How to Install and Maintain Saltillo Tile: A Detailed Guide
Saltillo tiles are known for their natural beauty, rich history, and durable characteristics. Handcrafted in the town of Saltillo, Mexico, these handmade terracotta tiles have long been a favorite for homeowners looking to bring an organic feel to their space. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to keeping up the beauty of Saltillo Mexican tiles, whether they are installed indoors or outdoors. This comprehensive guide will outline how to install and care for your Saltillo floor tile so that you can keep your space looking beautiful for years to come.
What Is Saltillo Tile?
What is Mexican Saltillo tile and why must it be installed and maintained properly? Unlike machinemade tiles, this flooring is made from natural clay. This gives each tile its distinctive appearance in shape, size, and color variation, making it more rustic. Most of the tiles are sundried and then kilnfired. They may also have some irregularities that add a natural and organic element. Saltillo Mexican tile comes in rectangular, square, hexagon, or octagon shapes. This is a popular option for those looking to fill their home with a warm, Mediterranean or Southwestern feel.
Benefits of Saltillo Tile
We examined several reasons why homeowners may choose Saltillo floor tile.
Durability and Sealing: If properly installed and sealed, Saltillo tiles can last a long time.
Eco-Friendly: The natural clay used in Mexican Saltillo tile is an eco friendly material, adding another reason to love this product.
Aesthetic: The warm, earthy colors of Saltillo tile add beauty and character to any space where it is installed.
Versatility: Suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications, you can use these tiles on patios, in kitchens, bathrooms, and more.
Now that you know why so many people use Saltillo Mexican tile, let’s break down the easy steps to install it.
Saltillo Tile Installation Step by Step Guide
Gather Materials and Tools
Now that you have the required materials and tools, you can proceed with the installation. Here’s what you will need:
- Pre-sealed or raw Saltillo tiles
- Tile adhesive or thinset mortar
- Grout (preferably sanded)
- Tile spacers
- Notched trowel
- Rubber float
- Sealer (for unsealed Saltillo Mexican tile)
- Sponge and bucket of water
Prepare the Subflooring
The success of your Saltillo floor tile installation is highly dependent on proper subfloor preparation. Ensure that your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. You may need to use a self leveling compound to make your subfloor even. This is essential to keep the tile surface smooth and stable.
Layout and Dry Fit
Before applying any adhesive, lay out your Saltillo tiles to ensure the correct final design. This will help you decide how to lay the tiles and determine if any tiles need a cut. Use tile spacers to maintain consistent grout gaps.
Apply the Adhesive
Spread a layer of thinset mortar on the subfloor using a notched trowel. Start in one corner of the room and work across. Press each Saltillo tile into the adhesive with a slight twisting motion to ensure proper adhesion. As you do this, level each row of tiles.
Let the Adhesive Set
Let the adhesive set according to its instructions (usually 24–48 hours) after laying all the tiles. Don’t walk on the tiles during this time, or they might shift.
Grouting the Tiles
Once the adhesive has cured, you’re ready to grout. Follow the instructions for mixing the grout, and use a rubber float to press it into the spaces between the tiles. Work in small sections, pressing the grout into the gaps. Use a damp sponge to clean any grout that gets on the tile surface and smooth the grouted area by wiping diagonally across the tiles.
Sealing the Tiles
Like raw Mexican Saltillo tile, it must be sealed after laying to prevent staining and moisture damage. Use a brush or roller to apply the sealer carefully and evenly over all the tiles. Let it dry before walking on the tiles.
Skip this step if your Saltillo floor is pre-sealed, but applying a topcoat of sealer provides extra protection.
How to Maintain Saltillo Tile?
Saltillo Mexican tile floors, counters, and walls require a bit more maintenance compared to other tile varieties. Here’s how to maintain your Saltillo floor tiles:
-
Regular Cleaning
To keep your Saltillo tiles looking their best, clean them regularly. Dirt and debris should be removed with a soft broom or vacuum. Abrasive cleaning tools can scratch the tiles.
Use a neutral pH gentle tile cleaner for mopping. Never use bleach or ammonia, as these will damage both the tile and the seal. For unsealed tiles, clean spills immediately to prevent staining.
