Saltillo Tile Flooring Austin, Dallas and Houston Texas

Saltillo tile in Austin, Houston, or Dallas Texas is hard to find. We are a saltillo tile dealer in Austin Texas. Saltillo Tile is one of the two most famous products of the Mexican city of Saltillo, Coahuila. Saltillo tiles vary in color and shape, the majority range from in varying hues of reds, oranges and yellows. Tiles are shaped either carving out the shape, or by pressing quarried clay with a wooden frame.The color ranges from yellow to a rich orange. That all depends on the raw tile's placement among other tiles when it is firing.

Saltillo tile soaks in liquid easily and it is highly porous. So it is that it absorbs thin set, grout wax pencils so it is difficult to install. If saltillo tile is not properly sealed and maintained with a quality sealer, it may scuff easily. During installation the tiles should be handled carefully to avoid stains that can even occur from body oils on the installer's hands. There is a few preferred methods for installation of saltillo tile.

Saltillo tile comes from a town in Mexico known as Saltillo. Its big clay deposits of natural clay make this town famous. Saltillo tiles are not baked in a kiln with high temperatures, they are air dried in the sun, then fired up in pits left behind from the quarrying of clay. Saltillo tile has alot of character to it in the matter of choice by the different people of opinions. Saltillo is more of a rustic type of tile with a warm subtle calming feeling you can't get from any other type of tile. Even though saltillo tile is soft, it is in-expensive to buy.

Saltillo tile is used indoors and outdoors such as patios and porches. Saltillo tile cannot be cut on a regular ceramic tile cutting board and must be cut on a wet saw. The labor associated with the installation can be higher due to the cost of extensive labor. Saltillo tile is thick and the usual grout lines can range from 1/2" to 3/4", grouting will take longer and will require more.

Always allow a minimum of 3 weeks drying time on saltillo tile before sealing. I will take two applications to properly seal tile. The sealer can be applied by using a paint roller. The edges get finished off by using a brush

One method involves soaking the saltillo tile in liquid water, installing them raw with thin-set, grouting them, treating them, and finally sealing both saltillo and grout with only the finest and powerful saltillo tile sealer. Saltillo tile is inexpensive itself, installation prices may vary. Treatments for saltillo tile include, coating it with sealer before grouting, then applying an admixture of linseed oil with paint thinner, applying natural stone color enhancers, applying floor hardeners, coating them with wood stain, painting them with water-based paint ect. Because saltillo tile is incredibly porous, it will readily absorb just about any liquid forms. Note any of these treatments may be used on the tile, however some of them such as penetrating sealers, enhancers, or linseed oil treatments, penetrate into the tile and may effect the ability of a film forming (coating) to be applied later. Saltillo tile may be sealed with a penetrating sealer or a film forming sealer (coating). A film forming sealer will leave a film on the surface of the tile. Saltillo tile flooring in Austin is easier than ever because we make it easy with multiple coats of film that will build an even protective film and gloss that may repel water, oil, grease and efflorescent. A quality acrylic floor polish can be applied over the sealed surface for added abrasion and wear protection. A finished sealed saltillo floor installation should be maintained for best results. A good routine cleaning method may be a damp mop on the floor (never flood the sealed saltillo floor with water). If areas begin to show wear over time reapply the sealer. Maintaining the saltillo tile will greatly extend the life of the sealer and minimize repair needs.
Feel free to contact us at of any questions (512)454-8453.

What is ceramic tile?

Ceramic tile is created from clay, water, and natural minerals fired in a kiln. Glazed ceramic tile carry a ceramic coating giving it a finish and color. Ceramic tiles can be applied in the interior of a home and walls where light to moderate traffic is present. Ceramic tile is not suitable outside of a home for it is not frost resistant and may crack due to a freeze over. Ceramic tile flooring in Austin can be a breeze when you consult with our sales staff.
What is porcelain tile?

Porcelain tile is a tile that is generally made by the dust pressed method from porcelain clays which result in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth, with a sharply formed face. Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) making it frost proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non-porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles are suitable in almost all applications with heavy foot traffic. When you deal with Austin Tile & Wood, porcelain tile flooring in Austin is easy and fast.
What is granite tile?

Granite is rock formed by the cooling down and solidification of the molten magmas and lava. As they cool, crystals form on one another forming a stone. This rock is the earliest form on the planet and and comprises up to 95% of the earths crust. Granite is primarily composed of quartz and feldspar. Granite is usually has a crystalline appearance with variations in shading and colors of its mineral grains.
What is travertine tile?

Travertine tile is a sedimentary stone formed by calcite accumulation from mineral-rich, hot springs. Travertine tile contain pits and holes formed by boiling water and sulfur bubbles rising up through the limestone slurry. These holes get filled and the travertine is referred to filled travertine tile. For a more rustic look these pits can be left with out filling. All travertine should be sealed after installation to prevent stains.
What is slate tile?

Slate tile is a fine-grained metamorphic rock. It's main constituents are quartz, chlorite, mica & calcite. Slate is formed when ocean or riverbed sediments are compressed and heated by the earth's crust. Slate is suitable for floors of the interior and exterior of a house. Slate should be sealed to prevent staining.
Why choose porcelain or ceramic tile over carpet or sheet vinyl?

Resistant to fire- Ceramic tile will not burn, so if it does not burn it will not give off toxic fumes.

Durable- Ceramic tile outlasts carpet and sheet vinyl. Glazed ceramic tile is water resistant and does not retain any bacteria, allergens, or odors.

Beautiful- Ceramic tile manufacturing has created and almost unlimited color choice, style, textures, shapes and sizes.
How do I maintain the flooring tile?

With a sponge mop and common household detergents like Mr Clean.