Raw terracotta floors are often chosen because they add personality to outdoor spaces: the vibrant color of this particular material blends beautifully with the green of the lawn, creating an unmatched contrast. In addition to its aesthetic function, this type of flooring has a huge practical advantage over others: it is naturally non-slip, frost-resistant, and resistant to moisture and rain, making it a true lifesaver for summer evenings!
Outdoor flooring ideas.
Raw terracotta can be used in various ways for outdoor flooring, but our favorite installations are:
- Courtyards and porches. A courtyard or porch with raw terracotta flooring is both elegant and rustic at the same time. Its characteristics make it one of the most sought-after choices for this type of outdoor space. Square bricks, ranging in size, are often chosen to pave courtyards and porches because they help organize a well-defined area outside the home. Additionally, their rough texture provides excellent grip for outdoor furniture.
- Poolside. Raw terracotta flooring is an excellent choice for paving around the pool, not only for its durability and water resistance but also for its aesthetic appeal. We discuss it further in this article: “Handmade Terracotta Flooring and Poolside: Aesthetic and Functionality.”
- Sidewalks and walkways. Imagine standing in front of a villa or a farmhouse. The gate opens, and a raw terracotta walkway welcomes you. Now, picture walking along this path until you reach a fountain, bordered by a terracotta sidewalk, with the lawn surrounding it: a truly unique atmosphere.
How to clean raw terracotta?
Raw terracotta, over time, tends to age and gray, but its beauty lies in being a natural element that lives and breathes along with the house.
If you want to restore it to its initial state, the terracotta can be revived with an acid wash and pressure washer.
You can also choose to treat the terracotta floor according to your needs: the decision depends on usage and personal taste. In general, it is recommended to treat the areas where people gather and to avoid doing so in secondary areas, like sidewalks. Naturally aged terracotta has a pleasant aesthetic appearance.
Raw terracotta floors for interiors
Not only for exteriors: raw bricks can also be a great solution for indoor spaces. When you want to add a rustic touch, this type of flooring is an excellent choice.
An example would be the basement: this type of finish can help define a boundary between the inhabited part of the house and a space dedicated to leisure. It’s a place where you can invite friends and family or enjoy moments of solitary relaxation. The basement is perfect for any kind of terracotta flooring because it requires a strong and durable base that will last over time.
Raw terracotta floors don’t have to be limited to rustic environments.
Recent interior design trends show that spaces like the kitchen, entrance, and bathroom can be enhanced and brightened with natural elements. It’s becoming increasingly common, especially in modern or shabby chic styles, to find rooms with raw terracotta flooring, light wood details, white walls, and plants or flowers in modern pots, either resting on shelves or hanging.
The possible combinations are endless, but the real advantage of this choice is that terracotta floors are a guarantee of durability and longevity, both for outdoor and indoor spaces.
