Antique French Terracotta Floor Tiles

Reclaimed French Terracotta Tiles for High-End Interiors Worldwide

Antique French terracotta floor tiles – often called reclaimed French terracotta tiles, antique French terra cotta pavers, French farmhouse floor tiles or salvaged clay tiles – are centuries-old handmade tiles originally fired in rural French kilns. Their soft edges, natural color variation and lived-in patina bring instant warmth and authenticity to any space, from a rustic country kitchen to a contemporary loft.

At De Opkamer we have specialized for more than 25 years in sourcing, reclaiming and exporting original French terracotta flooring. Based in the Netherlands, we supply architects, interior designers, builders and private clients worldwide with carefully curated batches of antique terracotta tiles ready to install in high-end projects.

25+ Years of Sourcing Across Europe

For over two decades we have been travelling across France and other parts of Europe in search of old farmhouses, barns, manor houses and historical buildings scheduled for renovation or demolition. When we find original terracotta floors worth saving, our own team carefully lifts, salvages and pallets the tiles by hand. This in-house reclaiming gives us direct control over quality and allows us to preserve as many intact tiles as possible.

The reclaimed tiles are transported to our warehouses and workshop in Made, The Netherlands, where we:

• clean each tile and remove old mortar and lime residues,
• sort every batch by size, thickness and color tone,
• reject broken or substandard pieces, keeping only top-quality tiles,
• prepare the lots in ISPM 15 certified wooden crates, ready for global export.

Thanks to this hands-on approach, De Opkamer now holds one of the largest collections of reclaimed French terracotta flooring in Europe. We stock several thousand square meters of original tiles, allowing us to supply everything from small residential projects to large hospitality or retail spaces.

Color Ranges & Classic Formats

The beauty of antique French terracotta lies in its natural variation. The clay and iron content of the soil, combined with traditional wood-fired kilns, create a palette of warm earthy tones:

• classic brick-red and salmon-orange farmhouse tiles,
• soft yellow and ochre tones (often called jaune),
• rare white-beige tiles (known as blanc),
• warm mixed batches with subtle shading from tile to tile.

On this page we focus on the traditional square floor tiles, typically in approximate formats such as 16 × 16 cm (~6.3" × 6.3"), 20 × 20 cm (~8" × 8") and 22 × 22 cm (~8.7" × 8.7"), with a thickness of around 2–3 cm (¾"–1¼"). These antique French quarry-style tiles or clay pavers were once standard in 18th–19th century farmhouses and village homes and now bring that same character into today’s interiors.

For specific projects we can often select tighter color ranges (predominantly reds, warmer mixed tones, or lighter beige/yellow lots), depending on what is currently in stock. Each batch is unique – once a floor from a particular farmhouse or chapel has been sold, it cannot be reproduced.

From Salvage to Ready-to-Install Floors

Because we reclaim the tiles ourselves and handle the entire process in-house, our antique French terracotta tiles arrive at your site ready for installation. For every lot we:

• inspect and clean the tiles without stripping away their historic patina,
• grade them by size and thickness to support efficient installation,
• bundle them in well-labeled, project-specific lots,
• package them in robust ISPM 15 compliant export crates for safe transport.

This makes our reclaimed terracotta particularly attractive for international clients. You receive a consistent, project-ready batch of tiles with minimal waste and no surprises when your installer starts laying the floor.

Global Shipping, In-House Crating & Trade Support

De Opkamer regularly ships antique French terracotta tiles to clients in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and beyond. Our team has many years of experience with in-house crating, export documentation and worldwide freight:

• custom wooden crating and palletizing in our own workshop,
• ISPM 15 certified packaging suitable for ocean freight and air freight,
• coordination with international forwarders and on-site delivery options,
• support with customs, import procedures and insurance where required.

We are used to working closely with interior designers, architects and contractors. For professional clients we can provide detailed photos, batch descriptions and technical information in advance, so that your client presentations and site planning run smoothly.

Why Designers Choose Antique French Terracotta

Reclaimed French terracotta tiles offer a combination of aesthetic appeal and performance that makes them a favourite among high-end designers:

• Authentic patina: The mellow surface, rounded edges and subtle wear cannot be reproduced in new tiles. Each floor tells a story.
• Warm, timeless look: Earthy tones pair beautifully with natural stone, wood beams, steel-framed doors and marble fireplaces.
• Comfort with underfloor heating: The dense clay works exceptionally well with radiant heat systems, storing and releasing warmth gradually.
• Proven durability: These tiles have already survived generations of use in farmhouses and estates – with correct installation they will easily last for decades more.
• Sustainable choice: Reusing existing materials is one of the most effective ways to reduce the footprint of a building project.

Whether you are designing a French country kitchen, a Napa-style wine cellar, a Mediterranean-inspired garden room or a modern loft with a warm focal floor, antique French terracotta adds depth, texture and character that new materials simply cannot deliver.

Typical Applications & Design Styles

Our antique French terracotta tiles are used in a wide range of projects:

• kitchens, breakfast rooms and family rooms,
• entry halls, mudrooms and boot rooms,
• wine cellars, tasting rooms and bar areas,
• living rooms and open-plan spaces,
• garden rooms, orangeries and covered terraces (in suitable climates).

Designers often combine these reclaimed French tiles with reclaimed oak, limestone flagstones, steel-framed windows or antique fireplaces to build layered, atmospheric interiors. In contemporary projects, the warm, irregular terracotta surface brings balance to sleek cabinetry, minimal architecture and large glass surfaces.

Care & Maintenance in Modern Homes

Once installed and properly sealed, antique terracotta floors are surprisingly easy to live with:

• seal the tiles with a suitable penetrating sealer or traditional wax,
• clean with a soft broom or vacuum and a damp mop with pH-neutral soap,
• avoid acidic cleaners, which can damage the surface,
• wipe up standing water and protect high-splash areas with rugs or mats.

Over time, small marks and subtle wear only add to the charm of the floor. If a tile is ever damaged, it can usually be replaced with another antique tile from the same batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are antique French terracotta tiles suitable for underfloor heating?

Yes. The thickness and density of reclaimed terracotta make it an excellent partner for underfloor heating. We simply recommend using appropriate flexible adhesives and grout designed for heated floors.

Do you ship to the United States, the UK and other overseas destinations?

Absolutely. We regularly ship reclaimed French terracotta floors to the USA, the UK and many other countries. Thanks to our in-house crating and experience with international logistics, we can help organize full-service shipping from our warehouse in the Netherlands to your project site or nominated warehouse.

How consistent are the tiles within one batch?

Each batch is reclaimed from one or a few matching floors. Within that lot you will see natural variation in tone and surface, but we sort by size and general color family so that the finished floor looks coherent and harmonious. If you require a tighter selection (for example mainly reds or mainly lighter tones), please let us know and we will advise what is currently available.

How can I select the right floor for my project?

We are happy to support you with photos, measurements and sample images of current batches. For larger projects or trade clients, we can discuss specific requirements in terms of color range, size, quantity and timing, so that your reclaimed French terracotta floor fits seamlessly into your design and construction schedule.