Can Sealed or Unsealed Terracotta Tile Be Used in a Steam Shower?
Natural terracotta is porous, and even when sealed, it may not be the best choice for a steam shower. Here's why.
We generally do not recommend natural terracotta tiles for steam showers, even when sealed.
Unlike glazed tile, natural terracotta is porous and absorbs moisture more readily. Steam showers create constant exposure to heat, humidity, and vapor pressure, which can increase maintenance requirements and the risk of moisture-related issues.
What If the Terracotta Is Sealed?
Sealing helps protect terracotta from moisture absorption and staining, but it does not make the tile waterproof or vapor-proof.
Even pre-sealed terracotta, such as our Saltillo collections, may require additional maintenance in steam environments. Over time, prolonged moisture exposure can contribute to staining, efflorescence, or sealer deterioration.
For these reasons, we generally recommend reserving our Saltillo, Organic, Reverse, Pressed, and D'Hanis Terracotta collections for applications outside of steam enclosures.
What About Cotto Terracotta?
Our Cotto Terracotta has a denser clay body than traditional terracotta, making it more resistant to moisture absorption.
While Cotto may be a potential option with proper sealing and a steam-rated installation system, it is still an unglazed natural clay product that requires additional care and maintenance.
We recommend discussing your specific project with our team before selecting Cotto for a steam shower.
What Do We Recommend Instead?
For steam showers, we generally recommend exploring our glazed clay tile collections, along with a properly constructed steam-rated waterproofing and vapor-control system.
Have questions about a particular tile? Reach out to customersupport@clayimports.com, and we'll be happy to help you explore your options!