About Cotto

Cotto is a traditional Italian floor tile, very closely related to terracotta but typically associated with Tuscan and Umbrian craftsmanship. The distinction is subtle: cotto often refers to handmade tiles with particularly rustic character, irregular edges, and surface variations that give each floor a unique, artisan quality.

The production process is centuries old. Local clay is hand-mixed, shaped in wooden moulds, air-dried for days, and then fired in wood-burning kilns at 900-1050 degrees C. The exact clay composition, firing temperature, and kiln position determine the final colour - from pale terracotta to deep burnt sienna. Tiles from a single firing can vary in shade, which is considered part of their character rather than a defect.

Cotto is extremely porous and requires dedicated care. The traditional Italian treatment involves three steps: first impregnation with a deep-penetrating protector for the tile body, then staining with a primer (TC Classic Primer) to enrich and unify the colour, and finally waxing (TC Classic Wax) for surface protection and a warm sheen. This layered treatment creates the glowing appearance that cotto floors are famous for.

Cotto floors are living surfaces - their character evolves over time as the wax layer builds up and the patina deepens. Seasonal moisture absorption is normal: cotto breathes. In humid seasons the tiles may darken slightly, and in dry winters they lighten. This is not a defect. Periodic stripping of old wax (every 5-10 years) using WEXA, followed by complete re-treatment, refreshes the floor. This traditional maintenance cycle has been practiced in Italian homes for centuries and is part of the material's charm.

Important: standard tile cleaners (acidic or alkaline) will strip or damage the wax layer. Only use products specifically formulated for cotto and terracotta. The Lithofin TC product line is designed for this traditional material.