- Want to Know More About Saltillo Tile Flooring?
- How Are Mexican Saltillo Tiles Made?
- What Are Saltillo Tile Flooring Shapes & Sizes?
- What Colors Does Saltillo Tile Come In?
- What are the Rustic Characteristics of Saltillo Tile?
- How Much Does Saltillo Tile Cost?
- How is Saltillo Tile Installed and Maintained?
- Mexican Saltillo Random Facts & Myths?
- Let's Talk Tile
Want to Know More About Saltillo Tile Flooring?
Then you’re in the right place.
It’s REALLY tough to make flooring choices. These are permanent decisions (mostly).
So, we wrote this for you—this is your Ultimate Guide to Saltillo tile flooring. Knowing the ins and outs of these Mexican floor tiles can take some stress off your flooring decision… so you can move on to bigger decisions like paint colors, appliance selections, and taco Tuesday options.
So, let’s dive right in.
Is Saltillo Tile the Same as Terracotta Tile?
Yes. Authentic, handmade Saltillo tile is a type of Mexican terracotta tile. In fact, it’s known to be one of the most durable terracotta tiles due to its riverbed origins in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. While there are many varieties of terracotta tiles around the world, Saltillo flooring is highly sought after for its rustic characteristics, durability, and sustainable terracotta clay ingredients.
However, not all terracotta tiles are Saltillo tiles. By definition, only Mexican floor tiles handmade from clay found in the riverbeds of Saltillo, Mexico, can be called Saltillo tiles. Terracotta tiles are produced in many regions worldwide, but the quality and durability of the clay make Saltillo tiles the most ideal for flooring.
Pictures of Mexican Floor Tiles
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Rustico Tile & Stone
What Are the Origins of Saltillo Tile Flooring?
The origin of Saltillo tile flooring is important to appreciate the finished characteristics of handmade, rustic tile.
Let’s tackle the key facts.
Saltillo tile is made in the town of Saltillo, the state of Coahuila, and Mexico. Simply put, if it’s not from this region, it is not authentic Saltillo tile.
Saltillo tile is a type of terracotta tile. In fact, due to its raw materials origins, it’s one of the most durable terracotta tiles available.
- In this area of Mexico, a riverbed lies. This riverbed’s natural resource is clay. If Saltillo tile flooring is not made from this clay, then it’s not Saltillo tile.
- Also, this riverbed clay is known to be one of the most durable clays in the world. That’s what makes this Mexican tile an excellent flooring choice.
- Because it is clay, Saltillo tile is also known as Terracotta tile. (Not all Terracotta tile is Saltillo tile, however.) Terracotta flooring is popular in Spanish Revival Homes.
- Families in Mexico have made this tile for generations. While manufacturing efficiencies have improved over time, the process of making this terracotta tile by hand has remained unchanged.
- A family structure hierarchy is deeply set into the roles of making Mexican tile. For example, young men and women dig clay from riverbeds. Meanwhile, patriarchs supervise the overnight kiln-firing process. Thus, age and experience determine an artisan’s role in manufacturing.
- When the criteria prevail, you have authentic, handmade Saltillo tile – the good stuff.
Considering Saltillo Flooring?
Contact us to talk tile, prices, colors, y mas. We ship this stuff worldwide!
How Are Mexican Saltillo Tiles Made?
Today, Saltillo tile manufacturers produce this Mexican tile in much the same way it was created over 100 years ago. The integrity of its hand-making process preserves tradition and culture. Each tile tells a story.
If it’s not handmade, it’s not authentic Saltillo tile. The finished look and durability cannot be mass-produced by machine manufacturing. It’s these handmade characteristics that make Saltillo tile rustic and unique. Every single tile is different.
First, producers mine clay from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico riverbeds to begin the manufacturing process. Then, strong men and women mix water into hard, compact clay. At this stage, it’s malleable and easy to handle. This process is laborious.
Next, craftsmen hand-press small portions of clay into the tile molds, forming wet clay versions of tiles.
