Want to see how professional tile installers create authentic Spanish Colonial Revival clay floors? I spent several days photographing a high-end Montecito remodel, capturing every step as skilled artisans laid classic patterns.
Squares and Pickets were installed in the family room, and oversized Herringbone in the dining room. These behind-the-scenes photos showcase how planning and precision craftsmanship give these classic floor materials their timeless appeal.
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Listen as I share more details about this Spanish Colonial Revival clay floor install, as you scroll through the many photos
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“Hey guys, I thought it’d be really fun to take you behind-the-scenes to this home in Montecito that was under a major renovation a couple years ago.
I spent several days up at the job site just taking pictures of the various steps that these talented tile setters were doing for the floor, in this particular case. They did a lot more tilework in the bathrooms and such, but just wanted to share a dozen or more photos of this Squares and Picket floor going in.
And then, also I’m focused on the Herringbone pattern that was also developed for the dining room of the home.
And then check back often, because I have a multitude of other areas of the house where these guys were working. And, I’m gonna share photos of how we address the staircase going up to the second floor (in Spanish clay tile), what parts were used.
And just the sequence of patterning that we did for transitions to other rooms and hallways, and that sort of thing. So have a look, and please come back often, and have a good day!”—Jeff Doubet, August 11, 2025
Installing Spanish Clay Flooring in Montecito: A Photo Gallery
See Spanish Colonial Revival Clay Floor Installation Photos
Scroll to see over a dozen on-site photos of a Spanish Colonial Revival clay floor installation in beautiful Montecito, California.
Spanish Colonial Revival Clay Floors: The Squares and Pickets Pattern
There are many different design patterns common to the Spanish Colonial Revival genre of home building. Here, a Squares and Pickets pattern is being installed in a great room and entry foyer.
There are several ways to lay a Spanish Colonial Revival clay floor with Squares and Pickets. For this specific project the large square centers were surrounded by double “Pickets”. A smaller square is used as an infill piece that complete the pattern.
Note: A Squares & Pickets floor can be installed with large square center and single pickets. When this configuration is selected, the small square infill pieces are not required.
In the foreground in the photo above, you can see how we ordered pre-made shapes for the Squares and Pickets pattern. In the background, a new Spanish Colonial Revival fireplace will one day become another focal point within the room.
Clay Floors Are A Team Sport
A young Artisan uses a tile saw to cut the clay floor tiles to size. Borders and infill sections require special attention.
Here, Hexagon clay floor tiles are also being pulled from the shipping crates. Soon they will be installed in other rooms of the home.
The Artisan cuts more terra cotta clay floor tiles. Smart that he’s wearing a straw hat. Portable shade device:)
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Here the tile setter applies mortar mix to the back of more clay floor tiles. Knee pads are a must while working on a cement slab foundation.
Note how he has a stack of floor tiles on a rolling bed. Another smart move, so he doesn’t have to keep standing up to get his next tile. Tricks of the trade!
Installing Spanish Colonial Revival Clay Floors: herringbone pattern
Here, the tile setter is installing an oversized Herringbone pattern for the dining room floor. These types of projects are labor intensive and can take days and sometimes weeks to complete.
These oversized rectangle pieces started out as large square tiles. The large tiles were cut into narrower pieces. Here the tile setter applies mortar mix to the back side of a long rectangular piece of clay floor tile, using a notched trowel.
Here are some additional photos capturing how the Montecito tile setter is setting the oversized rectangular pieces (to create the herringbone layout).
The tile setter positions and adjusts each floor tile while the mortar mix is still wet. As he places the tile he smushes it down, and uses his level as a straight edge to get everything right.
In other words, the tile-setter levels each individual tiles as he goes, and regularly checks his progress with the long level.
Our hardworking friend back at the wet saw continues to cut large square terra cotta floor tiles into narrower rectangular strips for the herringbone floor installer.
Installing Spanish Clay Flooring in Classic Spanish Colonial Revival Patterns
Patterns like San Felipe, Hexagon, Octagon, Squares and Pickets, Herringbone, Running Bond, Basket Weave (and combinations of each) are Spanish Colonial Revival floor patterns I like to specify in my design projects. You can mix and match these patterns room to room. That’s because the material, color and texture are all the same… I have found that it just works!
Many do not realize the skill it takes to make 45 degree end pieces “line up” along a room border. This tile setter is achieving perfect lines along the border of his Herringbone floor. A true gift.
As you have probably figured out, the layout of a herringbone floor like this involves intense planning. I mean, look at the perfect cuts he has to make.
See more Spanish-style flooring resources on the Spanish Home Design Photo Blog.
Photo Series: Installing Spanish Clay Floors in Classic Designs
This is the last photo in this series as I showcase the skill of this local Artisan tile setter as he installs the Herringbone pattern clay floor in beautiful Montecito, California!