Everything you need to know about our classic Saltillo Tiles!
About Saltillo Tile
- How much do Saltillo tiles cost?
- What is the difference between Super and Regular Saltillo tiles?
- What is the difference between Sealed and Unsealed Saltillo tiles?
- Is Saltillo tile made out of Terracotta?
- How are Saltillo tiles made?
Sizes, Shapes, and Colors
- What color is Saltillo tile?
- Do Saltillo tiles have size and shape variations?
- How thick is Saltillo tile?
About Saltillo Tile
How much does Saltillo Tile cost?
Saltillo tile is known for its durability, affordability, and high quality. It is a cost-effective option compared to porcelain, ceramic tiles, and other types of stone products. The price of Saltillo tile can vary depending on the region, shipping expenses, and the choice of color finishes and patterns. On average, a 12-inch tile provides the best value per square foot, while other sizes are priced similarly. Traditional Saltillo tiles usually cost around $2.50 to $6 per square foot.
What is the difference between Super and Regular Saltillo tiles?
Super Saltillo tiles are characterized by their rounded edges and corners, as well as a smoother surface. However, they may still have some imperfections. On the other hand, Regular Saltillo tiles have sharp edges and corners, and they may vary in size and have surface irregularities. They may also have chips along the edges. It's important to note that the term "Super" does not indicate superiority. Both Super and Regular Saltillo tiles are considered rustic and are priced the same.
What is the difference between Sealed and Unsealed Saltillo tiles?
Sealed terracotta tiles are pre-sealed at the factory, so they already have a protective surface. This makes installation much easier as there is no need to apply a penetrating sealer. On the other hand, unsealed Saltillo tiles are in their natural state and do not have any sealers applied. As a result, they can develop efflorescence, which is a white powdery substance, on their surface. To prevent this, Clay Imports applies a penetrating sealer to its sealed Saltillo tiles, making them ready for installation.
Regardless of whether you choose sealed or unsealed Saltillo tiles, it is recommended to also apply a topcoat finishing sealer after the installation is finished. This provides additional protection and enhances the longevity of the tiles.
Is Saltillo tile made out of Terracotta?
We often receive the question: “Is Saltillo tile the same as Terracotta tile?” The answer is yes! Saltillo tile is a type of Terracotta tile. However, not all Terracotta tiles are Saltillo tiles. To clarify, Terracotta tile simply refers to a tile made from clay, which can be sourced from various locations worldwide. But Saltillo clay is unique and considered the most durable clay in the world. So, it's okay to refer to Saltillo tile as Terracotta tile, which we often do. When shopping for Terracotta tiles, it's wise to look specifically for Saltillo Terracotta tiles to take advantage of their exceptional quality and durability.
How are Saltillo tiles made?
The raw Saltillo clay is obtained from the earth through man-made pits. To ensure proper humidity, water is added to the clay during the curing process. Skilled artisans then shape the clay into molds by hand. These Mexican tiles are left to dry in the sun, sometimes bearing the occasional footprint of a coyote, chicken, or dog, which serves as a symbol of authenticity. You can watch the entire production process from start to finish here: How It's Made
Sizes, Shapes, and Colors
What color is Saltillo tile?
Saltillo tiles have a unique and rustic appearance due to their natural clay composition. Each tile has its own color variations, which is a normal characteristic that enhances their authentic look. However, it's important to note that we cannot guarantee specific shades of color because each tile is truly one-of-a-kind.
To achieve a more consistent color scheme, we recommend ordering a larger overage of tiles and selecting the desired shades on-site. Keep in mind that colors can vary significantly from one manufacturing batch to another, and factors such as kiln firing and weather conditions can affect the final color of the tiles.
It's worth mentioning that we do not offer color matching, so it's best to order enough tiles for your entire project at once to ensure a cohesive and unified appearance.
Do Saltillo tiles have size and shape variations?
Saltillo tiles are known for their uniqueness, as each one differs in terms of size, shape, thickness, and color. During the manufacturing process, actual size molds are used, but due to the handmade nature of the tiles and the drying and firing process, the final size of the tiles may vary. For example, a 12×12 inch mold may produce tiles that range from 11.25 to 11.75 inches in size.
These variations in size, shape, and overall appearance are what give Saltillo tiles their authentic and rustic look. It's important to note that larger tiles tend to have more variations and imperfections, while smaller tiles have fewer. Additionally, due to the shrinking that occurs during the firing process, the tiles may not lay flat and can have a bow-like shape.
It's worth mentioning that these variations are normal and expected in authentic handmade Saltillo tiles. The end result is a truly unique and one-of-a-kind floor that adds character and charm to any space.
How thick is Saltillo tile?
Saltillo tiles are handmade, which means that their thickness can vary. On average, larger format tiles are about 3/4 inch thick, while smaller format tiles are approximately 5/8 inch thick.
The weight of a 12-inch Saltillo tile can range from 5.1 to 5.5 pounds, but it's important to note that these are just average measurements. Each tile is unique and may differ slightly from these numbers.
To make sure that Saltillo tiles are a good fit for your space, it's recommended to order samples. This way, you can personally verify the thickness, weight, and overall appearance of the tiles before making a larger purchase.