Installing Terracotta Tile Flooring

[terracottafan]

This is my first post. Just joined. This site looks very helpful since I have become more and more a "DIY" person as time goes by.

I have two questions about installing terracotta tiles for my floor throughout the whole house. I would appreciate any tips.

1. What is used as the mortar under the tile to the foundation and between the tiles? I have been in buildings where the filament mortar appears to be a bright white -- which looks almost like plaster, and in other buildings where it is a dull smooth grey, looking like basic cement. Are both ok or is one the correct one?

2. How is terracotta cut for perfect fitting up to the walls?

Thanks.

[srs6361]

This is my first post -- just heard about this from another new member, and first and foremost, Thank You for having this forum!

Has anyone here tiled a front porch? I plan to do this, and currently I have regular 2-3 inch wood floors out there. Problem is that because of the type of house, it has no gutters and the rain water pours onto the wood and rots it very quickly. It IS pressure treated wood (I've replaced it twice in 6 years), it was stained, primed and painted for more protection, with no success. I want to tile the porch. Is it necessary to place a layer of 1/2" plywood On Top of the existing wood under the 1/4" backerboard before laying my tile? Is it okay to simply lay my backerboard on top of the existing wood floor and go from there (of course I will replace the rotted wood)? The issue I will have if 1/2 inch plywood has to be placed is that the floor will be too high for the front door to open.

PLEASE tell me it would be just fine to place backerboard right over the existing wood floors....!! Thank you so much for any suggestions you have.

[flatfloor]

Hi Sr, glad you found us. Please start your own individual, dedicated to you, our undivided attention thread in this forum.