If you want to add a rustic charm to your kitchen, garage, or floors as a whole, consider installing a terracotta floor. This design choice works well in country homes or those looking for a Spanish flair. Terracotta is a warm copper color that complements most decor, and it can add a touch of elegance to any space. If you think you want to add this look to your home, consider some of the benefits below.
It's Unique
Since terracotta is made of clay, you never get two tiles that look just alike. They all provide a slight variance in color and pattern that looks great, no matter where you put it. People often use terracotta backsplashes because of this unique look, but flooring is the most popular application. In a rustic setting, this unpredictable pattern works very well with the natural looking design.
It's Easy to Install
Terracotta is very easy to install if you know what you are doing. It works just like any other tile. You simply provide a surface to adhere the tile to, allow it to set, and then grout it. Because of the porous nature of this material, it is actually very easy to cut for awkward corners. It is these pores, however, that also hurt the durability of the terracotta. If you add a sealant to the surface of the tile though, you should have no issues at all.
It's Easy to Clean
Since you have to put a sealant over the terracotta tiles, cleanup is a breeze. Most liquid beads up on the surface, so all you have to do is wipe up a mess with a paper towel or mop. These floors don't show stains or dirt easily either, so they can still make your rustic space look good, even if they are dirty. Oftentimes a little dirt actually helps to add some charm to the tiles. Thus you may not have to clean as often as you may think.
It's Comfortable
Even though a lot of rustic furniture is made from wood, most people manage to find comfort in that material. Terracotta flooring is no different. It may be a hard tile, but it is not as hard as a lot of other tiles on the market. Thus you may find walking on terracotta to be a comfortable option for your home, especially if you have small children. This floor doesn't get cold as easily as some other materials, so you should be fine to walk on it in winter months.
It's Ageless
As time goes by, your rustic terracotta floor will look better and better. The unique patterns on each tile start to reveal themselves after years of wear. The tiles themselves lose some of the artificial smooth texture, and they start to become more realistic. If you are looking for a set of tiles to grow with you, these are definitely it. You should have a beautiful floor for years to come.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
