If we go back in time, we find that terracotta was considered a humble material primarily used for workspaces. However, today, the perception of terracotta has changed significantly: its various high-quality characteristics have made it a source of pride for those who choose to use it for the finishes of their homes.
Opting for a terracotta floor means having a timeless, naturally anti-slip surface, a feature that makes it ideal for both outdoor and indoor environments.
To preserve the functional qualities and the aesthetic beauty of terracotta, it is important to carry out specific treatments that help protect the floor right from the installation phase.
Why is it fundamental to treat Terracotta?
Let’s start with the composition of terracotta: Fornace Bernasconi uses clay from its own quarry (adjacent to the production area), carefully selecting the purest deposits. When mixed with rainwater, the clay becomes fine and soft in texture, ready to become the malleable mixture that will give life to the handmade brick.
Next comes the molding process, or “formation of the brick,” which takes place cold in wooden molds, followed by natural drying, where the bricks are air-dried on designated drying racks.
Finally, the most interesting and crucial step: the firing process in the traditional wood-fired kiln, which is decisive for defining the quality of the clay. For approximately 60 hours, the kiln is manually fed day and night with dry firewood (scraps from nearby sawmills). The bricks inside are gradually heated to about 1000°C.
This long and elaborate process produces a porous material, ready to absorb any liquid elements (our terracotta absorbs about 20% of its weight in liquid). Any stains on the surface of the terracotta can be annoying and unpleasant.
The treatment of terracotta is an operation typically performed after installation and grouting of the joints, to make the terracotta floor waterproof and to facilitate regular maintenance and cleaning tasks.
The importance of entrusting the treatment to qualified personnel
For years, our kiln has been offering its expertise for this type of process. Our advice is always to have the first treatment (which follows very specific guidelines) carried out by our qualified personnel, who are thoroughly familiar with the material; all aimed at ensuring the success of the process.
Generally, the treatment of a newly laid handmade terracotta floor (which, we confirm, should be done after installation and as a final step before entering the home) includes:
- Washing with buffered acid;
- Application of a water-repellent treatment;
- Application of an oil-repellent treatment;
- Base adhesive wax or beeswax paste;
- Final finishing wax for terracotta, with a glossy, matte, or satin effect, depending on preference.
Prices for the Treatment
The price of the treatment varies depending on whether it’s for an interior or exterior (no waxes are applied for exteriors) and ranges from 20 € to 25 € per square meter. In full transparency, we can say that the products we use are professional and specially designed for handmade terracotta (multiple tests of resistance and durability have been conducted): their cost is approximately 12/15 € per square meter.
Additionally, we would like to emphasize that Fornace Bernasconi prefers treatments that are as natural as possible (water-based). The goal is to best protect the terracotta, make it easy to maintain, but at the same time ensure that the appearance and color of the terracotta are not altered, and especially that it does not release harmful substances (in line with our bio-building certification).
Subsequent maintenance treatments for the floor can be safely carried out by anyone, as long as the appropriate products for terracotta surfaces are used.
For more information, read “Treatment of an interior and exterior terracotta floor.“
For more detailed info, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our staff will guide you in choosing the best treatment for your terracotta surface!
