Terracotta tiles can add a rustic, earthy feel to a bathroom design, but they aren’t without their downsides. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the potential troubles with using terracotta tiles in bathrooms.
What is Terracotta?
Terracotta is an unglazed ceramic made from natural clay. It’s an ancient material that has been used for pottery and building materials for thousands of years.
Some key characteristics of terracotta tiles:
- Earthy reddish-orange color
- Matte, porous surface
- Relatively absorbent and prone to staining
- Durable, but can be brittle if not properly sealed
- Rustic, traditional aesthetic
The Downsides of Using Terracotta Tiles in Bathrooms
While beautiful, terracotta tiles come with some disadvantages that make them less than ideal for many bathrooms.
Absorbency and Staining
The porous nature of terracotta means it readily absorbs liquids and stains. Spills and splashes from soaps, bath products, and standing water can easily discolor and stain unsealed terracotta grout and tile surfaces.
Once stained, terracotta is extremely difficult to restore to its original color. Stains often require aggressive cleaning solutions or re-firing the tiles at extremely high temperatures.
Slipperiness
The natural texture of terracotta tiles provides less traction than many ceramic and stone tiles. When wet, unglazed terracotta can become very slick and slippery underfoot.
This makes terracotta a poor choice for bathroom floors, especially in showers and tub areas where surfaces get wet regularly. Slip and fall accidents are a real concern.
Hard Water Buildup
Hard tap water containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium can leave unsightly mineral deposits on terracotta surfaces. This buildup dulls the tile’s color over time.
While other tile types can be easily cleaned of hard water buildup, it’s very difficult to remove from the porous surface of terracotta. The deposits tend to sink in and stain the clay.
Challenging Grout Maintenance
The grout between terracotta tiles is very prone to staining and discoloration from moisture, bath products, and dirt. Dingy grout lines can ruin the look of new terracotta tile installations.
Keeping terracotta tile grout clean takes vigilant and frequent scrubbing. Even with diligent maintenance, the grout may never look as clean as when first installed.
Climate Considerations
Terracotta has some limitations related to climate as well. In damp environments, the tiles tend to absorb excess moisture which can lead to mildew growth. In areas with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, the porous tiles are prone to cracking and damage.
Tips for Using Terracotta Effectively in Bathrooms
If you prefer the look of terracotta tile in the bathroom, here are some tips to minimize the potential downsides:
- Use terracotta on bathroom walls only, never on floors. This prevents slip safety issues.
- Select smaller tile sizes to limit grout lines. Smaller tiles mean less grout to maintain.
- Have tiles professionally sealed to limit absorption and staining. Reapply sealer yearly.
- Use a terracotta color-enhancing sealer to help tiles maintain their hue.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent stains setting in.
- Consider a terracotta wall tile focal point or border, not throughout the whole space.
- Pair terracotta tiles with more water-resistant surfaces like ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone.
- Opt for terracotta in powder rooms that see less water exposure.
Conclusion
Terracotta tile certainly adds character and earthy charm to bathrooms. However, special considerations are needed when using this absorbent and porous material in damp bathroom environments. With careful maintenance and limited use only on walls, terracotta can be a viable bathroom design option. Focus on quick cleanup of spills, sealing tiles, and using terracotta in lower-moisture areas to avoid the most troublesome issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Trouble With Terracotta in Bathrooms
Is terracotta OK for bathroom floors?
No, terracotta tiles are not recommended for bathroom floors. Their absorbent, porous surface becomes extremely slippery when wet, posing a significant slip and fall hazard. For bathroom floors, choose an unglazed stone or ceramic/porcelain tile instead.
What are the best alternatives to terracotta in bathrooms?
Popular bathroom-safe alternatives to terracotta include porcelain, ceramic, natural stone like granite, and glass tiles. These options are less porous than terracotta, making them more water and stain resistant.
Can you seal terracotta tile in a bathroom?
Yes, sealing terracotta tiles with a professional-grade sealer can help reduce absorption and staining. Look for sealers made for unglazed tiles or special terracotta sealers. Reapply yearly. Sealing is essential for terracotta used in bathrooms but doesn’t eliminate all the potential issues.
Does terracotta get moldy in bathrooms?
Terracotta itself doesn’t promote mold growth, but the grout lines can become moldy if the tiles are not properly sealed. Moisture absorbed into the porous tiles provides a prime environment for mold in bathroom settings. Regular cleaning and resealing is required to limit mold growth.
Can you clean hard water stains off terracotta tiles?
Unfortunately, hard water stains can be extremely difficult to remove from the unglazed, absorbent surface of terracotta tiles. Prevention is key through sealing and limiting water exposure. In some cases, refiring the terracotta at extremely high kiln temperatures may remove staining.
How often should terracotta tiles be sealed in a bathroom?
For a bathroom installation, plan to seal terracotta tiles at least once yearly. The high moisture, splashing, and humidity wears away sealants more quickly than other rooms. Check tiles occasionally for signs they need resealing like new staining or increased absorption. Reapply sealer right away if needed.
Conclusion
Terracotta tile brings a unique, earthy look to bathrooms. However, special care must be taken to seal, limit moisture contact, clean promptly, and maintain grout when using this porous material in damp bathroom spaces. Focus usage on walls only, pair with other less absorbent surfaces, and reseal regularly to get the best results from terracotta in the bathroom.