Thirdly, each tile is set on the ground where it bakes in the sun. Producers leave these tiles baking in the sun until they are firm enough to be stacked into a kiln.
Kiln firing is a fascinating process. Imagine a vast hole in the ground. Tiles are stacked by hand layer-by-layer from the bottom of the kiln to the top. Large producers fill this oven with up to 6,000 square feet of flooring. Then, the kiln is set on fire and left to burn for 18-24 hours. (And yes, someone monitors the fire around the clock until firing is complete.) The firing process transforms sun-dried tiles into extremely durable tiles.
Finally, after the tiles cool off in the kiln for another 24 hours, producers move each tile by hand to an area where they apply several coats of penetrating sealer. Some tiles are left unsealed for specific requests. (More on the importance of sealer below!)⇒ And, here’s another relevant point.
Photos of Saltillo Tile Manufacturing
Mexican families create these tiles by hand in an outdoor setting. When we refer to “large” producers, we mean a consortium of families who pass along skills and knowledge from one generation to the next. This is authentic artisan craftsmanship.
Furthermore, when inclement weather strikes Saltillo, Mexico, it impacts production speed. As an illustration, producers must plan kiln-firing around rainstorms. Otherwise, they risk the loss of entire kilns of flooring if a significant storm occurs during the firing process.
⇒ Pro Tip: Due to weather and handcrafted product variables, allow ample lead time when considering Saltillo tile flooring for your next project.
What Are Saltillo Tile Flooring Shapes & Sizes?
Gorgeous Saltillo tile flooring exists around the world! Gone are the days of plain ‘ole square tiles. Today, home and business owners add value and beauty to their spaces with decorative shapes and Saltillo tile patterns.
Let’s look at a few points about shapes and patterns.
Square, Hexagon, Octagon, and Rectangle tiles are shapes and patterns that set the Mexican tile industry standard.
However, there are also decorative shapes, including San Felipe (Arabesque), Fleur de Lis, Riviera Pattern (a combination of San Felipe and Fleur de Lis), Botella, Star & Cross Pattern, and Rhombus.
Saltillo Tile Colors
Saltillo Tile Shapes
Interior designers and architects delight in the possibilities of custom-made shapes and sizes. Mexican producers are open to custom projects if enough quantity is required.
◊ For instance, most Saltillo tiles have an average thickness of 5/8”, but large-format tiles can be up to 1” thick. During installation, set tiles on a concrete slab or prepared wood subfloor.
◊ Conversely, Saltillo pavers are approximately 2” thick and are usually unsealed. Also, Mexican floor tiles can be installed in compacted soil as stepping stones or walkways. There are limited shapes and sizes in Saltillo pavers.
When you’re in an area with typical Spanish-style architecture, look for various styles of these timeless terracotta floors.
What Colors Does Saltillo Tile Come In?
Saltillo tile color options have expanded over the years. Overall, colors span a range of red, orange, brown, yellow, and earthen tones. More specifically, while Traditional Saltillo (terracotta shades) remain the most common, other popular options include Manganese, Spanish Mission Red, Antique, and Antique Mission Red.
Sealed versions of Saltillo display rich, saturated colors, while unsealed Saltillo flooring has pastel and light cream colors. Because it’s natural clay tile, each color choice has a range of variations. Finally, Mexican Saltillo can be customized easily with stains and glazed finishes.
Any authentic Saltillo tile color palette will have imperfections and rustic characteristics including but not limited to color striping, smudge marks, swirling and marbling in random colors from sediments in the clay, pebbles, and speckles, newspaper imprints from the sun drying process, black marks and smudges, ‘Mexico’ stamps (usually on the tile backs or edges but these can smear to the front side), smeared ‘Mexico’ stamp ink, and more. Because every tile is unique, handmade, and fabricated from natural materials, it is impossible to illustrate any color variation possibility fully.
Digging deeper, there are five color choices for Saltillo tile flooring: Traditional, Manganese, Spanish Mission Red, Antique, and Antique Mission Red.
