More about Terracotta

If you've ever been in the market for clay pavers, you may have left the tile store in confusion as to the different terminologies that are used when referring to this particular type of flooring.  Mexican pavers, terracotta pavers, clay pavers, Saltillo tiles...what does it all mean?  The explanations and the terminology that are often given are enough to make anyone go insane.  The purpose of this article is to help you decipher the confusion that often arises when shopping for terracotta.

Let us first define one of the most widely known (and very misused) terms in the industry—TERRA-COTTA.  Terracotta, from the Italian "terra" (earth) and "cotta" (cooked) means just that...cooked earth!  Terracotta refers to any bisque, pot, paver, etc. that is made out of natural clay and is fired in a kiln.  Clay of course, is made from different compounds in the earth—hence the term "terracotta".  Today, "terracotta" is often used to describe any number of things including clay pavers, unglazed bisque, unglazed clay pots, etc.  It is also used to describe any shade, tone, or tint of  reddish-brown, since it's the most common color that results when clay is fired in a kiln.  It is important to note that although the term "terracotta" (when referring to color) is most often used to describe the reddish-brown already mentioned, fired clay can range in color from a yellowish-cream to a deep brown depending on the composition of the particular clay and the temperature that it reaches in the kiln. 

Now that we've defined what terracotta means, let us look at what the terracotta family tree looks like in order to make sense of the different terminologies that are commonly used.

The chart on the right describes the relationship between terra-cotta and its many sub-groups.  As can be seen, the sub-groups include clay pavers, clay pots, and unglazed tile bisque as three examples.  The truth is, anything that can be molded, shaped, or sculpted out of clay and is fired in a kiln would also fall as a subgroup of  terra-cotta.  Next we'll  review the "clay pavers" subgroup.

Clay pavers or terracotta pavers are pieces of clay that have been molded into any number of different patterns.  These can be simple square patterns or intricate interlocking pieces.  Throughout history (and still today) clay pavers have been used as flooring in almost every part of the world. Given the fact that clay differs from one part of the world to another, terracotta pavers often differ in color and texture from place to place.  Today, the most commonly used clay pavers in the United States come from Mexico.  Mexican pavers are often named after the city from which they originate.  For example, Saltillo pavers are manufactured in the city of Saltillo, Mexico.  Other clay pavers that are sometimes used (when budget allows) are antique pavers otherwise known as reclaimed pavers.  These pavers are usually extracted from foreign buildings that are going to be demolished and are then imported and re-sold.  Most of these reclaimed terracotta pavers come from Italy and France although they can sometimes be acquired from the UK and Latin America.  Those choosing to use reclaimed pavers typically seek the old world charm that accompanies them.  They are usually worn and have a more rustic feel to them.

As mentioned above, in addition to clay pavers, terracotta can also include unglazed tile bisque, flower pots, and even cookware.  Like most other natural and hand-made products, terracotta products usually require some maintenance and care.  If you are not sure if terracotta is right for you please call or email OLD WORLD TRADITIONS to have your questions answered.