What is Saltillo Tile?

What Is Saltillo Tile Made Of?

Saltillo tile is made of natural clay that is located in the norther Mexican city of Saltillo. It is a handmade kiln-fired tile, giving it a unique and rustic look. The clay gets mixed with water, molded into tiles, and then set to dry in the sun prior to being kiln fired.  The kiln-firing technique results in producing a most enduring type of terracotta tile.

Why Is Saltillo Tile Known As ‘Perfectly Imperfect’?

Handmade Saltillo tile comes with imperfections.  Due to the handmade nature of manufacturing, these clay tiles have imperfect, rustic features including chips, bumps, minute cracks, sporadic markings, variable color smears and swirling, lime pops, size and thickness differences, occasional animal footprints, color striping, fingerprints, etc.   These are not flaws and should be expected in authentic, handmade Saltillo terracotta tiles.

After these tiles are installed, these features provide the Saltillo floor with the rustic style that homeowners wish for.  Anybody who does not wish for an imperfect and rustic style floor with features like these should not buy Saltillo tile.  Nevertheless, it’s unfeasible to purchase handmade Saltillo tiles lacking these rustic features.

A lot of people lay aside undesirable tiles to be used for cuts. However, be mindful of pulling out every imperfect tile in order not to run out on the project site.

Is Saltillo Tile Terracotta Tile?

This is one of the most general questions asked.  Indeed! Saltillo tile is Terracotta tile.  Nevertheless, not all Terracotta tiles are Saltillo tiles. Got it? Good.

What is Terracotta tile?  Terracotta tiles merely refer to the tiles being made out of clay. Clay comes from a multitude of places worldwide.  However, Saltillo clay is unique.  Saltillo clay tiles are considered the most durable clay tiles in the world.  Nevertheless, you’re fine calling it Terracotta tile. Most people do too.

When you’re in the market for Terracotta tile, always seek out Saltillo Terracotta tile so you can benefit from its characteristics of longevity!

What Is A Lime Pop & Efflorescence?

Clay (terracotta) flooring could be prone to efflorescence, and sporadic lime pops. Wipe efflorescence off unsealed tiles using V-Scrub.

What is Efflorescence?

Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance appearing on the surface of the tile, typically caused by salts and minerals such as calcium coming to the surface when moisture penetrates the tile, produces a visible white residue.

What are Lime Pops?

The terms “lime pops” usually refers to an occurrence in which small, round cavities or bumps appear on the surfaces of Saltillo tiles. Lime pops are typical in Saltillo Tile and not considered a defect.

Saltillo tile questions typically include the matter of lime pops. Lime Pops are an area of Northern Mexico’s riverbeds clay. Whereas these deposits in the clay might never expose themselves, they can in time pop, leading to a small pit in the tile. For fixing it, apply a dab of sealer over the “popped” area. This adds to the rustic attraction of genuine Mexican clay floors.

Lime pops and efflorescence are not flaws.

Where Can I Install Saltillo Tile?

Saltillo tiles can be installed indoors and surprisingly, outdoors – a classic instance are kitchen floors. Saltillo gives areas an old world feel. But is recommend for:

• Residential: Backsplashes, bathroom floors, islands in kitchens, decorative walls
• Commercial: Restaurants, bars, retail stores floors
• Outdoor: Courtyards underneath covered areas (that are not exposed to freezing settings)

Stay away from installing Saltillo tile in colder settings, inclined floors in wet places, and shower liners.

What Are Pros And Cons Of installing Mexican Saltillo Tile?

Below are some of the factors to consider when deciding whether to use Saltillo tile:

Pros:

• It’s environmentally friendly: Dissimilar to other types of tile, Saltillo is made out of pure clay from Saltillo, and water. It’s organic and eco-friendly!
• Each piece is distinct: Every box of tile is going to have unique textures and color because of the hand-made process. Occasionally, if you’re fortunate, you’ll even find a little imprint from a friendly furry assistant in the tile warehouse.
• It masks dirt: Because of its rustic, historical feel, and comforting tone – Saltillo tile conceals dirt and a rusty mess as well.
• Inexpensive: Saltillo tile is more budget friendly than many other more contemporary tile options.

Cons:

• Can be somewhat uneven: Each tile is hand-made leading to occasional size variations. This type of tile flooring is more rustic and less even than fabricated cement or marble tiles.
• More difficult to install: Because of the thicker tiles and the distinctness of each tile, installation might require somebody with more skill with Saltillo tile installations.

How Do I Clean And Maintain Saltillo Tile?

Saltillo tile is a somewhat easy tile when it comes to routine maintenance. Basically, these tiles have been used for hundreds of years throughout Mexico.

A typical soap and water combination for mopping is perfect. A vacuum cleaner is going to help keep dust and dirt out of the larger-than-typical grout joints.

If it’s been a few years – it’s worth a look to see if you should reseal your Saltillo tiles.