See and learn how Spanish clay floors are installed in authentic Spanish Colonial Revival patterns. Drop in on a high-end project in Montecito, California. Go behind-the-scenes to see a portfolio of images of professional tile installers set floor tiles in this signature home.
I was very lucky to be able to visit the job site on the days these experts were installing this floor. It is rare to see tile setters actually installing these historical Spanish Colonial Revival patterns.
Spanish Colonial Revival Squares and Pickets
There are many different design patterns common to the Spanish Colonial Revival genre of home building. I will be sharing more on this in future episodes. Here, the homeowner chose Squares and Pickets pattern for the great room and entry foyer.
A new Spanish Colonial Revival style fireplace was built in the great room and makes for a nice focal point within the space. I wanted to show you how the clay tile for a Squares + Pickets floor can be ordered in pre-made pieces. Large squares for the center section, “pickets” surround each large square. Then, the smaller squares are infill, and complete the pattern.
The large Spanish Colonial Revival style home was being renovated in Montecito, CA. The project progresses throughout the day. Above, a young Artisan uses a tile saw to cut the Tecate clay floor tiles to size (for borders and infill sections). I was really impressed with how the tile crew had their system down. The work site was well organized and had very efficient flow.
Here, the tile setter applies mortar mix to the backside of the clay floor tile as he makes progress at installing the clay floor.
Meanwhile, back at the wet saw- the Artisan cuts more Terra Cotta clay floor tiles for the project. Hexagon floor tiles are also being staged, and will be installed in other rooms. I will feature this in another episode someday.
Installing an oversized herringbone pattern clay floor
On another day at the project site, the tile setter was working on an oversized Herringbone pattern for the dining room floor.
The Artisan applies mortar mix to the backside of a long rectangular piece of clay floor tile. These oversized rectangles were custom cut floor tiles. They started as large square tiles, and were cut down to thinner pieces.
More detailed photos capture how the Artisan tile setter carefully places another oversized piece within his layout.
Here, the tile setter positions the floor tile while the mortar mix is still wet.
Pressing carefully, he levels individual tiles as he goes- and then periodically checks everything with his long level.
Our hardworking friend back at the wet saw continues to cut large Terra Cotta floor tiles into narrower rectangular strips.
Installing Spanish Flooring in Classic Patterns
San Felipe, Hexagon, Octagon, Squares and Pickets, Herringbone, Running Bond, Basket Weave and combinations of each are common Spanish Colonial Revival floor patterns. You can mix and match from room to room because the material, color and texture are all the same.
Working on the border of the room. Look at the perfection lines this Modern Master is achieving in his Herringbone floor. Many do not realize how much skill it takes to make end pieces “line up” like this. A true gift.
As you have figured out by now, the layout of a floor like this involves intense planning.
Precision cutting is an important aspect to getting everything to line up properly on the floor.
One last shot to showcase the skill of this tile Artisan installing the Herringbone pattern clay floor in Montecito.
