10 Questions and Answers about Terracotta
Terracotta is gorgeous, earthy, and green. A richly colored ceramic, it is used for many diverse purposes in house and home, including plumbing pipes; bricks and pavers; floor, roofing, and counter tiles; dishes; sculptures; planters; and vases. Learn more about this amazing building and decorative
Posted — UpdatedTerracotta is Italian for "cooked earth."
The clay it is made from contains iron, which gives terracotta its distinctive coloring. Terracotta can be various shades, ranging from the widely known reddish-brown through pinks, grays, and even yellows.
Yes, plant pots should be left unglazed, at least on the bottom, to allow for drainage.
Terracotta is quite porous and must be properly treated when it is to be used around water, for example as a kitchen countertop material. Aside from that, its principle drawback is the fact that its quality can vary a great deal and is difficult for an inexperienced person to evaluate. For this reason, it is recommended to buy only from established, reputable dealers.
Remove light soil with warm water and a soft brush. Take care not to scratch the surface. As well, avoid using soap, which tends to leave an unattractive residue. A non-ionic detergent may be added, if you wish. Steam cleaning is very effective for removing heavier soil.
Depending on quality, new terracotta tile costs about 3 to 7 dollars per square foot. For rare antique tiles, the price can be much more. Because this type of tile needs to be laid by a professional, you will need to factor in labor when calculating the total cost.
Definitely! Terracotta tiles in good shape are reusable; in fact, reclaimed antique tiles are often quite pricy. Broken pieces may be crushed and utilized as is to line garden paths. Alternatively, crumbled terracotta, called "grog," can be incorporated into new terracotta items.