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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!
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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
Sandra You say that satillo is very design compatable. We just bought a place that has satillo bordering vinyle in the kitchen and grey carpet in the hallway. I think it looks awful! Any suggestions?
randy cote at October 31, 2009 07:39 AM
Randy,
Decorating is really a personal choice. I would get some samples from a local supplier and try to decide what looks best to you.
The Flooring Lady at November 2, 2009 04:19 PM
I moved in to my boyfriend's house which has Mexican saltillo tiles throughout the downstairs. It is in terrible shape - no amount of "elbow grease" will take out the grime. I have even tried SOS pads in hidden areas. There is ground in dirt, hair from the dog, and other grime imbedded in to the tile. I have called professionals and seem to get a wide range of pricing to clean from $500 - $3000. We don't have the money to have it done right. Any suggestions on what I can use myself. I am very capable.
Susan Dickey at November 5, 2009 11:33 AM
Moved into a house with great saltillo flooring, but there are some sections of grout that have nasty yellow thick wax build-up that will not clean or strip - I'm thinking about taking an abrasive wheel to it - any thoughts on that? Also, had to have a few tiles replaced and a larger section where a built in planter was removed and a new foundation poured (area 4x8'), and within two weeks of the replacement, one tile cracked (hairline from opposite edges across face of tile). The installer came back and said he did not use a flexible tape underlay and after removing the tile noticed that the original foundation was cracked there. He replaced the broken tile, and now a week later a second tile has broken. What do you recommend - should I be arguing with the installer to replace all the new sections and use the correct underlay?
tico at November 8, 2009 06:48 AM
Susan,
A vinegar and water solution of 1:15 parts is a great cleaning solution to try. You can also add some baking soda as a cleanser to scrub with.
Once the floor is cleaned, you may want to look into sealing it to help make the cleaner easier.
The Flooring Lady at November 10, 2009 11:43 AM
I have saltillo tiles downstairs and would like to add them up my staircase and onto the landing. I have never seen a picture of saltillo tiles on the top and facing of stairs indoors. Is there a problem having them installed on stairs?
Maureen at November 11, 2009 05:21 PM
Tico,
I would certainly ask the installer why an underlayment was not used to prevent the tiles from tile from cracking.
The abrasive wheel on the grout would probably remove the build up, if you have already tried to stip it, then there probably isn't any sealer left to worry about. However, you may want to seal the grout, the same as your tiles when you are finished.
The Flooring Lady at November 12, 2009 12:32 PM
I have 3,000s.f.of saltillo tiles that I have no idea what the previous owners used to clean and seal. I tried a stripper from a tile company and came up with white,sticky,boogers which were a nightmare to scrub off. It also didn't even touch the stuff that has "pooled" and yellowed in the grout lines. This is a living nightmare. I got an estimate from a tile company, $18,000! Say what!!! So Madame Tile Lady....please let me in on ANY tricks to get this gluey stuff off my floors. Thanks Leslie
Leslie at November 14, 2009 11:09 AM
Maureen,
That does sound like a nice idea. I would suggest that you speak to a professional installer and ask them about it.
There may be no reason at all why they could not be installed on the stairs, other than difficulty in laying them there. Though I would think it would be very hard (if not impossible) to get the ones on the facing to remain in place while drying.
The Flooring Lady at November 17, 2009 08:48 AM
Hi Leslie.
The "white, sticky, boogers" were probably the old sealer coming off the tile. I would suggest trying the stripper a second time, and see if more begins to come off. It possible that the flooring has had multiple applications of sealer, and it is going to take a while to get it all removed.
Another suggestion would be to contact a manufacturer of the tiles, and ask for their suggestions.
The Flooring Lady at November 20, 2009 09:40 AM
