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Saltillo Tile
Saltillo Mexican tile has been used in homes for hundreds of years. Though not durable enough to withstand harsh winters outside, they are lovely indoors anywhere. The challenges of this type of flooring include installing Saltillo tile, Saltillo tile restoration, and a reliable method to clean Saltillo tile. But the benefits -- rustic beauty, non-toxic materials used in its manufacture, and low cost -- may outweigh the drawbacks.
Bring the beauty and peace of Mexico to your home with Saltillo floor tiles. It can have a bit of an exotic feel when paired with the right decor. And it makes for great solar mass for homes using passive solar energy!
Saltillo tile is a type of terra-cotta tile made only in northern Mexico. Deciding to use Saltillo Mexican tile as a flooring option offers:
* natural beauty
* non-toxic materials
* a natural flooring alternative
* low-cost flooring solutions
But Saltillo tile has its challenges, which include:
* delicate or fragile tiles
* difficulty in cleaning
Saltillo tile is made of natural clay that is first shaped by hand and then dried in the sun. Saltillo tiles are then kiln fired to ensure hardness and durability. The tiles are carefully positioned in the kiln in order to create different colors. Depending on the tile position in the kiln, the resulting tiles can range in hue from pale amber to dark terra-cotta. Traditionally, Saltillo tiles are left unglazed, although some manufacturers sell them pre-treated or pre-sealed in order to increase their durability.
Saltillo tile is not terribly strong or hard. Although it is comparable to other stone tiles (such as slate) it can chip and crack. When used as exterior tiling, it can only be used in very mild climates, as harsh weather can damage the tile. This type of tile typically has a MOH (measure of hardness rating) between 3 and 4.
Saltillo tile was introduced to Mexico by Spaniards hundreds of years ago, and the process of making the tile has remained the same since. The tile is actually named after the Mexican town of Saltillo, which produces the right clay and weather for making this popular tile.
Saltillo tile has a few drawbacks. Unsealed and untreated tile needs to be laboriously cleaned with diluted ammonia and "elbow grease", and lots of rinsing. Existing Saltillo tile floors need stripping and resealing, before and after cleaning to do a proper job. Installing Saltillo tile also has to be done carefully, as the tiles are delicate. Any grout or chemicals spilled on the tiles can damage them, so it is crucial to keep the tiles covered with paper until the installation is complete. It is important to wipe up spills and dirt right away, as the tiles can stain. The floor cannot be flooded because it will weaken the delicate tiles. Only slightly damp mops can be used on the floors, and only the mildest cleansers (no harsh chemicals). A sealant will have to be reapplied to keep the floor in good condition.
Despite these disadvantages, there are many benefits to selecting Saltillo tile for your flooring needs. Satltillo Mexican tile is beautiful and offers design flexibility. Whether you have a modern home, a country French-style residence, or love the Mediterranean style, Saltillo tile can make your home look great. Although the tile is a little more effort, many homeowners and decorators feel that it is well worth it for the beauty it brings to any room. Today's sealants do make cleaning and caring for Saltillo tile easier than ever before. The tile is inexpensive and many homeowners like the all-natural products that go into the tile-making process. At a time when we are surrounded by chemicals, it is nice to bring a natural product into the home.
If you want a naturally beautiful and affordable flooring solution, consider installing Saltillo tile in your home. It has been trusted by savvy homeowners for hundreds of years. Is it time for you to trust it too?
Comments
Hi Bill, The white deposits, efflorescence, is caused by the water. I haven't a clue what the dark spots are - could be dirt that settled into the pores when you cleaned it? AquaMix has products for removing dirt and the efflorescence. Look at their Poultice Stain Remover and Eff-Ex. Not knowing what the dark stains are, the Poultice Stain Remover may not be the best product to use; read over the descriptions of their products to choose the correct ones.
You really need to get the Saltillo sealed. Saltillo is very porous and water damages it. I'd be willing to bet you'll have even more efflorescence come up from the tile with the next rain.
The Flooring Lady at September 25, 2008 06:01 AM
We are laying saltillo tiles in my very small studio. We live in a 100 year old adobe and the room has very old wooden floors. Would you recommend covering the floor with cement board prior to laying down the tiles.. The tiles have already been sealed. We have an abundant supply of painted talavera tiles and would like to lay a design in the center. These tiles are one half the thickness of the saltillo and was wondering if you have any ideas on how to raise them up to the level of the saltillo.. Thanks for your help . God bless, Debra
Debra at October 1, 2008 01:20 PM
Hi Debra!
Any idea about how much difference in height the two floors are? Is it a small enough difference that another layer of cement board in the area will take care of it, or would that make the tiles too tall?
Kudos for the sealing the tile before laying it - you'd be suprised how many people don't and then wonder why they have problems with efflourescence........ ;~)
The Flooring Lady at October 2, 2008 05:48 AM
I'm buying a home with Saltillo tile throughout. It's probably about 12 years old. The sealer seems in good condition but there are many scuffs and scratches on the tiles, possibly from dragging furniture. It doesn't look like the marks have penetrated the ceramic part of the tiles. What is the best way to restore these floors? It doesn't look like an easy job. Can you also recommend anyone in the Ft. Lauderdale area?
George at October 2, 2008 10:57 PM
Hi George, I can't recommend anybody in your area, I'm not even close to where you are. :~(
I can recommend AquaMix products though - they're wonderful and the link will take you directly to their page of products made just for Saltillo. You can also call them to advise you just what products you'll need and where to buy them. I'm sure they'll have these products in FL. Good luck!
The Flooring Lady at October 3, 2008 06:43 AM
We need ideas on where to find matching Saltillo tiles for our home. The tiles uniformly measure 11 inches or slightly less. The 12 inch tiles currently available measure 11-1/2 inches or more and are too large. There are some 10 inch tiles available, but they are too small. The floor was installed in 1992 by the original owner. We have just over 700 s.f. of Saltillo, so replacing the entire floor is the last option. We have checked with a number of suppliers in our area and around on the internet. No one seems to have heard of this issue. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Steff at October 9, 2008 09:46 AM
Hi Steff,
I personally don't know of any in my area and I don't know where you are. Best thing I can suggest is searching for an actual manufacturer and see if they can't make some 11" tiles.
I found some 11-3/8" tiles here.
The Flooring Lady at October 9, 2008 02:00 PM
We have saltillo tile on our front patio, and the kids have trashed it some areas!! Fried rice has been dropped on it, and surfboard wax has been drawn on it! In those areas the oils have just soaked it up. We don't know how to get it clean!! Any suggestions??
Heidi at October 9, 2008 02:53 PM
Thanks,
We are in San Antonio, Texas, so we have plenty of Saltillo tile distributors here. I think the 11-3/8 is probably the 12" we have seen that usually measures smaller than 12", but not small enough. We will ask around for a custom size order.
Steff
Steff at October 9, 2008 08:50 PM
Hello Heidi,
It sounds like your Saltillo needs sealed - if it were sealed, the tiles wouldn't be able to absorb the oil. Something that might work is something along the lines of a poultice stain remover - AquaMix. After you get it cleaned up, be sure to seal it well!
The Flooring Lady at October 10, 2008 05:45 AM
