How to care for and maintain Terracotta tiles

Used on walls and floors for centuries, terracotta tiles have never gone out of fashion. Atimeless look perfect for classic and contemporary interior projects, this rustic surfacesolution has seen a hugesurge in interest with consumers, designers and architects alike.Artisans of Devizes Creative Director Hamish Smith shares his expert advice on how toapply this natural material for best results, ensuring the tile’s surface remains protected andeasy tomaintain for many years to come.

How To Clean Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta is easy to keep clean, as it builds up a unique patina over time so the more it isused and the longer it is installed, the more characterful it will look. To clean, just a simplevacuum is all that is required. For any spot cleaning such as muddy paw prints, a stiff-bristledbrush will do the job. For any deeper cleaning, mop with minimal water. If using anantibacterial cleaning product, mist it before applying so that the liquid does not saturate thestone. Bona floor cleaner is our recommended product.How To Protect Terracotta Tiles From StainsTo protect terracotta from staining, it should be sealed. This natural material is pretty robustbut it’s not indestructible so avoid spilling hot oil or using harsh chemicals. Any marksshould be viewed as part of its character and lived-in look.How To Apply Sealant To Terracotta TilesHere at Artisans of Devizes, we recommend a three-step sealing process using our StoneEssentials products which are designed to work across all our natural stone.First, give the stone a deep clean to avoid trapping any dust or grit underneath thesealant.Next, our Stain Block Eco Sealantshould be applied. A water-based impregnatingsealer, it needs to beapplied once before grouting and again afterwards. Lastly, wipe awayany grout residue the next day and apply the final sealant stage with our Stone Shieldsolution.Apply at least two coats with sufficient drying time in between and ideally up tothree days will provide the best level of protection, which can be topped up every few years.How To Grout Terracotta TilesThe question of whether terracotta should be grouted level is down to personal preference butwe always recommend that you grout over the whole tile surface to ensure any imperfectionsare concealed.Are Terracotta Tiles Hardwearing?Our terracotta is typically 20mm thick so it is highly abrasive and will never wear thin. Aproperly installed terracotta tile is unlikely to develop cracks other than slight shrinkagecracks that can emerge over time depending on the room it is installed in. This should beviewed as part of the aged character of the stone. 

Can I Use Terracotta Tiles In A Bathroom?A lovely, rustic option for bathrooms for both walls and floors, terracotta is suitable forbathroom use. However, take care in wet rooms with a walk-in shower, especially wherethere is no underfloor heating to help it dry quickly. And yes, it is compatible with underfloorheating.Can I Use TerracottaTiles Outdoors?Unfortunately, our handmade terracotta tiles are not suitable for outdoor use, as it is not denseenough to cope with harsh frost.