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The most common Terracotta FAQs answered!

Answers to common questions about Saltillo tile, including pricing, finishes, colors, sizes, and natural variations

About Saltillo Tile

Sizes, Shapes, and Colors

Saltillo tile is a traditional handmade terracotta tile from Mexico, loved for its warm, earthy colors and rustic character. If you're considering Saltillo for your project, here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

About Saltillo Tile

How much does Saltillo tile cost?

Saltillo is generally one of our more affordable handmade tile options. Pricing varies depending on the size, shape, and finish you choose, with traditional 12x12 tiles often offering the best value per square foot.

For the most accurate pricing, we recommend checking the current product listings on our website.

What's the difference between Super and Regular Saltillo?

The main difference is their appearance:

  • Super Saltillo: Features rounded edges and corners with a generally smoother surface.
  • Regular Saltillo: Has straighter edges, sharper corners, and a more rustic appearance with natural surface irregularities.

Both styles are handmade and will have variations in size, color, and texture. The term "Super" simply describes the style, not a higher-quality tile.

What's the difference between sealed and unsealed Saltillo?

Pre-sealed Saltillo has a protective finish applied before it reaches you, helping simplify installation and ongoing maintenance.

Unsealed Saltillo is left in its natural, porous state and requires sealing to help protect against moisture and staining.

At Clay Imports, our traditional Saltillo tiles come pre-sealed in Gloss, Satin, and Matte finishes. Unsealed Saltillo is also available upon request.

Depending on the installation and desired appearance, additional finishing products may be recommended. Always follow the appropriate installation and sealing guidelines for your tile.

Is Saltillo tile a type of terracotta?

Yes! Saltillo is a type of terracotta tile, but not all terracotta is Saltillo.

Terracotta refers to fired clay products, while traditional Saltillo tile is specifically associated with the Saltillo region of Mexico and its surrounding areas.

Like other natural terracotta tiles, Saltillo has a warm, earthy appearance and is naturally porous.

How are Saltillo tiles made?

Traditional Saltillo tiles are handmade using natural clay from Mexico.

Artisans mix the clay with water, press it into molds by hand, and allow the tiles to dry before firing them in a kiln.

Because they're often dried outdoors, you may occasionally find an animal footprint or other natural marking on a tile. These little details are part of what makes traditional Saltillo so recognizable!

You can see the process here: How Saltillo Tile Is Made.

Sizes, Shapes, and Colors

What color is Saltillo tile?

Traditional Saltillo is known for its warm, earthy colors, ranging from golden yellows and oranges to terracotta reds and deeper brown tones.

Because the color comes from natural clay and the firing process, no two tiles will look exactly alike.

Color variation is expected both within an order and between production batches. We cannot guarantee specific shades or provide exact color matching.

For the most cohesive result, we recommend ordering all the tile needed for your project at once and blending pieces from multiple boxes during installation.

Do Saltillo tiles vary in size and shape?

Yes! Saltillo is handmade, so variations in size, shape, thickness, and surface texture are completely normal.

For example, a tile made using a 12x12 mold may finish closer to 11.25–11.75 inches due to natural shrinkage during drying and firing.

You may also notice:

  • Slightly uneven edges and corners
  • Minor surface irregularities
  • Natural bowing or warping
  • Differences in thickness between pieces

Larger-format tiles may show these characteristics more noticeably.

These variations are part of authentic handmade Saltillo and should be considered when planning your installation.

How thick is Saltillo tile?

Thickness varies depending on the tile size and the handmade production process.

As a general guide:

  • Larger formats: Approximately 3/4 inch thick
  • Smaller formats: Approximately 5/8 inch thick

These are average measurements, not exact specifications. Individual pieces may vary.

We recommend ordering samples and having your installer account for natural thickness differences when planning your project.

Is Saltillo tile right for my project?

Saltillo is a beautiful choice for anyone who appreciates natural materials, warm colors, and a rustic, handmade appearance.

However, it's important to remember that Saltillo is porous and is not recommended for freeze-thaw environments. Proper installation, sealing, and maintenance are also important for long-term performance.

If you're unsure whether Saltillo is suitable for your space, our team is happy to help you explore your options before ordering.