Natural Terracotta
Natural unglazed terracotta, with colour all the way through the tile or brick. Subway tiles and pavers for floors, walls and outdoor areas. Soft underfoot, strong grip when wet, and a warm colour that only gets better with age. Tiles are sealed before they leave us, and we recommend resealing once installed.
What are Natural Terracotta tiles?
Natural unglazed fired clay tiles are often called Terracotta tiles, which literally means, "cooked earth”. Because this type of tile was so popular, any brownish-orange colour has also been called Terracotta. Basic materials of natural clay and fire are used to create beautiful and durable terracotta paving and wall tiles.
What is the history of Natural Terracotta tiles?
Fired clay tiles had their origin as many as 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. They became popular in Western Europe during the Middle Ages —the rust-coloured tiles were quite popular in the ancient monasteries in England, while artisans in Spain and Portugal added a colourful touch by hand-painting the tiles in bright colours to suit their sunny climate.
Quarry tiles and Natural Terracotta tiles are basically the same thing (quarry meaning "square" from the French term quarrel).
Why Natural Terracotta tile?
Natural Terracotta Tiles are made from clay moulded into shape and fired in a kiln, with nothing added but sand and water. The colour comes from the clay itself and from the firing, so the tone runs through the whole tile.
What are the benefits of Natural Terracotta Tiles?
With softened, irregular edges, a pleasing surface texture and the flamed colour tones, Natural Terracotta Tiles bring back the welcoming atmosphere of country floors.
Terracotta In Commercial Settings
Terracotta in the Landscape
Terracotta earns its place indoors, but it comes into its own outdoors. Through seasons of sun and rain, in courtyards, terraces, pool decks and garden walls, it gathers a patina measured not in months or years, but in decades.
Terracotta Tiles are used both indoors and outdoors
The Little Black Dress of tiles. Classic lines, classic colour with natural tonal variation, and strong grip when wet.
Hexagonal Floor Tile
155mm Flat Edge to Flat Edge - 180mm Point to point
Manufactured by our colleagues in Thailand.
Stunning use of Terracotta Roof Tiles
160x60x08 Terracotta
Honeycomb Terracotta Cobbles
Laterite - Smaller Terracotta Tiles
Our Laterite Tiles come in various sizes and shapes. The colour is a mix of shades in each box. Tiles should be laid out on the floor before laying to make sure that the distribution of the colour variation is to your liking. All Laterite tiles tend to be on the smaller size with the largest being a 150x150 square.
Examples of some of our smaller Terracotta Tile Colours
Tell us about your project and we will help you choose the format, colour mix and layout. Call 09 360 2638 or email sales@middleearthtiles.co.nz.
09-360-2638
sales@middleearthtiles.co.nz
By Appointment - 71, Takatu Road, Matakana