Tierra Ceramic FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Handmade Hand Glazed Ceramic Tiles — Tierra Frequently Asked Questions

Handmade in Vietnam, Tierra handmade ceramic tiles are inspired by the natural tones and textures of earth and soil. Crafted using traditional artisan techniques, each hand glazed ceramic tile is durable and full of character. Here, we cover everything you need to know about our handmade ceramic tile range — from selecting the right finish to installation and care — so you can specify Tierra with confidence.

The Material

What are Tierra handmade ceramic tiles made from - and how are they different from regular terracotta tiles?

Tierra handmade ceramic tiles are inspired by the warm, earthy character of traditional glazed terracotta tiles but are produced using refined natural clay bodies and controlled double-firing techniques that offer greater durability and consistency than standard terracotta. While the range carries the same rustic charm, soft edges, natural texture, and organic warmth of traditional terracotta tiles, it is designed to be more versatile and stable, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.

Each Tierra handmade ceramic tile is fired twice. The first fire sets the natural clay body, building the structural foundation of the tile. The second fire applies and bonds the hand glazed finish, creating the surface colour and depth. This double-firing process is what gives Tierra its durability, richness of colour, and the distinctive surface character the range is known for.

Are Tierra ceramic tiles handmade, hand-finished, or pressed?

Tierra tiles are 100% handmade and hand glazed. Each handmade ceramic tile is individually crafted by artisans, giving the range its distinctive character, subtle variation, and organic texture. This handmade process means no two tiles are exactly alike - the natural movement and surface variation are an intentional part of the Tierra handmade ceramic tile aesthetic.

Do handmade ceramic tiles vary in size and thickness?

Yes. Because Tierra tiles are 100% handmade, slight variations in size, thickness, and edge straightness are inherent to the handmade ceramic tile process and entirely expected. This is not a defect but a natural result of artisan hand-crafting. Your installer should account for this during laying, adjusting grout joints as needed to achieve an even, balanced installation.

What colour and tonal variation should I expect from handmade glazed ceramic tiles?

Handmade glazed ceramic tiles like Tierra feature noticeable tonal variation that reflects their handmade nature. Each tile is individually crafted and hand glazed, resulting in subtle shifts in colour depth, surface texture, and movement across an installation. These variations add warmth and character and are an intentional part of the Tierra handmade ceramic tile aesthetic.

Tierra handmade ceramic tiles are not designed to be perfectly uniform. Expect gentle changes in tone and finish from tile to tile and across batches. For this reason, we recommend viewing samples in person and ordering enough tiles from the same batch to achieve a cohesive result.

Please review the Specification Sheet in our Resources for the Tierra range to determine the expected level of variation from colour to colour.

What is iron spotting on hand glazed ceramic tiles - and is it normal?

Iron spotting refers to small dark marks or flecks that can occasionally appear on the surface of hand glazed ceramic tiles. This occurs when iron naturally present in the clay body reacts with the glaze during firing. It is not a defect. In many cases iron spotting adds to the character and depth of the handmade tile's surface, and is entirely consistent with the artisan aesthetic that the Tierra range is celebrated for.

What are lime pops in handmade ceramic tiles - and can they occur in Tierra?

Lime pops are small surface imperfections that can occasionally occur in handmade ceramic tiles made from natural clay. They appear as small craters or divots that form when naturally occurring particles of lime within the clay expand during or after firing. Because they are created by the raw materials themselves, lime pops are considered an inherent feature of authentic artisan ceramics rather than a manufacturing defect.

To understand lime pops more, we have created a dedicated page - Read More Here

What is crazing in hand glazed ceramic tiles - and can it occur in Tierra?

Yes. Crazing can occur in handmade hand glazed ceramic tiles like Tierra. Crazing is a fine network of hairline cracks that develops within the surface of a ceramic glaze. It occurs when tensile stress within the glaze exceeds the strength of the tile body beneath it - a natural response to the way glaze and clay can move differently over time as they respond to changes in their environment.

Read here for more information about crazing in glazed ceramic tiles.

Sealing & Finishes

Should I seal hand glazed ceramic tiles before grouting if they have visible crazing?

Yes. If your Tierra hand glazed ceramic tiles have visible crazing, we recommend sealing them with a sealer before grouting. This prevents grout from settling into the crazing lines during installation, which can be very difficult to remove once set. Speak with your installer about the right sealer for your specific handmade ceramic tile application before work begins.

What grout colour pairs best with handmade glazed ceramic tiles?

