Saltillo tile is a handmade terra-cotta tile named for Saltillo, its place of origin in Coahuila, Mexico. It ranges in color from red to yellow and comes in many shapes. Saltillo can make a stunning addition to several styles of home décor. Saltillo tiles are relatively inexpensive, and their popularity north of the border has led to new manufacturing centers elsewhere in Mexico and even as far as Italy.

These beautiful tiles are formed in two ways: by pressing clay into a wooden frame (this is known as super Saltillo) or by carving it directly out of the ground (regular Saltillo). Super tiles have neat, often rounded edges, while regular Saltillo is generally square or rectangular, offering more of a rustic look. Each tile is formed by hand from cleaned, quarried clay and then dried in the sun before firing to its final state. Saltillo ranges in color from red to pale amber depending on its position in the kiln during firing; those closest to the heat are lighter in color. When finished, Saltillo tiles have a rich hue and give off a warm, pleasant glow that can bring a relaxed, comfortable feel to the home.

Where to Use Saltillo
Some popular uses for these beautiful tiles include the flooring in halls, entryways, and dining and living room spaces. They work well in patterns, both with other Saltillo in various colors and shapes or with alternative types of tile, particularly ceramics in saturated blues, greens, black, or brilliant whites. The Saltillo design can complement a Mediterranean or Southwestern style home, adding warmth and serenity to an area while simultaneously preserving a cool temperature in hot climates. The insulating nature of the tile keeps heat from leaching into the home and heating up the structure.

But Saltillo can be found in more than rustic and Southwestern décor. Terra-cotta tile also looks great in a French country home and can find a place in even the most sophisticated steel and glass structures. Saltillo floors pair beautifully with long, arched windows and more elegant effects. The tile goes equally well with wood, plaster, and stone surfaces (such as rustic fireplaces) and it ages naturally to give a mellow patina to your rooms.

Saltillo tiles can be incorporated into stairs in many beautiful and very different ways. Saltillo can be used for the tread and nose of each step—when used with a contrasting ceramic and often patterned tile, the artistic nature of the decoration shows its full breadth. Iron railings can really complete this look and bring an authentic touch to the home. It can just as easily frame doorways, kitchen cut outs, and even smaller Saltillo tiles that can also be used in countertops, backsplashes, and even framed in tables. When Saltillo is installed correctly, it resists breakage just as well as any other tile, and chips in unglazed tile can be camouflaged with a bit of sealant.

Caring for Saltillo
The surface of these tiles is not glazed, which makes the tile extremely porous and vulnerable to staining. Proper sealant and maintenance can make Saltillo tile easier to care for. This tile should be damp mopped but not flooded, and spills should be cleaned up promptly. True to their heritage, Saltillo is not recommended for outdoor use in climates that see a lot of rain or have a freeze-thaw cycle.

The tile itself is fairly inexpensive, but it does require very careful installation and its beauty comes with a price. Hiring skilled contractors can raise the overall cost of installing the product. It must be cut with a diamond wet saw, and the grouting and drying process can take three weeks or more. Buying pre-sealed Saltillo is more expensive, but well worth it for the do-it-yourselfer. The finish is consistent, installation is much faster, and the floors are ready for use the next day. Pre-sealed tile comes with either an indoor or exterior finish to make it even more durable and easier to maintain.

Saltillo is a versatile, timeless, and gorgeous surface for floors and other areas. It also stands up to the demands of daily life and fits into nearly any budget. Saltillo complements many styles of architecture and décor, and it works equally well as a rustic floor of simple squares or a brilliant, geometric design incorporating curves, angles, and colors, which make it an ideal medium for the creative decorator. Each tile is handmade from natural materials, and that gives Saltillo an expressive and unique beauty that can be lacking in today's modern home styles.