--- title: What is the difference between Natural Terracotta and Speciality Terracotta? description: Terracotta is an umbrella term, so we have broken down the types of terracotta into 2 categories, Natural Terracotta and Specialty Terracotta. --- [Skip to content](https://help.clayimports.com/what-is-the-difference-between-natural-terracotta-and-speciality-terracotta#main-content) - [English](https://help.clayimports.com/what-is-the-difference-between-natural-terracotta-and-speciality-terracotta) - [Español - México](https://help.clayimports.com/es-mx/cuál-es-la-diferencia-entre-terracota-natural-y-terracota-especial) English Show submenu for translations Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [English](https://help.clayimports.com/what-is-the-difference-between-natural-terracotta-and-speciality-terracotta) - [Español - México](https://help.clayimports.com/es-mx/cuál-es-la-diferencia-entre-terracota-natural-y-terracota-especial) English Show submenu for translations - clayimports.com clayimports.com Let's talk tile and more! - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Frequently Asked Questions](https://help.clayimports.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Our Products](https://help.clayimports.com/our-products?hsLang=en) 3. [Terracotta](https://help.clayimports.com/our-products?hsLang=en#terracotta) # What is the difference between Natural Terracotta and Speciality Terracotta? ## Terracotta is an umbrella term, so we have broken down the types of terracotta into 2 categories, Natural Terracotta and Specialty Terracotta. Terracotta is a broad term for tiles made from natural clay. At Clay Imports, we've organized our terracotta offerings into two main categories: Natural Terracotta and Specialty Terracotta, making it easier to explore the different styles and finishes available. ### Natural Terracotta Our [Natural Terracotta](https://clayimports.com/collections/natural-terracotta) collection features traditional handmade Saltillo tiles from Mexico, known for their warm, earthy colors, rustic textures, and natural variation. These tiles are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different surface textures and three standard pre-sealed finishes: - **Gloss:** A shiny, reflective finish. - **Satin:** A soft sheen with a more subtle appearance. - **Matte:** A low-sheen finish for a more natural look. Unsealed Saltillo is also available upon request. Natural Terracotta is a great choice for those who love the character and variation of traditional handmade clay tile. You can sample here: [Natural Terracotta Samples](https://clayimports.com/collections/natural-terracotta-chip) ### Specialty Terracotta Our [Specialty Terracotta](https://clayimports.com/collections/specialty-terracotta)collection includes a wider range of clay tiles, each with its own manufacturing process, appearance, and characteristics. These collections include: - [Cotto Terracotta](https://clayimports.com/collections/producttype_cotto) - [Terracotta Pavers](https://clayimports.com/collections/terracotta-pavers) - [Organic Terracotta](https://clayimports.com/collections/organic-terracotta) - [D'Hanis Terracotta](https://clayimports.com/collections/producttype_dhanis) - [Reverse Red Terracotta](https://clayimports.com/collections/reverse-terracotta) - [Pressed Terracotta](https://clayimports.com/collections/pressed-terracotta) Depending on the collection, you'll find differences in color, texture, thickness, sealing requirements, and recommended applications. You can sample here: [Specialty Terracotta Samples](https://clayimports.com/collections/speciality-terracotta-samples) Some offer a more refined or consistent appearance, while others feature the same rustic character and natural variation associated with traditional terracotta. ### Which terracotta should I choose? Both categories offer beutiful terracotta tie options! The best choice depends on the look you're going for, where the tile will be installed, and how much natural variation you prefer. We recommend browsing both collections and ordering samples to compare colors, textures, and finishes before making your selection. If you're unsure which terracotta is right for your project, our team is always happy to help! - [Placing an order](https://help.clayimports.com/placing-an-order?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Samples](https://help.clayimports.com/placing-an-order?hsLang=en#samples) - [Shipping](https://help.clayimports.com/placing-an-order?hsLang=en#shipping) - [Ready to Ship](https://help.clayimports.com/placing-an-order?hsLang=en#ready-to-ship) - [Shipping](https://help.clayimports.com/shipping?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Samples](https://help.clayimports.com/shipping?hsLang=en#samples) - [Fulfillment](https://help.clayimports.com/shipping?hsLang=en#fulfillment) - [Transit](https://help.clayimports.com/shipping?hsLang=en#transit) - [International Shipping](https://help.clayimports.com/shipping?hsLang=en#international-shipping) - [Delivery](https://help.clayimports.com/shipping?hsLang=en#delivery) - [Trade Program](https://help.clayimports.com/trade-program?hsLang=en) - [Our Products](https://help.clayimports.com/our-products?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Handmade Characteristics](https://help.clayimports.com/our-products?hsLang=en#handmade-characteristics) - [General](https://help.clayimports.com/our-products?hsLang=en#general) - [Terracotta](https://help.clayimports.com/our-products?hsLang=en#terracotta) - [Terms + Policies](https://help.clayimports.com/terms-policies?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Returns](https://help.clayimports.com/terms-policies?hsLang=en#returns) - [Post Purchase](https://help.clayimports.com/terms-policies?hsLang=en#post-purchase) - [Payment](https://help.clayimports.com/terms-policies?hsLang=en#payment) - [Installation](https://help.clayimports.com/installation?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Terracotta](https://help.clayimports.com/installation?hsLang=en#terracotta) - [Grout](https://help.clayimports.com/installation?hsLang=en#grout) - [Suitability](https://help.clayimports.com/installation?hsLang=en#suitability) - [Production + Lead Times](https://help.clayimports.com/production-lead-times?hsLang=en) - [General](https://help.clayimports.com/general?hsLang=en) [![Chill listening crop-3](https://help.clayimports.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Icons/CLAY-White-and-Black.png?width=35&height=35&name=CLAY-White-and-Black.png "Chill listening crop-3")](https://clayimports.com) Copyright © 2026, clayimports.com