Warm, earthy, and rich in history, terracotta tile brings the magic of authentic, timeless charm to any space.
Especially popular in Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Spanish-style homes, terracotta tiles have also found their way into modern and boho interiors thanks to their rich texture and organic warmth.
So, whether you're designing a rustic terracotta kitchen floor tile layout, upgrading a patio with terracotta outdoor tile, or simply exploring a natural finish for your interiors, this ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know about terracotta tile — what it is, where to use it, how to install and maintain it, and where to buy the best selection in person or online.
What Is Terracotta Tile?
Terracotta is a type of ceramic tile that's made from natural clay and fired at low temperatures, giving the tile its signature reddish-brown hue and rustic, earthen texture.
In Italian, "terracotta" literally translates to "baked earth." Because of this handcrafted process, the tile has unique variations in color, size, and finish, creating a truly organic and handcrafted aesthetic.
Terracotta has a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years. Historians think it may have originated in ancient civilizations, like Egypt and China, where it was used for buildings and architectural ornamentation.
At Riad Tile, our terracotta clay tile is crafted from natural materials that are responsibly sourced from Canada — it's also handmade using centuries-old techniques. From clay cutting to packaging, each tile goes through at least six handling processes, ensuring the quality, consistency, and beauty of these top-quality artisanal tiles.
As a result, the entire collection of terracotta tile not only captures that distinctive sense of earthy beauty, but it also offers durability and versatility.
Why Choose Terracotta Tile?
People have used terracotta tile in homes for centuries, and for good reason. Here are a few reasons why it has stood the test of time and continues to offer its magnetic appeal:
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Natural, organic beauty: No two terracotta tiles are exactly alike. This rich, varied surface creates depth in any room and tells a story.
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Warmth and radiance: Those earthy sunset hues of terracotta are undoubtedly warm and inviting and work across both classic and contemporary designs. Riad Tile also offers a unique black terracotta that brings mysterious, rich undertones of the night sky.
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Durability: When properly sealed, terracotta tile is incredibly versatile across many indoor and outdoor spaces and stands up well to foot traffic and the elements.
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Eco-friendliness: Because it's made from natural clay, terracotta is a sustainable flooring and wall tile.
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Versatility: If you're wondering what colors go with terracotta tile — or what styles are its perfect match — the answer is just about anything. Terracotta tile acts like a neutral shade in many instances and can be a style chameleon that adapts to many different aesthetics.
Where to Use Terracotta Tile in Your Home
One of the beautiful advantages of terracotta tile is that it's just as practical as it is pretty. The natural, organic warmth complements many spaces and styles — from modern farmhouses to Mediterranean villas and Southwestern casitas.
And you can use the tile almost anywhere, from indoor to outdoor floors, high-traffic areas, interior and exterior walls, fireplaces, kitchens, showers, and beyond.
For inspiration, check out these ideas for how you can introduce the charm and character of terracotta tile into your own home.
Kitchens with Rustic Charm
Terracotta tile is a natural choice for many surfaces in the kitchen — from floors to backsplashes and even walls. For example, terracotta kitchen floor tile delivers instant warmth to a space often considered the heart of the home. Think about pairing it with natural wood cabinets, creamy tones, or even a modern black-and-white palette.
Elegant & Earthy Bathrooms
Use terracotta tile to warm up a neutral bathroom palette and introduce an earthy edge. Whether on the floor, on the wall around a tub, or in a shower niche, its texture contrasts beautifully with smooth marble or clean white subway tile, adding a note of modern bohemian style. A bonus? The matte finish helps hide water spots while adding that soft, organic texture.
Unique Fireplace Surrounds
The soft glow of a terracotta fireplace surround adds depth and visual interest to any living space, especially with the unexpected twist of Octagon Red Terracotta 4" & Bouchon White Marble. The unique pairing of handcrafted terracotta and natural stone in this classic motif provides refinement without sacrificing an inviting ambiance.
Star-Crossed Outdoor Spaces
Thanks to its earthen quality and weathered appearance, terracotta outdoor tile is a stunning choice that fills patios, walkways, and covered porches with Old World charm. Riad's unique Star & Cross motif adds warmth and character to this bright sunroom.
Entryways That Welcome
The entryway or foyer of a home shouldn't be an afterthought. The inviting authenticity of terracotta tile can immediately bring a welcoming first impression to the main entrance. For more mysterious allure, consider the black Star & Cross terracotta tile on the floor.
Terracotta Tile Installation Tips
In general, novice DIYers shouldn't install terracotta tile on their own. Professional tile installers with extensive experience in similar handmade tile installations will ensure the best result and a flawless finish, especially in large or outdoor spaces.
That said, here is an overview of the recommended tools and materials, along with best practices to ensure a successful installation.