Let’s check them out.
Traditional Saltillo Tile
colors range from light golden to dark reddish-orange
Manganese Saltillo Tile
varying shades of brown & terracotta colors
Antique Saltillo Tile
terracotta tile colors with textured surface
Spanish Mission Red Saltillo Tile
terracotta tile colors in the majority of dark shades
Antique Mission Red Saltillo Tile
mission red color range with antique textured surface
Unsealed Saltillo Tile
pastel colors of raw terracotta tile
It’s important to point out that these color references are specific to presealed Saltillo tiles. Unsealed Saltillo displays raw clay pastel colors in any color finish.
Alongside these color choices, unsealed Saltillo tile is easy to custom stain to a specific color. While this is costly in labor, stain, and sealer materials, it’s a great way to get a precise color of Saltillo tile flooring.
What is the Difference Between Sealed and Unsealed Saltillo Tile?
I don’t have anything against an unsealed tile.
Except for the fact that it creates a plethora of issues. There are no time and money savings when buying and installing unsealed tile. Ever.
Please. Just don’t.
Hear me out on a few points.
Unsealed tile is less expensive than presealed tile at the point of purchase. But by the time unsealed tile is properly sealed and installed, the project is considerably more costly than it would have been had presealed flooring been purchased. Here’s why.
Apply 3-5 coats of a penetrating sealer to unsealed tile before installing it. Without this, Saltillo flooring stains from anything that touches the tile (lunch breaks that result in greasy hands, sloppy handling while setting the tile with thinset, grout stain, etc.).
Many tile installers think one coat of sealer is adequate. This isn’t true. Saltillo tile is porous and requires multiple layers of sealer. Stains happen quickly if a homeowner has a partially sealed (primed) floor.
(It pains me to see this photo.)
An old method of installing unsealed terracotta tiles involves soaking them before setting them with thinset. Don’t do this. It leads to efflorescence issues that are difficult and costly to fix.
⇒ Related: Check out these 5 Things (Not) to do with Saltillo Tile Floors.
So, how do you avoid unnecessary problems and costs?
Buy presealed tile. It’s so much better for you AND your tile installer.
- Quality presealed tile has 3-5 coats of sealer penetrating the clay. The precise quantity depends on the type of sealer. For example, oil-based sealers are optimal for color-enhancing and fortifying clay. This is a BIG TIME quality indicator!
- Installers easily install presealed tiles without the added expense or time necessary to apply separate grout release products. Installing properly sealed flooring eliminates this step.
- Once Saltillo tile flooring is installed, apply a final topcoat sealer to protect the grout and add scratch resistance, UV protection, and water resistance. Plus, the topcoat sealer removes the scuffs that mark up tiles while they are shipped, handled, and grouted.
- Like a glossy or satin finish floor? This last coat of sealer is the cosmetic coating for a desired amount of sheen.
Is there ever a time to purchase Unsealed tile? Yes!
Buy Unsealed Saltillo Tile for projects that require custom colors. Unsealed tile can be stained or glazed for specific projects or to match up to older Saltillo tile floors. This is a go-to technique when new flooring must be modified to match an older, existing Saltillo tile floor.
Or, skip the hassle of customizing your tiles and let us do it for you with our Glazed Terracota Tile collection!
Glazed Tile Colors
Glazed Tile Patterns
⇒ Pro Tip: Once the unsealed Saltillo tile is perfectly stained, it must be sealed with a chemically compatible sealer.
⇒ Related: Learn more about whether to buy Sealed vs. Unsealed tile.
What are the Rustic Characteristics of Saltillo Tile?
Rustic décor is a timeless trend! Fortunately, Saltillo tile flooring is an ideal flooring choice for rustic style décor spaces.
This Mexican floor tile’s handmade, rustic characteristics are why it is sought out worldwide. No two tiles are the same. They’re durable, beautiful, and affordable.
Please examine this picture carefully and keep reading.
