How we process our handmade terracotta

Maestri del Cotto still today produces its terracotta according to traditional methods that find their roots in ancient times.
First the clay is extracted from the quarry, reduced into clods and processed, rolled, sieved and stowed in silos, where it matures for at least 2 or 3 years, to ensure greater quality and durability of the finished product.

After its maturation, the clay is mixed: sand is sprinkled on the working area and, using water and clay, the blend is worked to create pats. The clay worked in this way is then placed in moulds to obtain the desired shapes, and is left to dry for two days on a heated surface.

The bricks are then further finished, again by hand, and finally are placed into the kiln, where they remain for three days and where they are wood-fired at a temperature exceeding 1000 degrees.

This temperature ensures the strength and durability of the terracotta.

Maestri del Cotto prepares all its products, interior and outdoor terracotta flooring, flat tiles, finishings, roofs, attics and vaults, stairs and steps using this strictly handmade procedure.

Maestri del Cotto produces handmade Umbrian and Tuscan terracotta in two different colours: one is pink, whose shades are given by the clay from the Tuscan territory, and the other is a straw yellow colour obtained from typical Umbrian clay.
The Umbrian and Tuscan terracotta, once placed on the ground, may acquire different shades of colour thanks to an appropriate treatment to ensure the quality of our flooring.