ABOUT TERRA

The main characteristics of our terracotta - TERRA® - handcrafted unglazed clay tiles are:

  • High slip resistance - R13
  • Good mechanical resistance, capable of handling significant stress and pressure without breaking or bending easily.
  • Resistance to thermal shock and good dimensional stability in damp areas.

Suitable for floors and walls.

Technical Sheet Technical Sheet.pdf

Installation, Treatment and Maintenance

Before Installation

Upon arrival, the tiles should be inspected. Any transport damage should be noted on the delivery slip and notified to us immediately, including pictures.

In case of any doubt or issue, notify us always prior to installation. Once the tiles are installed there is little that can be done to remedy any issue.

In order to achieve a homogeneous look, open several boxes and mix the tiles with the different shades.

1. Installation

Installation should be done on a well-levelled, clean, and dry surface.
The tiles can be installed with a synthetic adhesive or a cement-based adhesive suitable for highly absorbent materials (terracotta, natural clay tiles).

Apply the adhesive cement to the surface using a large-toothed comb trowel. Also apply adhesive on the back of the tile (double bonding).

Position the tiles with your hands. If necessary, to achieve good levelling, gently use a rubber mallet.
Leave a gap of 3 to 5 mm between the tiles for the joint, to compensate for differences in tile size and to absorb any floor movement.

2. Grouting

The tiles quickly absorb moisture, dehydrating the grout during application. Therefore, use special grout for absorbent materials (natural clay, terracotta), preferably flexible and for wide joints.

Humidify the edges of the tiles and space between tiles, before applying the grout.
Grout should preferably be white or natural grey, as pigmented grouts can stain the tiles. Always follow the grout manufacturer's instructions carefully.

To precisely apply the mixture into the space between the tiles and avoid unnecessarily dirtying the surfaces, use a bottle with a fine nozzle.

As soon as the grout begins to set, clean and smoothen the grout with a damp sponge, then after 30 to 60 minutes, rinse with a mop and water to leave the surface as clean as possible.

Allow to dry and harden for 24 hours.

3. Deep Cleaning

To remove any grout residues and construction dust, and to restore the TERRA tiles’ colour, post-installation cleaning is necessary.
We offer TERRA CLEAN cleaner. It is an acidic liquid that dissolves cement stains and alkaline construction residues. This should be applied with protective equipment and on a well-ventilated space.

1 litre of TERRA CLEAN covers approximately 10 m² (may vary depending on the level of dirt).
Dilute if necessary in water (with 1 to 3 parts water depending on the level of dirt). Always test on a very small area to adjust TERRA CLEAN’s action. Ventilate the room and apply with a mop or a fibre rotary disc.

Rinse and ensure COMPLETE drying of your surface before applying the protective treatment. (Complete drying can take from 5 days to over 2 weeks depending on weather conditions, room ventilation, and the amount of moisture from the installation).
Do not cover the floor with a plastic sheet as this would prevent drying. If protection is needed, use sawdust or cover with blank cardboard (without any print or pigments that could bleed).

4. Protective Treatment

The protective treatment (sealer + wax) is applied after the installation and deep cleaning of the Terra tiles, over a clean and perfectly dry floor. Ensure proper ventilation of the room during the application of the SEALER.

The Sealer is a solvent-based sealer that limits water and oil penetration. The Sealer impregnates the tile, reduces its porosity and keeps its natural matte aspect.

1 litre of SEALER can treat 5 to 6 m² (its absorption can vary greatly from tile to tile).
Always test on an isolated tile to assess the SEALER’s absorption level and better understand its application. Apply the protective treatment with a brush or roller (wool, not foam) on a clean and dry surface, gradually and until the tile is saturated.

When the tile appears saturated, wait a few minutes then buff with a fine cloth, to remove excess SEALER that may remain on the surface.
Do not apply in excess, as any unabsorbed liquid will dry on the surface leaving shiny spots.
Wait a few hours before applying the WAX, to ensure the SEALER had enough time to fully set.

Apply the liquid vegetable wax (WAX) with a mop, cloth, or felt rotary disc. This will enhance the colours and protect the tiles.
1 litre of WAX can cover 8 to 10 m² (may vary depending on the floor). After applying the wax, let it rest for 24 hours before using the area or cleaning it with water.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

Clean with water using only natural PH neutral soaps.
Regular application of liquid wax (diluted in the mop water when cleaning) revives the colours and helps create a patina that protects the tiles

It is recommended to use protective pads for chairs and furniture to avoid marks and scratches.
Do not cover the surface with non-breathable materials, plant pots, or similar items for long periods as this would prevent floor ventilation and could cause efflorescence or stains.