In this photo of our Mexican floor tiles, you’ll see a range of rustic characteristics (imperfection) that blend into the The most common rustic characteristics include (but are not limited to):
- 1. Variations in size, color, and texture. As you reference the section above about Saltillo tile manufacturing, it’s easy to see why these variations exist.
⇒ Related: Learn more about What to Expect in Saltillo Tile Flooring
- 2. Lime pops exist. These are minimal white and gray alkali deposits and minerals in the clay. When found at the surface of a tile, the deposits can pop (but not always), leaving behind a chip that blends into the floor. Lime pops are not defects. Instead, they’re rustic characteristics native to terracotta floors.
⇒ Pro Tip: Don’t pick at lime pops if they happen on your floor. It’s best to apply a coat of sealer over the exposed chip so it blends naturally into the rustic style of the floor. If a specific lime pop chip bugs you, replace the tile. I don’t recommend trying to “fix them.” Repair methods usually make the popped area more noticeable. My advice? Embrace the occasional lime pop for its rustic character.
- 3. Efflorescence is a crystalline salt and mineral residue left behind by excessive water. (Hence, don’t soak unsealed terracotta tiles as part of the installation process. The added moisture activates the chances of efflorescence.) It has a powdery, white appearance.
⇒ Pro Tip: How can you avoid efflorescence? It may not be completely avoidable in natural substrates like Saltillo tile, brick, and stone, but you can prevent most of it by installing quality presealed tiles instead of unsealed tiles. Also, mitigate the chances of efflorescence in outdoor or wet areas by applying a waterproofing membrane to the subfloor.
- 4. Also, hairline cracks, bumps, and chips are rustic characteristics found in Saltillo tile flooring. These are not defects. Instead, they are part of the handmade nature of the terracotta tile.
⇒ Pro Tip: Large format sizes include 18″ and bigger tiles, Which have more rustic characteristics and imperfections than 16″ and smaller sizes. These large format sizes are more pillowed and lay less evenly than smaller tiles. There are installation techniques to install these properly, of course. These factors allow for double the overage and more waste and tile selection during installation.
In summary, rustic and handmade characteristics are why Saltillo tiles are known as the “perfectly imperfect tile.”
Want to explore ideas for your project?
Let’s Talk Tile
How Much Does Saltillo Tile Cost?
The price for Saltillo flooring ranges between $3.00 – $10.00 per square foot. But also, many factors determine the exact price, including color, tile pattern, and quantity. Unsealed tiles are less expensive upfront. However, due to the cost of adding coats of sealer, it’s usually less expensive in the long run to purchase presealed tiles at the onset. Lastly, expect prices above $14 per square foot for custom-glazed floor tiles.
Now, to the fun stuff. Shopping!
Not only is Saltillo tile flooring durable and beautiful… it’s affordable, too!
Plus, you can have it shipped anywhere in the world. But there are a few things to know about buying Saltillo tile flooring, which can save you money in the long run.
First, order enough overage. Order at least 15% overage for most standard project spaces to allow for waste, cuts, and borders. If purchasing a decorative shape tile, consider 20% overage because there are more cuts in decorative shapes vs. squares and rectangles. Order 30% overage for large format sizes to allow for more waste and some tile selection since these sizes have more natural imperfections.
⇒ Pro Tip: Measure, measure, and measure again. Don’t spend excess dollars due to short-ordering tiles. Take an accurate measurement of your space. Then, add appropriate overage. Buy that amount.
Next, pick the Mexican floor tile pattern and size. Consider the size of your room and ceiling height as you shop for designs and sizes. By the rule of thumb, buy the largest size that a room can handle. For instance, large-format tiles give the illusion of ample space. Conversely, choose small tiles for small spaces and accent areas.
Equally important is color. Choose a color finish that shoulders the weight of the design style of a room. And recognize that each color finish (Traditional, Manganese, Spanish Mission Red, Antique Mission Red, and Antique) represents a distinct range of colors. So, if there are shades of color not suited to a room, buy an excess amount of overage to cull through colors on the job site. Many of our customers buy 20% or more overage (or more), so they can have some control over the color outcome of their floors.
