Ladrilhos

Ladrilho is a general term for a flat tile used in architecture, typically for walls and floors. In Portuguese-speaking contexts, the word covers a variety of materials, finishes and formats, from simple ceramic tiles to decorative pavement tiles. The plural ladrilhos refers to tiles used as a collective element in pavements, façades, interiors and outdoor spaces.

Tipos e materiais: Ladrilhos cerâmicos and ladrilhos de porcelana are common for indoor walls and floors, often glazed for color and pattern. Ladrilhos de cimento, or encaustic cement tiles, are handmade or machine-made with colored cement in layered molds to form patterns. Ladrilhos hidráulicos, a notable subtype, use dyed cement inlaid into the tile before curing and are known for geometric or floral motifs commonly applied to floors and sidewalks. A closely related category is o azulejo, a glazed ceramic tile renowned for blue-and-white or polychrome designs used in walls and façades.

História e uso: Tilework has deep roots in Iberian and Mediterranean architecture. Azulejos became widespread from the 16th century onward, shaping interior and exterior decoration in Portugal and Brazil. Ladrilhos hidráulicos gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and remain valued for decorative floors. Today, ladrilhos are used in residential, commercial and public spaces for both functional and ornamental purposes.

Produção e instalação: Cerâmicos and porcelana are produced by shaping clay or frit, applying glaze and firing in kilns. Cement tiles are cast in molds with colored layers and then cured. Installation typically requires a stable substrate, appropriate mortar or adhesive, precise spacing, grouting and proper sealing where needed.

Manutenção: Cleaning with mild detergents and soft tools is common; some cement tiles benefit from periodic sealing and careful regrouting to preserve pattern and durability.