Where to Start: A Guide to Saltillo Tile Restoration & Why You Should Consider A Pro

Why We Love Mexican Tile

First impressions count when selecting flooring. If you’re like us, you immediately fell in love with the warmth and charm of Saltillo tile.

It’s not hard to love the color of baked terracotta and the way it makes you dream of cozy garden patios and classic Spanish architecture.

Beyond its beauty, this tile also draws homeowners because it’s a handmade, all-natural product. It feels fantastic on your feet—warm in winter and cool in the summer. The warm brown color also subtly hides dirt.

We love all of this, but we also appreciate that even though it shows wear after years of use, you can restore Saltillo tile to its original luster.

Signs You Need Saltillo Tile Restoration

Even though ancient civilizations used terracotta as a building material for thousands of years, that doesn’t mean your tiles won’t ever need restoration. Watch for the following signs that indicate it’s time for you to give your Saltillo floor times some TLC:

• Stains
• Damage from Cleaning Solutions
• Flaking or Chipping
• Discoloration

Any of these signs of wear and tear mean you should consider restoring your tiles. Saltillo tiles do need a little extra maintenance over the lifetime of your floor.

Most tiles come sealed from the factory. Mexican tile is porous, and without proper sealing, it’s prone to all kinds of damage. These floors need re-sealing every few years.

You may feel empowered to restore your Saltillo floor tiles yourself. Next, we’ll talk about why restoring Saltillo tile is a DYI don’t.

Cons of DYI Tile Restoration 

Refinishing Mexican tiles not only brings back their original beauty, but it also saves you time and money. Restoration is more cost-effective than tearing up your tile floor and replacing it with new flooring.

That said, some homeowners love the challenge of home improvement projects and will attempt a DIY restoration of these charming tiles. That reality TV host made it look so simple!

Tile restoration is a back-breaking job with several different processes. Restoration projects require techniques and products tailored to the type of tile.

Once you’re into the project, you may discover chipped or broken tiles. What will you do with them?

A pro knows precisely which products and processes will bring the glimmer back to your floors. It just makes more sense to use a professional.

Need to Schedule Tile Service? 

We love Mexican tiles just as much as you do and hope this article helped you understand a little more about Saltillo tile restoration.

If you’re ready to start your refinishing project, we’d love to partner with you. Contact us today for more information on our services.