What can you expect with the delivery of Saltillo tile?
Freight shipping is the best method for Mexican Saltillo flooring. If a pallet of tile is packaged correctly and handled by a professional freight carrier, it arrives in good condition. A few broken or chipped tiles may be present upon arrival. That’s normal and expected with a shipment of clay tile. So, don’t discard them. Use those few tiles as cuts in the installation.
Remember, some waste is allowed as part of the overage you purchase. It’s unrealistic to expect a freight shipment of Saltillo tile not to have a small amount of waste.
How is Saltillo Tile Installed and Maintained?
Saltillo tile flooring is a dream for any reputable tile installer. Because it’s handmade with variations in size, install it with broad grout lines that allow for a lot of flexibility.
Here are a few tips to safeguard the tile-setting process.
- 1. Use appropriate installation materials.
- 2. Prep your subfloor. Crack prevention and waterproofing membranes tremendously reduce ongoing maintenance. Also, these materials mitigate potential installation mistakes.
- 3. A high-quality thinset is a must. Thinset must have enough strength and flexibility properties to bond strongly to tile or stone with size and thickness variations. Don’t use cheap thinset. No one wants tiles popping up after the fact.
- 4. Buy inexpensive grout. That’s right—save money here. Regular mortar mix is traditional grout for Mexican floor tiles. Some other options for colored grout include sanded grout. You can also add a concrete stain to the mortar mix for custom coloring.
- 5. Invest in the best topcoat sealer available. Quality topcoat sealer protects Saltillo tile flooring and grout from scratches and stains. Plus, it makes cleaning easier!
- 6. Clean Saltillo tile flooring with diluted chemicals or steam to preserve the lifespan of the topcoat sealer.
⇒ Related: This is our list of Recommended Installation Materials for Saltillo tile flooring.
⇒ Related: Read specific instructions about How to Install Saltillo Tile on wood and concrete subfloors.
Mexican Saltillo Random Facts & Myths?
We’re in the home stretch!
There are myths and random facts about Saltillo tile flooring that you need to know.
- Fact: Saltillo tile goes by many names, including Mexican tile, Terracotta tile, Spanish tile, Mexican pavers, Lincoln Tile, Southwest tile… and my favorite, Saltilly-O tile.
- Myth: Saltillo tile has painted stripes. Nope, that’s not accurate. While there are stripes on some tiles, these are a result of heat temperature combined with a tile’s placement in the kiln.
⇒ Pro Tip: If you don’t like the stripes, that’s ok. Consider installing them anyway because they blend into the floor’s overall look of color variation. But, if you decide against installing striped tiles, buy an ample amount of overage.
- Myth: Saltillo tile is soft. That’s not accurate because geography matters! For example, the riverbeds of Saltillo, Coahuila, represent the most durable clay in the world. The kiln firing process and multiple coats of penetrating sealer fortify an already durable clay. Saltillo tile flooring is very durable terracotta.
- Fact: It’s impossible to have complete consistency of color in this handmade Mexican tile. It’s natural clay, so color variations exist. Always.
⇒ Pro Tip: If you desire a consistently colored Saltillo tile floor, you have two options. 1) Buy enough overage to sort colors. 2) Apply stain to customize unsealed tiles.
- Myth: Saltillo tile is high maintenance. Properly sealing terracotta floors can reduce maintenance. High-quality sealers have lifespans of up to 10-15 years.
- Myth: Saltillo tile breaks easily. Once again, this isn’t true. The flooring is exceptionally durable. Even more so, with proper installation and maintenance, it outlasts lifetimes.
- Myth: Paw prints are a sign of good luck. I’m not sure if this is a myth or valid. Either way, random animals (dogs, chickens, cats, pigs) roam the fields where Saltillo tile dries in the sun. Folklore indicates that anyone with paw print tiles is destined for good luck.
