Laying brick floor tiles or terracotta floor is a rewarding project and, with the right preparation and methods, can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Below we’ve outlined the tools, techniques and precautions we recommend when installing brick or terracotta flooring.
PREPARATION
Before laying begins, it is always advisable to inspect the tiles thoroughly. Set aside any chipped or damaged pieces to use for cuts or in areas that will not be visible, such as beneath kitchen units or appliances.
recommended tools:
- Electric drill with mixing paddle
- Angle grinder or tile saw
- 3 buckets
- Sponges (at least 3)
- Combed tiling trowel
- Bucket trowel
- Float
For smaller areas such as hearths or porches, it is possible to manage with only a bucket, trowel and sponge.
We strongly recommend dry laying a small section of the floor before installation. Even an area of a couple of square metres will allow you to assess the desired pattern, variation and grout joint width. In our experience, brick and terracotta floors tend to look best with a relatively narrow grout line, allowing the character of the tiles themselves to take centre stage.
Before laying begins, ensure the subfloor is clean, dry and free from dust or debris that may prevent proper adhesion.
When laying over a new screed or underfloor heating system, always use a flexible floor tile adhesive. This is essential as it accommodates movement within the subfloor caused by expansion and contraction, helping to prevent cracking. On older screeds, either tile adhesive or a traditional mortar bed may be used, although we generally recommend modern flexible adhesives unless you have prior experience with mortar installations.
LAYING
The first step is to establish the centre point of the area being tiled. This is particularly important in smaller rooms, corridors or utility spaces, where an off-centre pattern can become very noticeable. Chalk lines or marker lines can be extremely useful when setting out.
Take additional care when laying patterned floors such as herringbone, basket weave or parquet-style layouts, as the true visual centre may differ from the physical centre of the room.
Apply adhesive to the floor using a combed trowel. The required thickness will depend on the condition and level of the subfloor identified during the dry lay:
- A relatively flat floor may only require a 4mm comb.
- Less even surfaces may require up to a 10mm comb to help achieve a level finish.
Tiles can then be laid directly onto the adhesive. While wetting the tiles beforehand is not usually necessary when using modern adhesives, some installers still prefer to do so.
Once the main floor is laid, edge cuts can be measured, cut and fitted into place.
Throughout installation, keep the work area as clean as possible. Any adhesive that gets onto the tile surface should be wiped away immediately.
FIRST SEALING
The first seal is one of the most important stages when installing brick or terracotta flooring. Because these materials are naturally porous, sealing before grouting helps prevent staining and discolouration.
There are many sealers available, including silicone-based and oil-based products, which can leave a sheen or enhanced finish. Natural-look sealers are also available for those wanting to preserve the original appearance of the brick or terracotta.
Some sealers leave the surface virtually unchanged, while colour-enhancing sealers deepen and enrich the natural tones of the tiles.
Application Methods
There are two common methods of application:
Spray Application
Fill a suitable sprayer and apply an even, liberal coat across the floor.
Brush Application
Using a brush roughly the width of the tile often provides excellent control and coverage with a simple back-and-forth motion.
The first coat will typically use around 65% of the total sealer required, as the porous surface absorbs a significant amount during the initial application.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
- Ensure flexible joints are filled using silicone or mastic where appropriate.
- Apply a suitable coat of sealant before grouting.
- Ensure all tools and equipment are clean.
- Use clean water free from contaminants.
- Do not mix different grout types or manufacturers together.
- Do not add cements, limes or other materials unless specified.
- Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adhesives, grouts and sealers.
- Ensure all products are used within their recommended working time (pot life).
PREPARING THE JOINTS
Allow the initial seal coat to cure fully — ideally overnight or for at least 8 hours. If grouting begins too soon, the grout may penetrate the porous brick or terracotta and permanently stain the surface.
Tile joints should be clean, dry and free from excess adhesive. Any protruding adhesive should be removed before grouting, and the joints vacuumed clean where necessary.
Ideally, joints should remain clear to at least two-thirds of the tile depth.
APPLYING THE GROUT
Consistency is key to achieving an even finish. We generally recommend floating the grout across the surface, as this tends to produce a more uniform appearance, although traditional pointing methods may also be used.
Using a hard rubber float or squeegee, work the grout firmly into the joints, ensuring there are no air pockets or voids.
Remove excess grout by drawing the float diagonally across the joints while the grout is still workable.
Allow the grout to begin firming up until a slight haze appears on the tile surface.
At this point, clean away surplus grout using a damp cellulose sponge, working diagonally across the joints without applying pressure. Rinse the sponge frequently using separate buckets for dirty and clean water wherever possible.
Specialist grouting sponges are highly recommended, as household sponges quickly deteriorate and become overloaded with grout.
Cleaning too early can pull grout from the joints, while leaving grout to fully harden can make removal extremely difficult and may risk damaging the tile surface.
SECOND SEALING
Once the grout has cured, apply a second coat of sealer. This final coat protects both the grout joints and any areas that may have absorbed less sealer during the first application.
Avoid walking on the floor until the sealer has fully dried.
Many sealers continue curing and improving over the following one to two weeks, so any spillages during this time should be cleaned promptly rather than left to sit on the surface.
Your floor is now ready to enjoy. With the correct installation and care, brick and terracotta flooring will continue to develop character and beauty for many years to come.
BRICK AND TERRACOTTA GROUT AND ADHESIVE
When laying brick or terracotta flooring, we recommend using high-quality flexible adhesives and breathable grouts designed specifically for natural clay products. Choosing the correct materials will help ensure a durable finish and maintain the natural appearance of the floor.
Mudd Flexible tile adhesive
Mudd Flexible tile grout
