Some Saltillo Tile Facts

Saltillo tiles are a very illustrious and popular consumer product that was first manufactured in the city of Saltillo, Coahuila, in the country of Mexico. These hand-made tiles eventually gained popularity throughout Mexico and eventually into Southwestern United States. However, you will find saltillo tile in all parts of the United States and in some places across the world. Saltillo tile is made up of a very porous clay, which makes it very susceptible to water permeation. Once installed onto the floor, wall, sink, or any other place that you may want to put saltillo tile, it scuffs and staines very easily. For this reason after placing the tiles they should always be covered in a two to three good layers of some sort of sealant. This sealant is often what gives the saltillo tile that sheen and glossy quality. Saltillo tiles themselves are individually unique. Since they are usually hand-made, each tile may be cut and shaped differently, have various chips and craters, and have a wide range of color shades. Depending on how the clay and tile was heated and fired, each tile will range from a dark yellow to a deep and rich orange.