- Fact: Most importantly, Saltillo tile is AFFORDABLE! It’s known to be a low-cost flooring option. And the low cost is not a tradeoff in quality because, as you’ve learned… it’s also excellent quality flooring!
In summary, reading this article will teach you all about Saltillo tile flooring.
Do you know someone considering Saltillo tile flooring for their project? Share this article with them!
What is the best sealer for a shiny finish?
Hi Howard – Our TerraNano and Crest Sealers are both available in a gloss finish. TerraNano has a 10-15 year lifespan whereas Crest has a 3-5 year lifespan. Someone from our team will reach out to you today via email to gather a few more details so we can send a price estimate for your flooring area.
Hi, Melanie. There’s a photo near the end of this page that notes 16×16 tiles in the pic. The tiles appear rectangular. Is that a result of a camera lense elongation, or do you truly have rectangular tiles? And what are the dimensions—8”x16” ?
Hi Stef – Great question! Those are, in fact, 16×16 Square tiles but the camera angle makes them appear elongated. That said, we manufacture and distribute many Saltillo Tile Shapes and Sizes including rectangles. The most common sizes for rectangles are 4×8, 6×12, and 8×16. If you’d like a price estimate for your project, just give us a call or Request a Quote!
Hi Melanie,
We have the white washed Saltillo tiles that were big in early nineties . They have a pinkish beige cast.
We maintained them twice a year . The area by our island and refrigerator is worn badly . If we were to remove the portion around the island are there any complimentary materials that would work .
Do you ever recommend stripping the tiles repairing and recoloring ?
These tiles are not only in kitchen but run they to family room
And main entrance and foyer
Hi Wendy – all great questions! My very best advice is to find a local tile restoration/repair company who can physically come to your home to assess. There are times to strip Saltillo tile but it’s a tricky process which is best done by a professional. And it’s difficult (if not impossible) to get an “exact” match by installing a new Saltillo tile next to a tile that is 20-30 years old. In my experience, a reputable painter is a great resource as someone who is knowledgable about colors/stains/sealers. In an ideal situation, you may be able to buy unsealed Saltillo tile and have a painter stain/coat those tiles to match up to the existing tiles. But you have to decide what to do with those tiles to freshen them up first! Hope that helps!
Great tips for tile installation i would like to recommend this post to my worker
Thanks Mike – check back often for more tile installation tips and techniques!
We purchased a sealer from a local tile company. We stripped and cleaned with a nano scrub. Then re sealed using a seal and finish both by aqua mix. Some of the floor / tiles are sticky. What went wrong and how do I fix? Thx! Margie Newell
Hi Margie – No fun! We rarely recommend stripping Saltillo tiles because it’s complex and not often done properly. It’s not for the faint of heart! You could have 2 issues going on (possibly a combination of both). 1) If any stripping chemical (even trace amounts) is left in the clay tile, it will delaminate the sealer (i.e. prevent it from sticking to the tile properly). Or 2) The sealer may have been applied too thick. I’m not a huge fan of over-the-counter sealers because they’re not super durable and don’t last long. In your situation, I’d reach out to the company who did the project and troubleshoot a fix with them. Or, if you did the work personally, reach out to the sealer manufacturer to troubleshoot a fix. But regardless, if any stripping chemical is absorbed into the clay and not removed, you’ll struggle with any sealer. You have to get to the source of the problem causing the problem.
Melanie- I am in the process of stripping off a 20+ year old marine varnish, that was wonderful but no longer EPA available, from my super unsealed saltillo tile throughout the interior home floors. My questions refer to a sealant and top coat. I am leaning towards a “lacquer” sealant vs a “water based” sealant. I am looking for a high gloss and richer looking finish. Any opinions? Also I am looking
at your Terranano gloss finish as a top coat for great durablity and shine. Again your input would be
appreciated.
I am in the San Diego area. Do you have any connections in my area? Thank you Donna
Hi Donna, Someone from our team will reach out to you today via the email address that you provided. 🙂
I live inHuntsville, Al and trying desperately to find Saltillo tiles to use in a kitchen and entrance area. I need 295 square feet. There is no local distributor. I am interested in 8×8 sealed traditional tiles….any suggestions?
