Accent Your Entryway with Glossy Star & Cross Terracotta Tile
Terracotta tiles with an intricate star and cross pattern have graced Spanish architecture for centuries. Their glossy finish and earthy red hues exude traditional charm perfect for entryways. We'll explore the visual appeal and durability of these special tiles and why they make an excellent addition to welcome guests into your home.
The trademark star and cross design sets these terracotta tiles apart. Clay is molded to create delicate impressions of stars and crosses that interlock in a timeless geometric pattern. Applied glossy glazes come in shades of red, brown and tan that saturate the natural texture of the terracotta. Light dances across the tile, highlighting each subtle indentation. The overall effect is eye-catching and elegant.
Durability and Longevity
At the core, these tiles are made from natural terracotta clay that gets fired at extremely high temperatures. This makes them highly resistant to cracking, chipping and weathering. With proper sealing and care, they can last 30 years or longer on indoor and outdoor floors.
Annual sealing is recommended, especially for outdoor entryways exposed to moisture and temperature swings. Sealants fill the clay's porous surface, preventing stains and abrasions over time. Well-maintained tiles develop an appealing patina that only enhances their vintage character.
Complementing Traditional Entryway Designs
While today these tiles carry strong Spanish architectural associations, their sturdy and stylish nature suits transitional entryway spaces. The star and cross pattern adds ornate visual energy compared to typical stone, wood and concrete floors often used in foyers and mudrooms.
Why Use In Your Entryway?
Textural surfaces like wood plank provide style but can get slippery when wet. Grout lines allow rain to drain through terracotta tiles as small grains create traction underfoot. This makes them an ideal entry flooring for homes in snowy and damp climates.
Terracotta requires little maintenance compared to wood floors. A quick sweep keeps them free of debris while wet mopping occasionally removes deeper dirt without harm. Neutral cleaners keep their visual integrity intact for years compared to floors needing periodic sanding or treatment.
| Matches wrought iron, wood, and stucco accents commonly found framing front entryways |
| Natural clay composition free of off-gassing avoids indoor air pollution |
Design Ideas and Variations
Spanish mission style entryways with arched wooden doors and matching wrought iron fixtures pop against the terracotta tile backdrop. For Spanish hacienda inspired entries, vibrant sunflower yellow or tomato red painted walls highlight decorative tile borders flanking neutral tiles. In modern farmhouse entries, woven jute rugs overlaying star and cross tiles balance sleek steel accents and matte black door hardware.
Shop Top Brands
Industry leaders Fireclay Tile and Mission Stone & Tile handcraft tiles combining traditional processes with contemporary sensibilities. Both offer the star and cross pattern in diverse color palettes. Matching decorative borders and medallions provide endless customization options. Square and rectangular formats along with mosaics suit everything from modest to grand entryways.
Installation Tips
Outdoor and uneven entryway floors require mortar bedding over cement backerboard for maximum strength and endurance. Use unsanded grout for narrow joint lines that maintain a cleaner, modern aesthetic. Wider joints up to 3/4 inch have an artisan appeal. Strike joints after tile adheres for consistent, attractive grout line spacing.
Always seal tiles after grouting to lock out exterior moisture from penetrating the clay body. Harsh outdoor conditions make ongoing sealing vital to boosting tile longevity.
Glossy, glazed terracotta needs little maintenance beyond annual sealing and occasional pH balanced cleaner to retain its luminosity and color integrity. Worn spots or cracks in the sealant finish indicate a need for re-sealing. Catching this early prevents lasting water damage or permanent stains.
Re-sealing involves a simple brush application working sealant completely into porous areas for maximum protection. Proper drying time before use will help the finish cure fully.
Star and cross patterned terracotta tiles infuse traditional Spanish vibrance and texture into transitional spaces. Their longevity and easy upkeep make them ideal for anchoring high-traffic entryways and greeting guests with artisan flair for decades to come. Shop custom designs or classic colors to suite your style.