Tomettes
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The materials used for tomettes

 

By definition, a tomette is a terracotta tile. But different materials are used, giving quite varied looks and properties.

Example of the porous surface of an antique clay tometteClay

The most common tomettes are made of clay. When they are red, they are made of iron-rich clays.

The surface is matt, and these tiles keep a certain porosity: a real advantage in an old house, as it lets moisture escape. On the other hand, a porous material is particularly prone to staining and needs a specific treatment to avoid tedious maintenance. Professional treatments are offered by companies specialising in the restoration of antique tomettes.

They feel warm in winter and cool in summer. Thanks to its thickness, a clay tomette provides some insulation as well as thermal inertia.

 

 

Example of the smooth surface of an antique stoneware tometteStoneware

Are stoneware tomettes still tomettes? These red tiles have the colour and shape, but stoneware makes them look more like ordinary tiles, because of their uniform colour and smooth surface. While these tiles are easier to maintain, they lose all the advantages of clay tomettes described above.