How Authentic Saltillo Tile is Made
Saltillo tile has been made the same way in the region of Saltillo Mexico for many generations. The clay is pulled directly from the earth and is not refined.
No modern equipment is used during the process of making Saltillo tile.
Experienced artisans then take the clay and form the shapes and surface of the tile.
After the artisan forms the tile, the tiles are left to dry naturally in the sun before being baked
Some tiles are stamped to make "Super" Saltillo tiles. This rounds the edges and makes the surface more consistent but does remove some of the hand-made charm.
After cooking and allowed to cool slowly the tiles are ready to be shipped.
As mentioned before, modern machinery is not used during the production of authentic Saltillo tiles. Often entire families are involved in the process.
The only machinery involved with Saltillo are the trucks used to transport it to us. Saltillo Tile has natural chips and scratches that occur during handmade production that add to the old world look. These "imperfections" are inherent in Saltillo tile.