For the most harmonious and natural look with handmade glazed ceramic tiles, we recommend a tonal grout match - something that blends softly with the warmth of the tile rather than contrasts sharply. Neutral, sandy, or light warm beige tones typically complement the Tierra handmade ceramic tile range beautifully. If the glaze is darker, then we would recommend choosing a tone to match that glaze colour. Your installer or our showroom team can guide you based on your specific colour choice and preferred aesthetic.

Suitability & Application

Are Tierra handmade ceramic tiles suitable for both walls and floors?

Yes. Tierra handmade ceramic tiles can be used on both walls and floors in residential settings. As handmade floor tiles, they offer a beautiful organic warmth underfoot. For high-traffic or commercial applications, we recommend confirming suitability with your installer, as these conditions may require additional considerations for sealing and maintenance of handmade ceramic tiles.

Can handmade glazed ceramic tiles be used in pools and wet areas?

Yes. Tierra handmade glazed ceramic tiles can be used in pools and wet areas, provided the correct waterproofing system, adhesive, sealer and installation method are followed. While they are not freeze-thaw resistant, handmade ceramic tiles perform well in climates where temperatures remain mild. Correct sealing and drainage design are essential for all submerged and wet area applications.

Can handmade ceramic tiles be used outdoors or in freeze-thaw climates?

Tierra handmade ceramic tiles are suitable for most outdoor settings in mild climates, provided they are properly sealed and installed. However, handmade natural clay tiles are not suitable for freeze-thaw environments, as rapid temperature changes can weaken or crack porous clay materials. Always consult with your installer when specifying handmade ceramic tiles for outdoor use.

Samples & Ordering

Can I order samples of Tierra handmade ceramic tiles before purchasing?

Yes. Tiles of Ezra offers sample tiles for most Tierra handmade ceramic tile colours and finishes so you can see how the colour, tone, and texture of our hand glazed ceramic tiles look in your own space before committing to a full order. Seeing handmade ceramic tiles in your own light before purchasing is always something we encourage. You can request samples directly here.

How much overage should I order for handmade ceramic tiles?

For handmade ceramic tiles like Tierra, we recommend ordering 15–20% overage above your calculated area. This accounts for cuts, variation curation during dry-laying, any breakage during installation, and future repairs. Because Tierra is a hand glazed ceramic tile range produced in batches, ordering sufficient quantity upfront from the same batch is the best way to ensure a consistent result across your installation.

Can I mix batches of Tierra handmade ceramic tiles?

Tierra handmade ceramic tiles are a handcrafted range, and variation in tone, texture, and surface character is an inherent and celebrated feature of the collection. Because of this, mixing batches of handmade glazed ceramic tiles is generally suitable and can still result in a cohesive, natural-looking installation.

However, as with all handcrafted ceramic tiles, tonal differences may occur between productions. We recommend that your installer dry-lay and blend handmade tiles from multiple cartons or batches prior to installation to achieve a balanced distribution of variation. If your project requires a more controlled or uniform appearance, we recommend speaking with our team before ordering so we can guide you accordingly.

As with all installations, final selection, blending, and installation methods should be managed and confirmed by your professional installer, as Tiles of Ezra cannot take responsibility for installation outcomes.

We strongly recommend ordering a sufficient quantity of handmade ceramic tiles from the same batch, including a buffer of 10–20% for cuts, waste, and future repairs. This ensures visual consistency across your entire installation and avoids the risk of mismatched tones or finishes.

Installation

Do handmade ceramic tiles come with trim or edge pieces?

No. Tierra handmade ceramic tiles do not include dedicated trim pieces. For exposed edges and corners, we recommend working with your installer to determine the best finishing method for your specific application - options include using the tile as mitre edge, using a complementary caulk or grout bead along the exposed edge, or selecting a compatible edge profile. Your installer or our showroom team can guide you based on your project.

How should handmade ceramic tiles be stored before installation?

Tierra handmade ceramic tiles should be stored indoors in a clean, dry environment prior to installation. Keep them flat and away from moisture. Handmade glazed ceramic tiles can be exposed to condensation during production or shipping, which may temporarily affect their appearance - allow tiles to acclimatise and dry fully before installation begins and before making any assessment of colour or finish.

Can moisture or condensation affect the appearance of handmade ceramic tiles?

Yes. As with all handmade glazed ceramic tiles, Tierra tiles can be exposed to moisture during production or transit, which may temporarily affect the surface colour or appearance of the tiles when they arrive. Allow your handmade ceramic tiles to fully dry and acclimatise before making any assessment of colour or finish, and before installation begins.