Frequently Asked Questions We are here to provide answers to your questions regarding Saltillo tile, Travertine, Cantera and Talavera tile, whether they are about purchasing, installing, or maintaining the tile.Saltillo tile comes in many different shapes and sizes and knowing what to order for your particular project can be tricky. That is why we are here to help you through the process.We have abundant Saltillo, Travertine, Cantera, and Talavera tile information below but if you do not find what you are looking for, please feel free to contact us directly and we would be happy to answer your question(s). (click on a question)

1. How much is shipping?
2. Is the tile sealed or unsealed?
3. Do I need to seal it again if it comes already sealed?
4. Is Saltillo Tile durable for kids, pets, etc?
5. How can I order a sample?
6. Can I choose the color I want in Traditional, Manganese, or Stones?
7. What is Super Saltillo vs. Regular Saltillo?
8. How thick is the tile?
9. Can I get Large size tiles?
10. Why do I need to order Overage?
11. Is there a minimum quantity order?
12. How is my tile order shipped?
13. Can I install my tile outside?
14. Can I arrange for shipping or pick up on my own?

1. How much is shipping? Shipping rates will vary based on the size of your order and where it is shipped. To request a shipping rate, we need to know the quantity or square footage that you need and your zip code. Click here to Request a Quote.You can save money by having your product delivered to a business. We will give you business and residential rates. (back to FAQ’s)
2. Is Saltillo Tile sealed or unsealed? At STSC, we can offer you sealed or unsealed tile. Unsealed is referred to as “Raw” or Terra Cotta and may contain alkali on the surface. This is an element that has an appearance of white residue and may only come on some tiles. It is not harmful to the tile and can be washed off with a brush or sponge. Talavera is hand painted, not sealed. The grout must be sealed. (back to FAQ’s)
3. Do I need to seal it again if it comes already sealed? We sell our pre-sealed tile with several layers of an industrial low gloss finish sealer. We recommend that you seal it after it is installed with a top finishing coat to rule out any irregularities in the sealed surfaces, and to remove any scratches. By sealing it with another layer of sealer, your Saltillo tile will be best protected and the grout will be sealed as well. We recommend our Nano EAP, Nano 1000, WB, or GREEN sealers. STSC Cleaner Concentrate is also available. (back to FAQ’s)
4. Is Saltillo Tile durable for kids, pets, etc? Saltillo terra cotta tile is made of a very durable clay. It makes a perfect floor for an environment with kids and pets. As long as your tile is sealed appropriately, it will not stain. Cleaning Saltillo tile is simple. Sealed surfaces can be slippery when wet. To eliminate a majority of slip, apply our Nano EAP non-slip finishing sealer as a top coat after installation. (back to FAQ’s)
5. How can I order a sample? We ship samples of sizes 12 inches and smaller. Call or email us to order your samples. Shipping for samples must be pre-paid. Click Here to request a sample. (back to FAQ’s)
6. Can I choose the color I want? Terracotta Mexican Tile has the characteristic of an imperfect tile. It has many color variations ranging from dark orange, red, yellow, and light pinks.  Manganese Saltillo will vary from light gray, brown, and darker brown.  Manganese will also have random black swirling from the manganese dioxide AND it will have shades of terra cotta colors that bleed through the clay.  These color variations are completely normal and to be expected.  Once it is installed, you will acquire the unique blend of colors that achieves the authentic rustic look that makes Saltillo tile so popular. You can emphasize many colors of the tile based on surrounding décor. It is impossible for us to send only red, orange, or yellow tiles (It is also impossible for us to send single shades of color with Manganese Saltillo).  We can burn a custom batch of tile for your taste to narrow the scope of color variation (with enough lead time allowed).  However, because this is natural clay, there will ALWAYS be variation in traditional Saltillo and Manganese saltillo. No two tiles will be the same.   Travertine and Cantera Stones are also natural products.  Color variations will exist within 1 color scheme of stone.  In Travertine, contrasting colors called “veins” will run throughout the stone.  This is not a defect, it is part of the stone.  Cantera stone will have speckles of color variation deposited into the stone.  This is also natural.  (back to FAQ’s)
