Cladding with terracotta strips has recently become a real trend, emphasized by the most important interior designers. Decorating with brick makes your home both rustic and classy at the same time, and with the strips, we have a simple and effective way to achieve these results. Thanks to inserts of every shape and shade, it’s possible to cover floors and walls, both external and internal, with benefits that are not only aesthetic but also technical, especially from a thermal perspective.
Over time, brick has been reinterpreted, transitioning from a structural element used to build and hidden from view, to a cladding material meant to be displayed in its raw nature.
A metamorphosis in its use that has simultaneously ensured its continuity, elevating exposed bricks from simple decorative elements to a true trend.
For those who love natural materials, from New York lofts to country homes, terracotta strips are capable of creating atmospheres ranging from industrial to vintage, to modern rustic.
On the right, photos of one of our most beautiful recent works, designed by architect Hannes Peer. A magnificent example of how terracotta strips can be versatile and elegant, even in contrast with other materials. We thank photographer Helenio Barbetta for these stunning shots.
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How to use strips
First, let’s define what terracotta strips are: they are hand-crafted bricks, rectangular in shape, with a thickness not exceeding 2 cm. The exposed brick is so named because it does not require any covering or plaster.
Terracotta strips are very light and manageable, making them ideal for covering any surface. From living rooms to bathrooms, they create a warm and intimate atmosphere and can be made in different shades, allowing them to blend perfectly with the surrounding environment.
There are several types of terracotta strips, depending on their intended use:
- Terracotta strips for cladding replace traditional bricks, reducing costs while achieving the same aesthetic effect. They come in various colors: multicolored, yellow, pink, intense red, anthracite gray, and subtle shades, making them suitable for both classic and contemporary spaces.
- Terracotta strips for flooring can be used to create borders that break the monotony of your floor and add originality to the space.
- Exposed brick strips allow you to create modern, impactful walls, giving the impression of a thick wall.
- Corner strips in terracotta have a striking effect, especially when alternated with stoneware walls. This approach adds a unique and fresh touch to the environment.
Listelli in cotto per esterni
Among the many requirements to benefit from the Superbonus 110%, it is mandatory to carry out renovations that improve the energy performance by at least two energy classes (or achieve the highest class). In most cases, this requires creating thermal insulation for the external parts of the building through the application of external insulation, or “cappotto.” This system is made by inserting EPS (expanded polystyrene) panels that can be covered with strips or exposed bricks, which help retain heat.
However, there are other needs, such as the creation of poolside flooring. In this case, terracotta strips for outdoor use are ideal for laying a non-slip “carpet” all around the perimeter of the water surface. Even grass flooring can be covered using this method, giving a classic style imprint while remaining current. Due to its resistance to temperature changes and stresses, terracotta is also perfect for terraces and balconies.
What treatments are applied to outdoor terracotta strips? The surfaces need to be treated in such a way that they are protected from weather conditions, such as frost, rain, and sun. In this specific case, consideration should be given to the slope and expansion of the grout lines to ensure they do not cause cracks or actual breakages.
The common treatments for all surfaces, both outdoor and indoor, are oleophobic treatments, which are useful in preserving the terracotta from oil and food stains.
Listelli in cotto per interni
The benefits of terracotta cladding for walls, floors, or columns with strips are numerous. For example, a property that uses underfloor heating will experience a significant advantage with terracotta strips for flooring: this material has a higher thermal transmittance compared to many others (+40% compared to wood). It is also possible to apply additional protection to the strips through treatments such as stain-resistant, anti-mold, and non-slip coatings.
Particularly appreciated for interiors are glazed terracotta strips. They can be used in every part of your home to add color and character. Their durability makes them perfect for areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Specifically:
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In the kitchen, glazed terracotta is often chosen to add a pop of color to the backsplash. In recent years, herringbone patterns have become particularly popular, but the classic layout is also making a comeback. Glazed terracotta strips can be used to cover a kitchen wall, and even islands or peninsulas can be decorated with this beautiful material.
In the bathroom, this material is widely used: floors, walls, and small details ensure both aesthetics and functionality for the space. It’s possible to combine strips in different colors with the chosen base color to add movement to the room. The choice depends on personal tastes and the style you want to adopt: for Mediterranean-style floors and walls, the most popular color is blue with its various shades, paired with yellow or sea-inspired colors.
In addition to providing thermal and aesthetic benefits, acoustics also improve. If your home has lintels, vaults, barrel ceilings, or attics, why not decorate them with terracotta strips? Short, long, angular, and wedge-shaped: you can find them in all sizes and adapt them perfectly to any type of ceiling or wall, even if it’s very irregular.
The mineral composition of the clay also plays a key role: for this reason, we recommend carefully choosing the artisans who will be decorating your home with terracotta strips. Not only will you ensure excellent results, but you will also have all the necessary certifications.
Relying on professionals for the installation and treatment of terracotta strips for both interior and exterior will guarantee you an impeccable and long-lasting product.
