Terracotta is a ceramic material that has been used for building construction and decorative arts since ancient times in cultures around the world. Terracotta, which literally means "baked earth," is made from natural clay, which gives it a characteristic reddish-brown color. The color varies slightly depending on the clay used. Terracotta is hard-baked, brownish red earthen ware, often glazed and colored may be glazed for extra durability or to provide color. Usually hand-made and varies in color, texture and appearance. The colors range from natural earthtones such as gray and brownish yellow to various shades of red. It is a waterproof and very sturdy material.
When used indoors, terra cotta tile floors can be left raw, but more often, terra cotta is finished with a top coat sealer. Some terra-cotta tiles are purported to be waterproof. To the contrary, all raw clay tiles are like sponges when it comes to soaking up water.
Terracotta may come prefinished or require application of various types of sealers or coatings on site to provide a wearing surface. May crumble or show wear quickly unless sealed and laid on water proof layer. Terra Cotta should never be installed in a high-traffic area, and should never be cleaned at pressures above 1100 PSI and then only if the grout is in good condition.