Cantera is a naturally porous volcanic stone sourced from quarries in Mexico, particularly around San Miguel de Allende. It’s been a cornerstone of Central American and Mexican architecture for millennia, and is used everywhere from grand churches to charming courtyards. Cantera is known for its earthy texture and organic color variation, as if nature itself had formed aggregate-speckled terrazzo.

Each piece of Cantera stone tile is cut directly from blocks of volcanic rock, then honed and finished by hand to showcase its textured finish. Because it’s a natural material, no two tiles are exactly alike—expect visible aggregate, mineral inclusions, and subtle imperfections that give each piece its own unique personality.

Yes. Cantera is a porous stone tile and must be sealed before and after grouting. You’ll also want to re-seal periodically, depending on foot traffic and exposure to moisture; always re-seal in accordance with the sealant manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to use only pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damaging the surface.

Dust, sweep, and/or vacuum the tiled area regularly, to remove grit that can scratch the surface. For routine cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft mop or cloth. Avoid acidic or abrasive products—these can etch the stone or alter its natural finish. You should also promptly clean up spills to prevent stains.

We recommend hiring an experienced natural stone installer, but here’s an overview of what you can expect to happen during the process:

• Blend tiles from every box to evenly distribute variation.
• Use a medium-bed thin set; wet the back of each tile before placing.
• Press into place and gently compact with a rubber mallet—keep everything level.
• Let the thin set cure, then seal the tile before grouting.
• Grout in small sections using Mapei Flexcolor CQ and clean as you go.
• Finish with a topcoat sealer or Fila Matte Protective Wax indoors.

For detailed step-by-step instructions, please review our Cantera Installation Guide.