I'd be interested to know what i need to do in order to lay untreated clay terracota tiles. I know they are very porous and need to be sealed. Is this before or after laying them?

I've read that some people seal them with oil and others with water sealer!

I am going to use tile adhesive not mortar as the floor is going down on top of another tile. What material can i use to grout them?

Any tips or installation advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks

Always seal terracotta before fixing, before grouting and after grouting

Check out the LTP website for details of relevant products

LTP Online | Pick Finish

on top of other tiles ??? do you know if old ones are well fixed cos if they are not well bedded down you will have real problems later!!

The last job I had with terracotta we didn't seal until after 'grouting' I say grout but it was a sand / cement mix, as long as you work clean while fixing then you shouldn't have a problem. There are some pictures in my album of the ongoing job.

Unregistered what area are you from :Pete

Terracotta is like blotting paper and once stained will not be cleaned.
The modern way is to seal as others with a LTP sealer which will retain the original colour of the tile.
The method I prefer is to use a diluted coat of white spirit with boiled linseed oil 25/75 and a second coat at 50/50. But you must never allow any oil to remain on the surface of the tile as this will attract dirt. It must be done as you unload the tiles and before you intend handling the tiles to fix. Allow to completely dry before use. Grout with sand/cement or Sandstone grout. Make sure they are thoroughly clean and dry before applying another coat of diluted oil - leaving none to lie on surface again.
Usually 24 hrs later you can apply a beeswax and polish to a high shine.

Originally Posted by Alan.P

The last job I had with terracotta we didn't seal until after 'grouting' I say grout but it was a sand / cement mix, as long as you work clean while fixing then you shouldn't have a problem. There are some pictures in my album of the ongoing job.

I just thought that might have come across wrong what I meant to say was that we didn't seal between fixing and grouting as merelcollins does, that will teach me to post after a barbie and drink

.... sorry.

Alan they were pre-sealed with one coat of boiled linseed oil but some terracotta’s cannot be sealed with oil every tiles different imo