Saltillo tile

Saltillo tile is a type of terra-cotta tile that originates in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. It is one of the two most famous products of the city, the other being multi-coloured woven sarapes so typical of the region. Saltillo-type tiles are now manufactured at many places in Mexico, and high-fire "Saltillo look" tiles, many from Italy, compete with the terra-cotta originals

Saltillo tile vary in colour and shape, but the majority range from in varying hues of reds, oranges and yellows. Tiles are shaped either by pressing quarried clay with a wooden frame (super), or carving out the desired shape (regular). Depending on the raw tile's placement among other tiles at the time of firing, its colour ranges from yellow to a rich orange.

Saltillo tile is highly porous, and soaks in liquid easily. Unlike most ceramic tile, there is no glaze on the top surface of the tile. It is difficult to install as it absorbs water from the thin-set mortar, grout, grease pencils, etc. Once placed, it stains and scuffs easily if not properly sealed and maintained with a quality sealant. Saltillo is probably a poor choice for outdoor installation in freeze-thaw climates, although is a popular choice in warmer climates. During installation the tiles should be handled carefully to avoid stains that can even occur from body oils on the installer's hands.

Preferred methods for installation invariably relate to its propensity for soaking in liquid. One method involves soaking the tile in water, setting the tile with thin-set mortar, grouting, then sealing both the saltillo and the grout with a quality surface sealant. However, using this method may cause the grout to stick to the surface of the saltillo tile, making it impossible to remove. This method is NOT recommended for do-it-yourselfers.

Another method involves soaking the tile, setting the tile then allowing it to dry, sealing the tile, then grouting. This method prevents the grout from sticking to the tile.

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Wikipedia