Poolside, conservatory or for your backyard pation, few materials offer the warmth and beauty of natural terracotta tile. Usually available in tones of soft pink to deep red, terracotta tile is often thought of as rustic, calling to mind the sunny country charm of Mexico and the Tuscany region or Italy. Terracotta tile is so prevalent in the Mediterranean that it is one of the defining characteristics of Tuscan and Florentine architecture.
Terracotta literally means 'cooked earth' - and that's exactly what it is. Terracotta tile is made of clay that is shaped and then fired at temperatures up to 1100 degrees C. The final color of the terracotta tile is dependent on the composition of the clay used to make it, and can range from a warm bisque color that is characteristically French, to the deep, rich carmine often found in Mexican haciendas.
The porous, unglazed surface of terracotta tile makes it an excellent choice for areas where you want a non-slip surface like around the pool. Most manufactures cater to this by offering specialty terracotta tile shaped for use as rounded pool edging and textured stair treads. Though the unglazed surface can be prone to stains, a good surface finish will minimize that tendency. Once finished, caring for terracotta tile isn't difficult at all - sweep frequently to avoid grit that can mar the tile.
Besides the range of colors available, terracotta can be found in many different sizes and shapes. It trims and cuts easily with glazer's tools, so it's easy to create unique patterns on walls and floors by fitting rectangular, square, octagonal and hexagonal tiles together. Traditional square tiles are still the most popular, but modern designers have introduced terracotta tile to a variety of new patterns and layouts that can create striking contrasts and highlights. A terracotta tile floor is more than just safety conscious. When you combine it with finished ceramic tile in borders or as highlights, the end result is a stylish, modern look that lifts terracotta tile out of the realm of 'rustic charm' and into the big leagues of style and elegance.
In short, terracotta tile is durable and stylish. The non-porous slip-resistant finish makes it a popular style for floors and walkways around swimming pools. The warm tones of natural terracotta file blend easily with any decor, offering Old World charm and beauty.
Here are some tips on caring for terracotta file: