The terracotta trend started nearly 15 years ago when Pantone announced Marsala, a hue somewhere between wine and terracotta, as its 2015 Color of the Year. Terracotta has become a strong trend not only in flooring but also in many other design elements. It’s not just a material; it’s also a color and a finish — from terracotta tiles and clay pots to decorative items, fabrics, and paint colors; these materials and colors represent craftsmanship, heritage, and tactility.
Terracotta clay has a high iron oxide content. Depending on the iron content, terracotta may appear cream, tan, dark brown, yellow, red, orange, pink, or grey. Some hues associated with terracotta colors include burnt orange, salmon, rust, peach, and coral. Terracotta floors, walls, and textiles are associated with comfort and warmth but also bring a sense of renewal and vitality. It’s a color and material that’s simultaneously grounding and refreshing.
Terracotta Throughout the Ages
Terracotta in Ancient Times
Terracotta (also spelled “terra cotta” and “terra-cotta”), which translates into “baked earth”, has an ancient history that goes back thousands of years. The oldest known work of terracotta sculpture, Venus of Dolní Věstonice (considered one of the oldest pieces of art in the world), was discovered in 1925 at a Stone Age (26,000 – 24,000 BCE) settlement in the Czech Republic.
One of the greatest works in terracotta sculpture is the Chinese Terracotta Army, made during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. The purpose of the army was to protect the emperor in his afterlife. to protect him in his. Watch the Netflix documentary Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors to learn more about these fascinating sculptures.
Terracotta in 19th-21st Centuries
In the 19th Century, the Arts and Crafts movement approved terracotta as a building material because it was considered a handmade material designed by artisans. From the mid-1800s until 1970, English and Americans used unglazed terracotta to ornament the outer walls of buildings. The terracotta tiles were handcrafted into many shapes, making each tile unique. Common shapes were square, rectangular, hexagon, and parquet. Here are some wonderful examples of 19th-century terracotta buildings.
Because glazed terracotta tiles could mimic elaborately carved stone, the material was a popular choice for building exteriors in the 20th Century. Three of the most iconic buildings from the early 20th Century all feature intricate terracotta cladding: the Flat Iron Building in New York, the Wrigley Building in Chicago, and the Arctic Club Building in Seattle.
Terracotta has a long history of popularity throughout the ages. Now, in the 21st century, its surge in popularity means that terracotta tiles are still on trend. However, regarding superior durability and easy maintenance, especially for commercial environments, terracotta-inspired ceramic and porcelain are excellent alternatives for several reasons.
Why Terracotta-Look Porcelain?
Terracotta Tiles are Soft
Terracotta is fired at a lower temperature than most ceramics, meaning it’s softer and more fragile. The tiles are prone to cracking and breaking when and cannot tolerate exposure to extreme temperature changes. On the other hand, ceramic tiles are denser and harder, which means they are more durable and can withstand temperature changes.
Terracotta Tiles are Porous
Unlike ceramic and porcelain tiles, unglazed terracotta tiles are quite porous and can absorb liquid, which makes them prone to staining. Porcelain tiles are considered impervious (non-porous) because they have less than 0.5% water absorption rate. Impervious to liquids also means that porcelain tiles are mold-resistant, stain-resistant, and bacteria-resistant. When you need to specify a flooring option that will hold up well to moisture, there are few options better than porcelain tiles.
Durability, Repair, and Maintenance Disadvantages of Terracotta
Terracotta tiles require more maintenance than porcelain tiles. They need regular sealing and care to protect them from spills and moisture. Terracotta tile installation can be tricky, and because they are softer, they are more prone to chipping and cracking.
A Look at Terracotta-Style Porcelain from GIO
Terracotta Floor & Wall Tile
Our latest terracotta-look porcelain tile collection, aptly named “Terracotta,” is available in six earthen hues in bricks, squares & hexagons.
Cotto_Cemento Floor & Wall Tile
Our Cotto_Cemento porcelain large format tile collection offers a clean and contemporary look of light cement blended with terra cotta, complete with creative colors and a touch of texture.
Mia Floor & Wall Tile
Indulge in the allure of Moroccan-inspired decorative porcelain patterns, boasting four timeless yet trendy tones.
GIO is your gateway to beautifully designed, strategically selected collections of floor and wall tile sure to fit your demanding specification requirements and unique style. We look forward to working with you! Connect with us today!
