Planning and Designing a Quarry Tile Floor

Planning and designing a quarry tile floor are two of the most important steps of the process – especially if you are installing your own tile floor. Consider these key points while planning and designing your tile floor:

Uniformity

If you are installing quarry, or especially Saltillo tiles, they will not be 100 percent uniform. One of the draws of these types of tiles is that they are natural looking, but this also means when you plan your floor you will have to carefully account for the fact that each tile will not lay next to one another perfectly.

Treatment

Because quarry tiles are typically untreated and unpolished, there is very little in the way of regular sealing. Many recommend installing a pre-treated tile. Still, you will need to periodically check and reseal your grout to make sure it won’t absorb any moisture.

Replacement

Replacing a broken or cracked tile can be tricky. The grout needs to be broken first, and then the tile is broken and removed with a hammer and chisel. Many homeowners choose to leave this up to a professional floorer, which can get expensive. Keep this in mind when planning your floor.

Location

Quarry tile is durable, making it a perfect option for outdoor uses, as well as kitchens, bathrooms and other high-traffic areas that will endure a lot of spills. Because of its toughness it may not be practical as a living room or den floor. Keep the location in mind when choosing your tile.

Evaluate your flooring needs and budget, as well as what it will take to maintain your quarry floor while you plan and design your tile floor.