Solid Colors
- Description
- Specs
- Reviews
Coverage: 3 pounds of broken tile covers approximately 1 square foot area.
PLEASE NOTE: This product is sold by the pound, NOT by box, therefore we may consolidate orders into one box. Colors & variety of your broken tile order will vary upon availability. Some tiles may Not be broken. We sell them as material appropriate to break since they may have chipped corners or they may come from an odd batch. Colors and variety of broken tile will vary upon availability.
Talavera tiles are NOT frost resistant, they should not be used on outdoor installations with potential freezing temperatures.
Mexico is world reknown for its skillful artisans in a wide variety of fields. Mexican writer Alberto Ruy Sanchez Lacy called Mexican tile a "chosen skin". Tiles have embellished numerous public and private spaces thoughout Mexico. A glimpse anywhere in Mexico, particularly in the central states, shows the widespread use of talavera tiles decorating a broad range of spaces from kitchens, fountains, facades, interiors of luxurious hacienda homes to churches. It is through traditional artifacts, such as handcrafted tiles, that one can perceive an artisan’s sensibility, and creativity. Handcrafted ceramic tile is a rooted cultural heritage in Mexico, since its practice of making it began in the late sixteenth century, around 1570 and 1573. Mexican ceramic tiles have actively played a distinguished role as an important utilitarian and decorative element in Mexican architecture.
Mexican tile is functional, beautiful, and practical, it provides a long lasting wall or surface that is easy to care and maintain. You can install Mexican tiles in virtually any area you want to enjoy their warm and beauty.
The tiles are made from clay dug out of the ground and fired to a temperature at which the clay undergoes chemical changes and becomes permanently hard. Then the tile is glazed and decorated by hand, and fired once again to give it its final and lively finish. Its physical characteristics make Mexican tiles particularly attractive and distinctive. Mexican tiles are concave (not perfectly flat). They are characterized as unique, irregular, functional, and expressive.
Recommended Use
- Interior wall applications.
- Mosaic projects, craft applications, decorative accents, backsplashes, tabletops, frames, planters, and small custom tile projects.
- Can be used for light-use residential floor accents or inset mosaic areas when properly installed.
- Suitable for wet areas such as showers, pools, and fountains when properly installed and sealed. Gloss finishes are recommended for wet-area installations.
- Not recommended for heavy-traffic floors or exterior freeze-thaw installations.
- Broken tile pieces are irregular and may vary in size, color, finish, shape, and availability.
Recommended Rooms
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Shower walls
- Fireplace surrounds
- Interior accent walls
- Craft and mosaic projects
- Decorative tabletops, frames, planters, and small custom surfaces
Specifications
| Product Type | Talavera Broken Tile |
| Collection | Talavera Broken Tile / Mosaic Material |
| Sold By | By the pound |
| Material | Handmade ceramic tile pieces |
| Finish | Glazed ceramic; finish and color assortment may vary |
| Body | Red bisque |
| Texture | Smooth glazed surface with irregular broken edges |
| Thickness | Approx. 1/4 in.; slight variation is expected |
| Variation | V4 · Substantial variation in color, shade, size, shape, and assortment |
| Crazing | C1 · Light; fine surface crazing may be present or develop over time |
| Piece Size | Irregular broken pieces; exact shapes and sizes will vary |
| Recommended Grout | Sanded grout is commonly used for irregular mosaic joints. Non-sanded grout may be used for narrow joints under 1/4 in. |
| Sealer | Use penetrating sealer as needed for grout and installation conditions. |
For a comparison of handmade variation and crazing levels, refer to our handmade ceramic tile variation and crazing guide.
Approximate Coverage by Pound
| Quantity | Approximate Coverage |
| 1 lb. | Approx. 0.33 sq. ft. |
| 2 lb. | Approx. 0.66 sq. ft. |
| 3 lb. | Approx. 0.99 sq. ft. |
| 4 lb. | Approx. 1.32 sq. ft. |
| 5 lb. | Approx. 1.65 sq. ft. |
| 6 lb. | Approx. 1.98 sq. ft. |
Please Note: Coverage is approximate. Customer is responsible for final quantity ordered.
- One pound of broken tile is approximately equal to three 4¼" x 4¼" tiles and covers about 0.33 sq. ft.
- Coverage may vary depending on piece size, grout joint width, layout, spacing, and installation method.
- Industry standard recommends adding 5–10% additional material to account for cuts, waste, layout adjustments, and future repairs.
- Review measurements and material quantities with an expert installer before placing a final order.
Care and Considerations
- Clean with a mild, non-acidic cleanser and damp cloth.
- Do not use abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, or acid-based cleaners.
- Colors and assortment may vary based on current availability.
- Broken tile is sold as irregular mosaic material and should not be expected to match a specific tile color, pattern, or exact assortment unless specifically noted.
- Some pieces may not arrive fully broken. They are sold as material suitable for breaking, mosaic work, or irregular decorative use.
- Some pieces may include chipped corners, irregular edges, odd-batch variation, or discontinued colors.
- Certain matte and specialty glazes are acid-sensitive and may discolor if exposed to acid-based cleaners.
Installation
- Sort and dry lay broken tile pieces before installation to plan color distribution, spacing, and overall layout.
- Use appropriate setting materials for ceramic mosaic installation and the installation location.
- Confirm grout joint width and grout type before setting tile.
- Seal grout and tile as needed based on location, finish, and exposure to moisture.
- For installation recommendations, refer to our ceramic tile installation guide.
Qualities
- Handmade ceramic tile material
- Irregular broken pieces
- Suitable for mosaic and craft projects
- Natural variation in color, size, shape, and finish
- Sold by the pound
- Useful for backsplashes, accent areas, tabletops, frames, planters, and custom decorative surfaces
Broken Tiles
I have so enjoyed buying broken tiles from TierrayFuego. I started what was to be a small project which grew daily. I have ordered so many times from this company and have never had to wait for delivery more than two days. Take a look at the website as there is so much more than broken tiles: beautiful basins, gorgeous tiles, etc. It is a very tempting site! Anyone who is doing tile projects would do well to order from here. The customer service is excellent; the choice is fabulous and everyone there has made my life easier (as I often wasn't sure how this project would come out!). Prices are very, very fair. Take a look; you won't be disappointed.
Great colors
I have used this tile for my projects and love it.
say no more
i frequently use whole tile in my art i like the choices i have to restrain from buying more than i need for each art project i'm working on always eager to start something new
Broken Talavera Tiles
These tiles are just what I was hoping for and have proven to be perfect for a beginning mosaic craftsman like me. I will order more.
Perfect chips
The tile pieces are perfect for our townpark mosaic. The colors are very vivid and a good variety. I can't wait to install them.
Review
YAY! My tiles have arrived!! They are quite perfect and I'll be ordering more soon! Thank you so much!
Lavada Parker
Love the colors, cant wait to use them.
Broken tiles great colors
I did not know what to expect but the colors were perfect for the project I was doing. Thanks a bunch and I will be shopping with you again.
MosiacNewbie
Very prompt, fast service. The pieces were bigger than I expected, but that is good because I can shape them now however I want. Very happy!
Review
I just received my order. I wanted to tell you that I was very impressed with how well the tiles were wrapped and how the box was so thickly padded to protect the tiles. I am very happy with my tiles. I plan to order from you again.
Review
Fast, prompt and professional service.
Review
Great transaction.
Review
I received my items so quickly..that's a good thing..