Terracotta tiles: features of material and use

Terracotta tiles are produced from white kaolin clay, which, when fired, acquires a characteristic color, which received the same name. Firing can take up to two days and is carried out at a temperature exceeding +1100 ° C. The material is exclusively natural, no additives.

There are glazed and unglazed terracotta tiles. The latter is distinguished by a pleasant rough surface, it is she who should be recognized as an authentic, historical version.

It was customary to make real terracotta tiles by hand, so they have a somewhat rustic character. Such manufactured tiles will have uneven edges, pronounced roughness, and small flaws. However, even this terracotta has its fans, lovers of retro style, authentic interiors, which have unique details that cannot be found anywhere else..

However, nowadays the more modern terracotta tiles created in the production are usually used, which have found a very wide scope of application:

• flooring. A very popular option, because terracotta tiles look warmer than ceramic tiles and have sufficient durability.
• facade finishing. This option is less common, but still popular, because the appearance of the house gets its own special flavor..
• interior wall decorationand a kitchen apron.
• cladding of fireplaces and stoves. This is a separate case, here terracotta tiles are especially appropriate and successfully compete with other finishing materials..

Benefits of terracotta tiles:

• Environmental cleanliness and safety, due to the peculiarities of production.
• Terracotta always looks aesthetically pleasing and decorative, fits well into a variety of interior styles.
• Despite the fact that terracotta tiles are usually associated with the color of the same name, in fact, they can have colors from gray to scarlet..
• Due to its porosity, terracotta tiles weigh a little, therefore they can be used for finishing small structures, for example, false fireplaces.
• Terracotta does not fade even in the hot sun, is not afraid of severe frosts – withstands up to 70 cycles.
• Terracotta tiles retain heat well, which is why they are so popular when decorating fireplaces and stoves..
• There are many variations in shapes and sizes. Terracotta tiles, by the way, imitate brick very well, as it is its “close relative”.

Important! Terracotta tiles are quite thick – up to 2.5 cm. In addition, due to the existing irregularities in the edges, terracotta is laid on a flat base and has a wide inter-tile seam, which is usually rubbed with the composition used for gluing the tiles. Ordinary grout may not be strong enough.

We state: the increased porosity of terracotta tiles is both an advantage and a disadvantage. It increases the material’s ability to retain heat, endows it with soundproofing properties, and a special appearance. But at the same time, terracotta absorbs more moisture and is less resistant to stains. You can fight this with varnish and waxes, which turn the tiles into a material that is easy to clean and has a smooth surface..