Hi Sharon – Great news! We ship worldwide. Someone from my team will reach out to you today via the email address that your provided. Thanks for reaching out!
I installed the saltillo tile on my front entry deck 15 years ago. it was sealed after the installation. The sealer deteriorated after a few years and I had it removed and resealed. But apparently moisture got into the tile, and shortly after the installation, effervescent appeared. I have just had the sealer removed the second time, and it looks so good, I’m asking do I have to seal it at all. I live in Florida, and the tile is partially exposed to direct sun and the rest is under roof.
Hi Louis – Great question! First, Saltillo tile does not have to be sealed. But, without a sealer, the floor will easily stain with any spills, dirt, mud, or weather elements. If your concrete slab was properly prepared with a water-proofing membrane, then you shouldn’t have efflorescence from the slab. (check out How to Install Saltillo tile for these tips).
Left unsealed, you will continue to have efflorescence over time due to moisture absorbing into the tile. This may be able to be cleaned with an acid-cleaner (just test first). Alternatively, seal the floor properly. That means that you’ll need to apply enough coats of sealer to the clay (AND grout!) to prevent water from absorbing. When you do this correctly, your issues will be mitigated. (Again, assuming the concrete slab was properly treated with a moisture barrier as is recommended for outdoor installations. As an example, our presealed tiles have 5+ coats of penetrating sealer coated into the clay.
How do you know if your tile is sealed adequately? Pour a little water in several areas of the tile floor (and grout). When it stands on top without absorbing, your tile (and grout) is sealed.
Here are a couple of resources for you –
Saltillo Tile Maintenance & Cleaning Tips – Check out the TerraNano Sealer! It’s our best quality sealer (not the cheapest but it’s the best)
Why Buy Sealed Saltillo Tile
How to Lay Saltillo Tile on a Concrete Slab
Hi. My condo building has outdoor step approaches which lead to a landing at each unit entry. The steps and landings are tiled with satillo. On the step runs the tiles have three tread grooves/lines that run near the stair edge. We’re these grooves/treads added using a tile saw at tile of installation or is there such a thing as a tile that comes with these lines fabricated in the clay. Thanks.
Hi Dave – It’s hard to say without seeing a photo. You’re welcome to email a photo of what you need to match – info (at) rusticotile (dot) com
Hi. What are your thoughts about installing Saltillo tiles on a raised deck/stairs in cold climates (near Chicago)? Any precautions above and beyond the normal ones? I plan to use Ditra on top of 5/8″ treated plywood on 16″ center joists, then the 12×12 unsealed Saltillo tiles. We have approx 150 left over from our kitchen project from 22 years ago. My wife wants to seal at least 3-times, and then use a oil-based polyurethane as top sealer Once installed, the area underneath the deck/stairs will be “sealed”, in a sense, because it will be closed-in with no access. Thanks!
Yes, precautions… ultimately, get advice from your local flooring contractor specific to your space. Generally speaking… Ditra is great for the waterproofing membrane. But don’t install unsealed tiles. It’s far better to install presealed tiles followed by a high-quality topcoat sealer (focusing on the grout lines – make those waterproof!). If your only choice is installing unsealed tile, you must soak those in many coats of sealer to be properly protected. It can get expensive (which is why the value of buying/installing presealed tiles is typically so much better). Good luck with your project!
I am buying a 40 year old home that is 90% Saltillo. I had a home 20 years ago with Saltillo, and felt it was rather high maintenance. My question is whether there a a sealant I can use that lasts longer than 2 to 3 years, which was my experience 20 years ago?
Hi Norman – YES! Sealers have advanced in technology considerably in the past 20 years. Our TerraNano sealer has a 10-15 year lifespan. We also like our Crest Sealer with a 3-5 year lifespan. You can learn more about these in our Saltillo Tile FAQs.