker than porcelain tiles or machine-made ceramic tiles. This means they require a thinset formulated for adhesion to heavy tiles. Most fully or semi-modified thinsets will do the trick! Pro tip: Avoid cheap thinsets if you’re working with heavy tiles like terracotta. No one wants to deal with tiles popping up or hollow spots under the tiles after the tile job is complete!
Next, choosing high-quality Spanish terracotta tiles and using premium grout, applied according to manufacturer guidelines, will ensure a flawless and long-lasting finish. For example, our clients use regular mortar mix or sanded grout when installing handmade Saltillo terracotta tiles (one of the most durable types of terracotta flooring available.)
Sealer for Spanish Terracotta Tile
Sealing your Spanish terracotta floors is also a crucial step. Unless you plan on customizing your floor with a stain, always buy and install a fully sealed terracotta tile. This will save you a small fortune and many headaches in the long run. A penetrating sealer helps repel moisture and stains while maintaining the natural beauty of the tiles, whereas topical sealers offer extra UV protection and scratch resistance. (Apply topcoat sealer after the Spanish terracotta floors are installed to avoid the expense of an additional grout sealer.) And…always buy the best quality topcoat sealer possible to reduce the maintenance of your floor for many years. Regardless of the sealer you choose, this step enhances the durability and elegance of your terracotta floors.
By following these best practices, you can enjoy the warmth and timeless appeal of Spanish terracotta tile floors for years to come. Stay tuned for expert maintenance tips to keep your tiles looking their best!
Considering Terracotta Flooring?
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Maintenance and Care of Spanish Terracotta Tile
Maintaining your terracotta tiles is critical to making sure that they remain functional and in tip-top condition! In fact, proper tile maintenance has a vital role to play as regular cleaning removes grit and dust that can damage the surface over time. And fortunately, cleaning and maintenance is MUCH easier when you’ve installed presealed tiles and a high-quality topcoat sealer.
Even with sealer protection, following these common-sense maintenance guidelines is prudent.
Cleaning Tips
Some of the best advice we can offer for Spanish tile is about cleaning! Promptly clean spills to prevent moisture from seeping into the pores of the tiles and grout which can cause permanent damage or stains. Cleaning tiles not only maintains the luster and beauty of terracotta but also creates a more inviting, warm, and hygienic space. It’s best to use a diluted floor cleaner or a water and vinegar mixture to preserve the life of your tile sealer.
If you have a busy schedule and cannot find time to clean your floors regularly, consider hiring professional floor cleaning and waxing services. They have the expertise and knowledge to use the correct cleaning solutions and techniques, minimizing damage to the floor tiles. Plus, they have access to the right equipment and cleaning solutions that may not be readily available to private individuals. Not only that, but they can do the job quicker and more efficiently, saving you time and money in the long run.
To illustrate, professional cleaners can effectively remove deep-seated grime and stains that may be difficult to eliminate using regular cleaning methods. Grout lines, which can become discolored and stained over time, are also addressed, giving your tiles a clean appearance. High-quality sealers and waxes that professional cleaning companies use ensure optimal protection for your Spanish terracotta tiles.
Wax or Terracotta Tile Sealer
Let it be known – we do not recommend waxing our Spanish terracotta tiles. The waxed finish creates ongoing maintenance that high-quality tile sealers can avoid. So, if given the choice of sealer vs. wax, choose the sealer option to reduce ongoing maintenance.
To sum it up, consider contracting professionals to seal and clean your tile floors. If floors are heavily soiled, stained, or showing signs of tear and wear, your tiles may benefit from professional cleaning and restoration. It’s also possible to schedule regular professional cleanings if your floor receives heavy foot traffic. They can be a worthwhile investment if you lack the time and expertise to properly maintain your Spanish terracotta flooring.
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