Recommended Tools and Materials
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Terracotta tile
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Bucket and sponge
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1/2-inch notched trowel
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High-quality medium to large format tile mortar, such as ProLite Premium Large Format Tile Mortar
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1/8-inch tile spacers
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Grout float
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Cement grout, such as Custom Prism Ultimate Performance
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Wet saw with a diamond blade that's suitable for tiles
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Tray and foam roller
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pH-neutral cleaner
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Lint-free microfiber cloth
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High-quality impregnating sealer, such as Stain-Proof Color Enhancing Sealer or Stain-Proof Premium Impregnating Sealer
DIY Installation Tips
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Seal before and after grouting. This prevents grout from staining the tile's surface.
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Choose the right grout. Prep your surface: Ensure the surface — whether it's a subfloor, wall, or outdoor area — is clean, level, and fully cured with the proper substrate, underlayment, or membrane.
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Plan your layout: It can be helpful to dry-lay your terracotta tiles to determine the arrangement you prefer and to minimize any potential mistakes. This process is most straightforward when you are using the tile as flooring, but you can also sketch out how you want your tile to appear on a backsplash or wall. Also, don't ignore the age-old advice: Measure twice and cut once! That way, you can minimize waste.
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Use a thinset mortar: Once you're ready to lay your natural stone tile, use a notched trowel to spread a layer of thin-set mortar onto the clean surface. Terracotta tiles are porous, so many styles require soaking before installation to prevent rapid moisture absorption from the thinset.
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Lay the tile: Press each tile firmly into the mortar, using spacers to maintain those evenly proportioned grout lines that are essential to a professional-looking finish. Do not use a hammer or mallet to set the tiles, just apply hand pressure.
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Cut your tile: With a wet saw, cut the terracotta tile into the sizes you need to fit the spaces that the regular-size tiles cannot accommodate. Note: A standard tile cutter won't cut it (literally). So, it's critical to use a wet saw. Make sure to thoroughly clean all tiles immediately after cutting them to prevent cutting paste stains.
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Seal thoroughly: Because terracotta is so porous, sealing your tile is an integral step both before and after grouting. Make sure to allow 48 hours for the mortar to cure before you apply the sealer.
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Apply grout, then seal again: Once the mortar sets, remove the spacers and fill them with grout using a rubber float. Earthy, neutral tones generally work best with terracotta. Don't forget to seal your tile again to protect it from stains and moisture.
When to Hire a Pro
Due to terracotta tiles' porosity and rustic edges, which can make for a tricky DIY project, many homeowners decide to go with professional installation. Expert tile setters will provide the uniform spacing, precise cuts to avoid waste, proper sealing, and an overall polished look that ensures long-lasting results.
At Riad Tile, we can connect you with recommended contractors to get the job done both efficiently and beautifully, which is especially important for a terracotta tile kitchen or outdoor applications where exposure to water and heavy use is a factor.
How to Clean Terracotta Tile
Despite its specific installation requirements, terracotta tile is relatively low-maintenance when sealed properly. However, because it is naturally porous, regular care helps it look its best.
Here's a quick overview of how to clean terracotta tile:
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Maintain regular cleaning: Sweep or vacuum it regularly to remove any dust, dirt, or debris.
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Keep surfaces dry: If your terracotta tile is in a moisture-rich environment — like a kitchen or outdoor space — it's helpful to dry off the tile to avoid water stains.
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Use appropriate mopping solutions: Use a pH-neutral cleaner with a damp, soft mop. Avoid harsh chemicals that can erode the sealant and damage the terracotta.
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Keep up periodic sealing: Re-seal your tile every one to two years, depending on the wear and tear. High-traffic areas may require more frequent sealing. You'll know when it's time to re-seal if you notice a higher degree of water absorption or the appearance of fading.
Where to Buy Terracotta Tile
If you're looking for high-quality, handcrafted terracotta tile, Riad Tile is among the best tile stores in Dallas and offers an incredible range of premium options in our Dallas showroom, where you can see the beauty of each tile in person.
But no matter where you live, you can purchase Riad's terracotta tiles online for delivery straight to your door, whether you're ordering a few samples or coordinating a full-home renovation.
Our design-forward team is also here to help you find the perfect tile for your space.
Riad Tile's diverse selection of terracotta tile includes:
Traditional Terracotta Tile
Black Terracotta Tile
Octadot Checkerboard
Next Steps for Your Terracotta Tile
Terracotta tile is more than a design trend. It delivers timeless, earthy beauty, artisanal character, and design integrity to any space. It's an excellent choice for all kinds of rooms and looks, whether you're creating a dreamy, laid-back kitchen, building an organically lush patio, or just adding a sense of rustic warmth to your home. And remember: Riad Tile is your go-to source for the highest quality, handmade terracotta tiles.
