Handmade terracotta floors: a story of tradition and innovation

Handmade terracotta floors: a story of tradition and innovation

When we think of the materials to be used for flooring, among the most sought-after ones for both exteriors and interiors we undoubtedly have Handmade Terracotta, which reflects a history and a tradition rich in innovation in Handmade Terracotta floors.

It certainly cannot be counted among the innovative materials since it has populated the world of construction for some time: the production of terracotta has been attested since the fourth millennium BC. C., although it currently presents itself under another guise, offering customers a wide range of choices from various productions and colors.

Handmade terracotta is a completely natural material composed only of clay mixed with water which, thanks to absolutely artisanal processing techniques, is transformed into a coating characterized by a very wide color spectrum ranging from ocher yellow to amaranth red.

Handmade terracotta is a material that requires wood firing for about 30 hours at 1000 ° C, which makes this material very resistant to cold and frost and versatile (able to adapt perfectly to any style of furniture).

But what are the uses and processing methods? What are the main types? Let’s find out together.

Handmade terracotta floors: processing techniques

Let’s start by saying that terracotta is divided into several categories depending on the processing technique to which it is subjected:

• Industrial terracotta: the one that is drawn by machine.
• Handcrafted terracotta: it is produced without the aid of machinery, but exclusively with the use of tools, such as presses, spatulas or rollers.
• Handmade terracotta: it is undoubtedly the most valuable version of terracotta. It does not require the use of some tools and the hand of the person who works it gives it beauty and authenticity.

We will focus our attention on the latter type: real handmade terracotta.

The clay at the base of the terracotta is extracted in the quarries, and subsequently ground and possibly cleaned of impurities.
Subsequently, the clay is mixed with water and treated: the mixture of water and clay is placed in special molds to give the desired shape and size and is left to dry.
Then it goes on to wood firing for about 30 hours at 1000 ° C: an important process because it gives the material hardness and resistance.

What used to be the artisan tradition has been combined over the centuries with technological innovation, giving life to a product with warm and natural tones and colors capable of giving a spontaneous and natural atmosphere to any environment.

Uses and types of handmade terracotta

For a long time, terracotta was used exclusively for covering rural homes, but today it dominates the contemporary trend of rediscovering ancient materials, so its use is increasingly in demand on the market.
The refinement of processing techniques has made terracotta a complete product: it is used for the production of flooring and cladding, but also for the creation of various objects such as amphorae, ashtrays and furnishing accessories.

The different types of terracotta can be summarized in relation to the main geographical areas of ancient traditions. Let’s see some of them:

• Umbrian Terracotta: this typology has its origins in a village in the province of Terni. The Umbrian terracotta is often combined with particular majolica and is subjected to glazing processes suitable for the maintenance of its natural shades. Compared to the Florentine one, it is lighter, almost tending to yellow.
• Florentine Terracotta: it is undoubtedly one of the most famous for its fame linked to the history of building material of excellence in Renaissance Florence (dome of the Florence Cathedral). The clays of the Chianti hills give the terracotta a slightly reddish color, ample versatility and good resistance.
• Sicilian Terracotta: the land of this terracotta inevitably suffers the influence of the volcanic sand of Etna.
  It is characterized by dark and full-bodied colors and by some imperfections capable of giving it character and uniqueness.

If you want to find out more about the fascinating world of handmade terracotta floors, its coverings, its applications, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts,
an ever-present support to choose and evaluate the best solution, providing a service with numerous materials and finishes available.

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