The Making of Spanish Mission Red - Mexican Pavers

The square Spanish Mission Red floor tiles are the most popular and come in the following sizes: 8x8, 12x12, and 16x16 in. The tiles can be used throughout an entire project. As one of man’s earliest discoveries, terra cotta tile embodies timelessness. Perhaps its classic appeal stems from the richness of the earth baked into it or how it glows at the mere hint of sunlight. Spanish Mission Red Terra Cotta floor tiles combine color and texture to create the rare beauty of centuries-old tradition.

The properties of earthtone color, and texture of our Spanish Mission Red Tile are derived from its clay. The tiles are composed of clay deposits from California and totally handcrafted using old-world methods introduced to this region by the first Spanish explorers and missionaries. Using local natural resources the early Spanish settlers made the first Missions with adobe clay tiles, which were only sun-air dry. And covered floors, walls, and roofs with terra cotta tiles (baked earth). Clay tiles were essential for the foundations of the first California Missions, and continue today to be an important element in the building of Spanish Revival Architecture homes in California, and in other states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida to name a few.

All Spanish Mission Tiles must be sealed in order to preserve their beauty. We recommend to use a high quality penetrating sealer such as 511 Impregnator or 511 Porous Plus from Miracle Sealants Company

511 Porous Plus is a penetrating sealer designed for the protection of the most porous surfaces. 511 Porous Plus forms an invisible barrier that is resistant to moisture and stains while allowing vapor to escape. 511 Porous Plus is not a surface coating and will not alter the natural look. All surfaces are harder and less slippery. Therefore, 511 Porous Plus is highly recommended for all our Mexican terra-cotta floor tiles.

NOTE: The process of making the Spanish Mission floor tiles is the same as the process of making Saltillo floor tiles.

The clay is extracted from mines that are nearby the hills of Saltillo, Coahuila. Once the clay has been extracted and consolidated in wells it is soaked in water.	The clay is left soaking in water overnight before it is ready to be transformed into beautiful rustic handcrafted Saltillo floor tiles.
A cart wheel is used to bring the Saltillo clay to a working area where it will be transformed into a Saltillo tile bisque.	Artisans bring some of the clay from clay pool. And make each tile by hand. The artisan makes tiles in sucession and fills rows and rows of handcrafted Saltillo floor tiles.
To make Saltillo floor tiles the clay is placed in individual wooden molds.	And an artisan spreads the Saltillo clay with his hands.
The creation of each Mexican handcrafted floor paver involves a laborious process.The artisan makes sure the mold is well covered with an even thickness of clay.	The artisan smooths the surface of the handcrafted Saltillo floor terra cotta tile with a piece of wood.
Artisans smooth the surface of each handcrafted Saltillo floor tile some more.	Rows of Saltillo tile pavers dry up under the sun before they are fired in a kiln.
Mexican handcrafted floor pavers are piled after they are fired, before they are packed to be shipped. Look for the ocassional bird or coyote footprints marks on handcrafted floor tiles. The variations in shades and colors are unique charateristics of handmade tiles. Handcrafted floor tiles bring warmth and interest to any environment.