Prevent and repair any sources of constant humidity, as these can cause humidity stains and efflorescence.

Disclaimer

This document summarizes our recommendations for the installation, treatment, and maintenance of natural terracotta tiles, but other approaches are possible.
Each manufacturer or brand of specialized terracotta products has its own protocols and recommendations which generally overlap with ours. The ultimate responsibility for correct installation falls on the installer.

Note: The TERRA® 10x10cm colour samples are treated with sealer and wax, to give them the texture and patina of an installed and treated floor.

Cleaning and maintenance products

  • SEALER

    Price: AED 135 Unit: 1L

    + Information

    PROPERTY - Mosaic Sealer is a liquid impregnator that limits absorption of water and oils into porous materials. It penetrates the pores of the tiles and does not affect the natural finish of a cement floor. This solvent and resin based product is to be applied with a brush, cloth or roller on a clean and dry surface. One or more successive applications until the tiles are saturated. Ensure the room is ventilated and avoid applying in excess. Any sealer not absorbed within a few minutes will remain on the surface. You may buff the surface with a fine cloth to remove any excess and avoid a shiny or patchy finish. Always try the sealer on a loose tile before applying it on the entire surface, in order to measure the grade of absorption of the tiles.

    DANGER - Highly flammable liquid and vapour. May be fatal in case of ingestion affecting airways. May cause serious skin and eye irritation. Can cause drowsiness and vertigo. Toxic to aquatic life with long-term negative effects. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Keep out of the reach of children. Keep away from heat sources, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces. No smoking. Wear protective gloves, clothes and eyewear and protective mask. IN CASE OF INGESTION: Immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE SKIN (or hair): Remove immediately contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower. IF INHALED, take the person outside and maintain in a comfortable position for breathing. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Do not swallow.

  • NEUTRAL SOAP

    Price: AED 67.5 Unit: 1L

    + Information

    PROPERTY - Liquid PH neutral soap for daily use. Diluted in water, the soap will disinfect and nourish cement based tiles.

    DANGER - May cause serious eye irritation. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Keep out of the reach of children. Read the label before use. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Always wear protective gloves, clothes and eyewear as well as a protective mask. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Keep rinsing. If the irritation continues, seek medical attention.

  • NEUTRAL WAX

    Price: AED 94.5 Unit: 1L

    + Information

    PROPERTY - Liquid Wax which can be used diluted in water or pure. Once dry, the floor can be buffed with a cloth, fibre or felt pads which will give the tiles a sheen and enhance colours. The wax will help create a patina and protect the tiles further.

    DANGER - Product not classed as a risk for health or the environment. Keep out of the reach of children. Read the label before use. IN CASE OF INGESTION: Immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Keep rinsing. In case of an accident or drowsiness immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Dispose of content and container according to local waste management regulations.

  • TERRACOTTA CLEANER

    Price: AED 83.7 Unit: 1L

    + Information

    Acidic product, ideal for removing excess grout, mortar residue, cement and efflorescence. Only suitable for Terra-Tiles (Terracotta). Use by diluting with 1 to 5 parts of water depending on the degree of soiling. Use in a well-ventilated area. Apply with a mop or buffing machine. Leave to act for a few seconds, rub with a green scouring pad or scrubbing brush and rinse thoroughly with water.

  • CLEANER FOR HOUSEHOLD USE

    Price: AED 67.5 Unit: 0,75L

    + Information

    PROPERTY - The household stain cleaner helps tone down grease stains and other marks resulting from daily use with a cement tile floor. Spray the product thoroughly on the area to treat, leave it a few minutes before scrubbing with a buffing machine and fibre disc or a green scouring pad. Add water if necessary. Rinse very well the residues to finalise the process.

    DANGER - Always wear protective gloves, clothes and eyewear as well as a protective mask. May cause serious skin and eye irritation. Should medical advice be required, take the label or container with you. Keep out of the reach of children. Read the label before use. IN CASE OF INGESTION: Rinse mouth and DO NOT induce vomiting. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE SKIN (or hair): Remove immediately contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower. IF INHALED, take the person outside and maintain in a comfortable position for breathing. IN CASE OF CONTACT WITH THE EYES: Rinse carefully with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses. Keep rinsing and do not ingest. In case of an accident, immediately call the POISON CENTRE or seek medical help. Dispose of content and container according to local waste management regulations. Do not use this product with a paint spray gun.