7. What is Super Saltillo vs. Regular Saltillo ? Super Saltillo has rounded corners and edges and a smoother surface with some irregularities. Regular Saltillo has sharp corners and edges and tends to have slightly more imperfections in size, more irregularities on the surface, and some chips along the edges. Both tiles are considered rustic. Look at our Installation Gallery for more specific pictures. Either Super or Regular saltillo may be subject to Alkali or Lime Pops. Alkali can usually be scrubbed away. Lime Pops are part of saltillo riverbed clay. While these powdery deposits may never expose themselves, they can eventually pop. To fix, simply apply a coat of sealer over the chipped area. Many people claim this adds to the rustic charm of authentic Saltillo tile. (back to FAQ’s)
8. How thick is the tile? Saltillo: Saltillo thickness varies because the tiles are hand-made. Typically, the 12” tiles measure approximately 5/8” thick and 8” tiles measure ½” thick. None of our saltillo tiles are less than 1/2” thick. A thick tile means High Quality and less breakage. This is very High Quality, first-run tile. Talavera Superior measures 3/8″ thick.  Travertine and Cantera thicknesses vary based on the size ordered. (back to FAQ’s)
9. Can I get Large or Custom size tiles? Yes! We manufacture 16×16, 18×18 and 24×24 inch tiles. More overage is required for larger tiles. Contact us to request your custom size Mexican tile. (back to FAQ’s)
10. Why do I need to order Overage? All tile is fragile and you can expect approximately 10-15% breakage during shipping and installation. You also need extra tiles for cuts around borders or designs. Many of your broken tiles will be able to be used for cuts. We recommend 15% total overage to allow for this breakage, cuts, and to ensure you will have a few spares left for storage. More overage is required for 16″ and larger tiles and for special cuts and patterns. (back to FAQ’s)
11. Is there a minimum quantity order? We do not have any minimums. However, any shipment less than 150 square feet (approximately 1200 pounds shipping), will incur a $75 crating fee. Talavera is sold in quantities of 50 tiles per box and there are no minimum box quantities required. (back to FAQ’s)
12. How is my tile order shipped? WE OFFER EXCELLENT RATES ON SHIPPING. We use only professional freight companies for your shipment. Because tile is fragile, we take great care with our loads. Your tile comes fully insured at no extra cost to you. Shipping is a significant expense in your tile project and we do our best to find you excellent shipping rates. You can either have your tile shipped to a business that has a forklift or loading dock (least expensive method), pick up at the local freight company terminal nearest to you, or to your residence with a liftgate on the truck (more expensive method). If you want to arrange for shipping on your own, we will send you all of the shipping specs and load your shipment. A $25 fee/crate applies to any pickup of tile at either of our distribution centers. Our crates are wooden, 4-foot crates that come from Mexico. Through experience and trial and error, we have proven that shipping Saltillo tile in open crates is the safest shipping method. Your tile will not come boxed, rather it is stacked vertically, in rows, packed very tightly in the crate. When the tile arrives at your location, this allows an easy and quick inspection of the condition of your purchase. (back to FAQ’s)
13. Can I install my tile outside? Saltillo/Travertine/Cantera: You can install Saltillo outdoors. This is a beautiful tile on patios, around pools and outdoors in the sunlight. For climates that have freezing weather, we only recommend installing your Saltillo tile Sealed and applying our Nano EAP or Nano 1000 finishing coat sealer after your grout has dried. Because this clay is not waterproof, it will crack if the tile is left unsealed and water freezes. If you are in this climate and want to install this outdoors, we recommend you inspect the sealer on your tile before every winter. Talavera Superior: Our Talavera Superior is water-resistant and frost-resistant when the grout is sealed properly.(back to FAQ’s)
14. Can I arrange for shipping or pick up on my own? Yes. You can send a shipper for your product upon appointment only . (We need 48 hours notice.) There is a $35 crate/loading fee. (back to FAQ’s)