Terra cotta tiles are made from natural clay, giving each tile uniquely varied earth tones and creating a rustic, or old world style. Terra cotta tile is commonly produced in Europe or Mexico, either by hand or machine.

Because of the porous nature of clay, terra cotta tile is low density and extremely absorbent, making them a high maintenance choice that is not appropriate for areas that are exposed to humidity or prone to moisture. Terra cotta is an inexpensive tile to purchase, and there are many sizes and styles to choose from. These are guidelines for how to buy terra cotta tile.

1. Measure your floor space. Before buying tile of any type, it is important to know how much area you need to cover. A general rule of thumb is to use twelve inch tiles or larger for expansive spaces and tiles that are smaller than twelve inches for smaller spaces.

2. Become familiar with the options. There are different types of terra cotta tile, offering different aesthetic values and requiring different maintenance measures. Terra cotta tiles are often unglazed, although you can also purchase glazed tiles if you want a glossy finish.

3. Pre-sealed tiles may cost a little more than unsealed tiles, but all terra cotta must be sealed after installation, so it may be worthwhile to purchase pre-sealed tiles.

4. Handmade terra cotta tiles come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, and are generally more expensive than machined tiles.

5. Mosaic tiles are small, generally one inch square or smaller, that are arranged in a way to create pictures or scenes. Mosaic arrangements often come pre-set on a mesh backing for easy installation.

6. Terra cotta tile borders often composed of small tiles in a decorative arrangement can be used to partition, accent or frame tiled areas.

You can find terra cotta tiles in a variety of shapes, including square, rectangular, hexagonal, polygonal, asymmetrical and irregular. It comes in a spectrum of earth-tone colors, from sandy shades to deep red clay or coffee-brown shades. Additionally, some types of terra cotta tiles have dramatic color variations, while others are more streamlined.

Visit home improvement stores or flooring retailers to view and feel different types of terra cotta tile before making a purchase. Shop around before buying as you may be able to find the tile you want at a number of different suppliers at different prices.

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