If you are looking for a time-tested and versatile material, Terracotta tiles are an excellent choice. They are made from clay, and they have been in use for many years. From flower pots and sculptures to major construction, you can see them everywhere. This is why it is so popular for homeowners and builders alike.
One of the more popular uses for Terracotta is for flooring tiles and paving stones. These can be hand-made, and they come in a lovely soft reddish brown color that reminds you of the Southwest. They create an antiquated and warm look to every area where they are installed. These are also quite cost-effective tiles, and if you seal them, they make great outdoor tiles. Terracotta is often the first choice of municipalities, businesses and homeowners to made lovely walkways, patios, living areas, bathrooms and kitchens.
Terracotta is also useful as a roofing tile component, especially in the Southwestern United States. It is sometimes called Spanish tile or Mexican tile, and it's been used for hundreds of years to protect homes in climates that are mild. They aren't however, as strong as some other types of roofing tiles you may use. If your area has extreme winters, check concrete tiles instead. They imitate the look of Terra Cotta tiles with a rounded, brownish-red look. Concrete tiles are used in areas where Terracotta just wouldn't hold up properly.
In addition to being great for roofing, tiling and paving, Terracotta can also be used to create trim for buildings and homes, and for ornamental decorating. It can be molded and shaped into many types of forms before it's fired, so it's a popular choice for making all kinds of things, from columns and pillars to gargoyles. And, since it can be colored and glazed to imitate every tile from sandstone to marble, Terracotta is quite cost-effective, in lieu of decorative stone. Terracotta also works great for landscaping porches and patios, and for making sculptures and decorative pots.
Terra Cotta can be a little bit tricky to install properly, since it is rather fragile and has a rough texture. If it isn't installed correctly, the tiles will not even last for long after the installation, let alone last a lifetime, as it can if it is properly installed. If you want your tiles to look good for the longest time, contact a mason or a contractor for a professional installation.
There are many different types of ceramic tiles that you can use for garden and home, but Terracotta may be the most widely used outdoors. The word Terracotta means “baked earth” in the Italian language, and it usually refers to rustic tiles that are colored in natural, earthy, warm tones. There are many types of Terracotta, including unglazed and glazed tiles, and they all have characteristics that are slightly different from each other.
Terracotta made in machines is also known as quarry tile, and these tend to be more durable and harder. They can be found in unglazed or glazed forms and in many sizes and shapes. Most glazed Terracotta tiles will show off a smooth surface, and they will resist stains beautifully, although a surface that is overly-smooth may be too slippery to walk on when they are wet.