Rare Spanish Colonial Revival Clay Floor Installation Photos

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.

Artisan Installing a Spanish Clay Floor in Front of a Spanish Colonial Revival Style Fireplace in Montecito California
a Tile Setter in Montecito California Installing a Squares Pickets Design Clay Floor Tile in Front of a Spanish Colonial Revival Style Fireplace in a Spanish Home Remodel
Installing Squares + Pickets Clay Floor Tile

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 Spanish Colonial Revival Style Fireplace is in the Background of a Squares Pickets Clay Tile Floor Being Installed in a Montecito California Home Remodel

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.

a Santa Barbara California Area Tile Installer is Using a Tile Cutter to Cut Tecate Clay Floor Tiles to Size for a Spanish Colonial Revival Style Home in Montecito Ca
Cutting Tecate Clay Floor Tiles

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.

Spanish Flooring Being Installed by a Santa Barbara California Tile Setter Here He Applies Mortar Mix to the Backside of Clay Floor Tile As He Installs the Floor in a Montecito Ca Spanish Colonial Revival Home

Here, the tile setter applies mortar mix to the backside of the clay floor tile as he makes progress at installing the clay floor.

Santa Barbara California Tile Setter Uses a Wet Saw to Cut Terra Cotta Clay Floor Tiles at a Montecito Ca Spanish Colonial Revival Home Renovation

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.

a Santa Barbara Tile Setter Applies Mortar Mix to the Backside of a Rectangular Piece of Clay Floor Tile a Herringbone Pattern is Being Installed in This Montecito Ca Spanish House

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.

a Santa Barbara California Tile Setter Places an Oversized Clay Floor Tile to Create a Herringbone Pattern Floor in a Spanish Home in Montecito California
Setting an Oversized Herringbone Pattern Floor

More detailed photos capture how the Artisan tile setter carefully places another oversized piece within his layout.

a Santa Barbara Ca Tile Setter Nudges a Long Rectangular Clay Floor Tile into Place to Create a Herringbone Pattern Floor in a Spanish Style Home in Montecito California
Building Up the Clay Herringbone Floor

Here, the tile setter positions the floor tile while the mortar mix is still wet.

a Santa Barbara California Tile Setter Installs Another Long Rectangular Piece of Clay Tile to Build Up a Herringbone Pattern Floor in a Montecito Ca Spanish Home Renovation

Pressing carefully, he levels individual tiles as he goes- and then periodically checks everything with his long level.

a Santa Barbara California Tile Setter Uses a Wet Saw to Cut Terra Cotta Floor Tiles into Narrow Strips for a Herringbone Floor Being Installed in a Montecito California Spanish Style Home

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.

a Master Tile Setter in Santa Barbara Installs a Terra Cotta Clay Floor in a Herringbone Pattern in a Montecito California Spanish Colonial Revival Style Home Renovation

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.

a Master Tile Setter from Santa Barbara California Artistically Pieces Together a Herringbone Pattern Clay Floor in a Montecito California Spanish Colonial Revival House Renovation
Working the Border Tiles

As you have figured out by now, the layout of a floor like this involves intense planning.

a Tile Installer Uses a Wet Saw to Cut Terra Cotta Clay Floor Tiles for a Spanish Colonial Revival House Remodel in Montecito California

Precision cutting is an important aspect to getting everything to line up properly on the floor.

a Montecito California Spanish Style Floor is Being Installed by a Master Tile Setter the Pattern is an Oversized Herringbone Pattern

Posted

in

,

by

* Important Note: I post my favorite photos and stories for Pure Entertainment Value Only. Please consult with your licensed architect, general contractor and local building department for anything relating to your own design/build project. Full Disclaimer HERE

Jeff Doubét Book on Amazon

Did you know the Jeff Doubét Spanish Home Design Blog started out as a Coffee Table Book?  With over 1,000 images- it is reassuringly expensive.  Thank you Readers for your many kind reviews!

OTHER QUICK LINKS