-
Resealing the Tiles
The sealer on your Saltillo flooring will wear down over time, especially in high traffic areas. The tiles should be resealed periodically to protect them. This depends on the level of traffic and the quality of the original sealer, but resealing every 12 years is generally recommended.
Before resealing, clean the tiles well and allow them to dry. Apply the new sealer and allow it to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
-
Stain Removal
Spills can stain unsealed Mexican Saltillo tile. To remove stains, gently rub a paste made from baking soda and water onto the stain. Let it sit for a couple of hours, then clean it off with warm water and a cloth.
-
Preventing Damage
Placing rugs or mats in high traffic areas (like doorways and kitchens) can protect your Saltillo floor tile. These help reduce wear and tear on the tile surface. Also, use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
Conclusion
By following the correct installation steps and maintaining your Saltillo tiles, whether indoors or outdoors, they will last for many years. With regular cleaning, resealing when necessary, and taking precautions to prevent damage, your Mexican Saltillo tile will continue to add life and charm to your space. If you’ve been considering adding this beautiful material to your home, the first step is to find Saltillo tile near me and start creating a space that is both functional and full of character.
FAQs
How to clean Saltillo tile?
Cleaning Saltillo tile requires a soft broom or a gentle touch with a vacuum. It is better to mop with specific pHneutral products. Saltillo tile should not be cleaned with bleach, ammonia, dyes, or other harmful chemicals. Clean the tile regularly to avoid dirt buildup.
How to clean Mexican Saltillo tile?
Cleaning Mexican Saltillo tile is simple. Just sweep and vacuum regularly. For mopping, use pHneutral products. If the tiles are unsealed, clean spills immediately. Mop the tile with warm water and mild soap, but don’t use any abrasive tools as the tile can be scratched.
What is Saltillo tile?
Saltillo tile is a handmade terracotta tile made from natural clay. It is formed, dried under the sun, and then kiln fired. As a result, each piece can vary slightly in color and texture, with some being darker or lighter. Saltillo tile is popular in Mediterranean and Southwestern Style homes due to its warm, rustic look.
How to seal Saltillo tile?
Sealing Saltillo tile is important because the sealer keeps moisture out, which can otherwise cause the tile to crack. The sealing should be applied once the Saltillo tiles are installed, especially if they are unsealed. Apply the sealer right after grouting as well. One must reapply the sealer to everyone for two years, or more frequently depending on the amount of foot traffic.
How to clean Saltillo tile floors?
The easiest way to clean Saltillo tile floors is to sweep or vacuum first. Then, mix warm water with some pHneutral cleaning solution or mild dish soap. Don’t use any acidic or harsh agents, as they can strip the sealer and damage the tile. Mop the floor, making sure the mop is not too wet. If there are stubborn stains, rub them with a soft cloth or mop. Avoid abrasive tools or scrubbers as they can scratch the tile.
Can I use Saltillo tile inside and outside?
Yes, you can. Saltillo Mexican tile is very versatile. It is great for indoor spaces like kitchens or living rooms, and one can also use them outdoors on patios or in courtyards.
What kind of grout should I use with Saltillo tile?
Sanded grout is generally recommended, as it is more resistant to cracks and insulates better, filling the larger gaps between Saltillo tiles.
How can I prevent my Saltillo tile from scratching?
To prevent scratches, place runner rugs or mats at each entryway. You should also place felt pads under chair and table legs when moving or using them. Avoid using outdated wood cleaning tools or abrasive materials.
Where can I find Saltillo tiles near me?
You can find Saltillo tile at most home improvement stores, specialty tile stores, or online. Make sure to compare prices and quality before buying.
Can I install Saltillo tile myself, or should I hire a professional?
If you have experience with flooring installation, you can install Saltillo tile yourself. However, proper preparation and attention to detail are necessary. If you have limited experience, hiring a professional floor installation company will ensure the durability and longevity of your tile.
What sets Saltillo tile apart from terracotta tile?
Saltillo tiles have a unique handmade look, which is more rustic, with natural imperfections. They are sun dried and kiln fired. They tend to have more rectangular shapes compared to machine-made terracotta tiles, which often have a more uniform appearance.