HANDMADE TERRACOTTA Finishes

The word FINISH means the surface appearance of brickwork. In technical term is the TEXTURE brick … the structure, the texture of the surface which has a role for the more aesthetic but also functional because of it depends the resistance to slipping or (although partly) also the smoothness of the mop or of the cloth during cleaning / maintenance. For this reason we have taken test reports of some of the finishs we have to certify the resistance to slipping required by law for the exterior and / or for public places. In this way the FINISH is the result of a set of processes that are carried out (or are not carried out in the case of the RAW) before and / or after cooking or even after laying, in order to determine the texture of the brick. The price of each finish is the result of the complexity and the time required to perform such work, so we can say that each finish has a different price.

SMOOTHED

The Smooth finish is the finish that affects the surface of the brick in which the work of man is imprinted, almost as if to sign the bricks made one by one.

ARS VETUS

The Ars Vetus finish is completely innovative, the flagship of Fornace Bernasconi. It is the result of continuous research in respect of materials and ancient traditions.

GLAZED

A kaleidoscope of glossy and opaque colours, glazed and crystallines capable of enriching and embellishing environments, floors and walls with a touch of originality capable of transmitting elegance and craftsmanship.

HONED

The Honed finish is the finish that most distorts the manual feature of the brick, revealing the soul and the authentic color of the brick. Characteristic are the micro cavities that appear on the surface of the brick itself.

ROUGH / NATURAL

The Rough/Natural Finish is the brick without any processing, exactly as it comes out of the mold and subsequently from the wood-burning oven. This type of finish identifies the sandblasted part of the brick: slightly rough and natural.

SANDED

The Sanded finish is the finish that removes part of the surface roughness on the sandblasted side from the brick. The result is to soften the surface without altering the appearance of the handcrafted brick.

ADJUSTED

If you want to choose a terracotta floor without grout lines, the only solution is to rectify the edges. Fornace Bernasconi has equipped itself with a special machine capable of rectifying the edges and making them perfectly align with each other.

BRUSHED

An exclusive finish for the attic, specially created after years of research and study to satisfy the most demanding tastes. The brushed tiles are delivered as soon as they come out of the wood oven, dry and protected.

DECOR

A finish designed to combine aesthetics and functionality. The surface, with its rough/smooth effect, recalls raw earth, evoking a sense of authenticity and warmth.

Terracotta flooring: the most beautiful textures

The terracotta floor has always been the ultimate choice in flooring: trends and styles come and go, but terracotta endures in all its versatility.

Terracotta floors, thanks to their durability, can be laid anywhere: inside the home, outdoors, and even in wet areas or near water such as pool edges. It is precisely the surface of the terracotta that shapes its visual impact and style, shifting from rustic to modern depending on the installation environment and personal taste. To choose the most suitable floor for your home, it is essential to know the various finishes available in terracotta. If you need assistance or advice from a professional, do not hesitate to contact us.

There are smooth and sanded finishes, obtained through manual or mechanical grinding processes carried out raw, after firing, or in some cases after laying.

The smoothed, polished surfaces and the Ars Vetus retain the classic irregularities of terracotta, but feature velvety, soft-to-the-touch surfaces that can display colours different from the traditional yellow/pink tones, thanks to the application of special glazes that, through a second firing, produce glossy and pearlescent effects.

The glazed finish, as the name suggests, is hand-glazed inside our kiln. Any type of shade and tone can be achieved, making floors (and wall coverings) more colourful, personalised, and visually striking.

The naturally rough surfaces, on the other hand, leave the material consistency typical of terracotta visible on the brick surface, characterised by slight irregularities and significant porosity. The overall final effect is ensured by the unique aesthetic of each individual element, which enlivens the continuity of the floor.

The best terracotta textures for every environment

Although all finishes are extremely versatile, some types are better suited to certain environments: in the bathroom, for example, the most resistant terracotta floors are recommended, such as glazed ones, which — thanks to their treated surface — are perfectly water-resistant.

In the kitchen too (an area prone to stains and wear), it is always better to choose a hard-wearing terracotta floor, such as polished, sanded, or Ars Vetus. If you opt for a masonry kitchen, any type of finish that complements the rest of the house will work well.

In bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms, any type of terracotta can be laid, although the raw, rectified, smoothed, or polished versions stand out for their greater elegance and refinement, enhancing the aesthetic value of the spaces.

Finally, for outdoor floors, courtyards, garden paving, pathways, or pool edges, it is advisable to opt for Ars Vetus, sanded, or raw terracotta. Raw terracotta floors for outdoor use are indeed a popular and versatile choice.

The above are simply suggestions: the best terracotta finish is the one you love most. Should your floor become stained or damaged, you can always opt for terracotta treatment. Always remember to use the right products to preserve its beauty over time (Read also: “How to clean terracotta“).

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With terracotta, anything is possible!