|
types, styles and colors match the philosophy of your profession
Desert Baked Beauty: Saltillo Tile by : Build Direct College
What you will learn: How
Saltillo tile is made; what Saltillo tile looks like and its distinguishing
qualities; the history of Saltillo tile; the best places to install Saltillo
tile; limitations of Saltillo tile
If it's a casual, rustic appearance you're
looking for in your ceramic floor tile flooring, Saltillo tile may be one of
your greatest discoveries. Reflecting the ruggedly attractive essence of the
American Southwest, Saltillo ceramic floor tile flooring will bring your space
down to earth.
Certain varieties of ceramic floor tile or
porcelain tile can really add an air of elegance and grace to your indoor or
outdoor flooring project. That's fine, if that's the kind of effect you're
after. But what if you want a design that is a little earthier, and a little
less uniform and refined? Sometimes, reflecting a more lived-in, seasoned
atmosphere can lend a space its own kind of beauty, and it certainly adds
character. Saltillo tile flooring can really help you to achieve a simple
beauty, reflecting the arid climates of the American Southwest and the rugged,
unspoiled charms of the desert itself.
The unique appearance of Saltillo tile
Characterized by its reddish-brown color,
similar to terra cotta, Saltillo tile is traditionally made by hand and
sun-dried before being put into the kiln. Because of this old-world
artisan-based approach, the shape and size of each tile is varied just enough
to make each tile unique to the space where it's laid down. Sometimes, Saltillo
tile features animal print patterns angled across the surface of individual
tiles, caused by actual animals who wander across the drying tiles while on
their travels in the desert! This earthy feature conjures up an sense of desert
wildlife and a close-to-nature environment wherever you happen to live - the
tracks of desert dwelling animals having been immortalized in your ceramic
floor! Additionally, the tiles feature a raw-edge appearance which also varies
from tile to tile, accentuating the rough-hewn beauty of these uniquely
decorative ceramic floor tiles.
Where Saltillo tile was first made
Saltillo tile originated in a town called
Saltillo, Mexico, the place after which this increasingly popular variety of
ceramic floor tile is named. The region is surrounded by natural clay deposits,
making it an obvious centre for the handmade ceramic floor tiles for which the
region has become known. The making of Saltillo ceramic floor tiles was once a
local cottage industry, but the scale of production has since expanded due to
the demand for these uniquely attractive flooring tiles dried in the desert
sun. This popularity is not restricted to the American Southwest, but is also
found in households and commercial buildings everywhere. In the American
Southwest and Mexico, the tiles can be seen to adorn anything from household
foyers to restaurant floors and outdoor patios. Beautiful Saltillo tile has
come to characterize life in that region, where use of the tiles is the most
appropriate to the climate.
Where Saltillo tile is best used
Because Saltillo tile were originally made by
local artisans in Mexico and the American Southwest for use in these regions,
there are certain limitations on this variety of ceramic floor tile when
considered for outdoor tile in more northerly regions of the world.
Specifically, since the Saltillo ceramic floor tile is made for desert
climates, it is not frost resistant, and must be sealed for most uses when
installed in more moderate climates. In these cases, the best idea is to
restrict its application to indoor spaces only. Sealing the Saltillo ceramic
floor tile will also give it a necessary level of resistance to staining, which
is a good idea for any natural material used as flooring.
Rugged, earthy, and unique in their
non-uniformity, Saltillo tile offers an attractive contrast to the more stately
and graceful porcelain tile. With the right attention and care, a Saltillo
ceramic floor tile floor can emphasize the casual appeal of the Southwest in
any indoor setting.
|
