Talavera Tile
embellish any space with color
Talavera Tiles
Talavera Tile, also known as hand-painted Mexican tile, is a great addition to any home project. It is the most commonly-found painted tile in the world today, and it’s easy to see why. This tile is both beautiful and affordable, so you can create an eye-catching space without breaking the bank. If you don’t mind a lot of compliments from visitors to your home, try it as stair riser or floor tile accent. The results are one-of-a-kind.
As with all of our handmade Mexican tile, there are variations in the texture, size, and color of these rustic tiles. That’s how you know you’re getting the real deal.
Wherever you are, whatever your needs, we can help you find the perfect Talavera tile for your project and ship it anywhere.
Traditional Talavera
Traditional Talavera is most commonly seen throughout Mexican, Hacienda, & Spanish style decor. There is a 10-box minimum purchase @ $225/box + shipping. Allow for an approximate 8-10 week lead time.
- 4×4 boxes include 90 tiles
- 6×6 boxes include 45 tiles.
- Allow for up to 30% overage for waste and cuts – there will be some waste in shipping.
Superior Talavera
Superior Talavera is a durable clay product with relief texture that is water-resistant and frost-resistant. We recommend Superior Talavera for flooring and outdoor use. These tiles are available in multiple sizes and are made to order, requiring a 10-box minimum purchase. Allow for an approximate 8-12 week lead time.
Superior Solid Color Talavera
Explore a huge selection of solid color Talavera tiles in gloss and matte finishes. As with our decorative patterns, these solid color painted tiles are made to order with a 10-box minimum (can be combined with decorative tiles). Allow for an approximate 8-10 week lead time.
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What is Talavera Tile?
What is Talavera Tile?
Mexican Talavera Tile roots date back to 15th century Spain. Many of the designs and patterns of this decorative ceramic Talavera tile can be traced back to Chinese and Philippine origins, while older variations of this art form date back to 8th-century Arab culture. During the Middle Ages, craftsmen in Italy began experimenting with glazes, and as a result, many new colors were developed. When the Italians introduced the unison of the Arab, Italian, and Asian motif during the 15th century to Spain, the Talavera Tile ceramic was born. In turn, following the Spanish colonization of Mexico, the Spaniards introduced the new ceramic and Mexican artisans adopted it.
See an example of Talavera tiles combined with Saltillo flooring and Cantera stone fountains at Pancho’s Mexican Food Restaurant in Las Vegas!
Installation Tips
Talavera tiles are handmade, and minor size and color variations are inherent in the manufacturing process. Also, slight instances of warpage and crazing are accepted flaws created by antique firing methods, and simply add warmth and charm to the finished installation. The following instructions are simply a guideline for most project spaces. Consult with your local contractor for details specific to your job site. Expect variations to this process specific to your job site.
- Apply a thin layer of Thinset on the surface to be tiled.
- Place a small amount of Thinset in the middle of the back of the tile. This will give the middle portion enough support to prevent the tile from cracking under pressure.
- Set the tile in place. Do not use spacers because, as we already mentioned, each tile has a slightly different shape.
- Use only sanded grout. Any other kind of grout may crack upon drying. It may be tinted any color. Mix until it acquires the consistency of applesauce. Apply smooth strokes in one direction.
- Allow twenty minutes for the grout to set. A “haze” will begin to appear.
- Use clean water and a clean sponge to gently wipe away excess grout.
- Allow a drying period of 24 hours.
- It may be advisable to seal the grout if it is on a countertop, pool, or tabletop or any wet area. These can be installed in and around pools, but these tiles are not water-resistant. Use proper installation materials, sealer, and installation technique specific to job site requirements, or to make the tiles waterproof.
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