• The Barcelona cement floor tile may be installed in all indoors residential and commercial vertical and horizontal applications, such as floors, walls, back splashes, and counters in lobbies, main entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms. 

• Outdoor vertical and horizontal applications of the Barcelona mosaic cement tile are subject to climate, and must be sealed with a high quality penetrating sealer containing U.V. protection. The U.V. protection will help the tile preserve its color and natural patina. Note: These tiles are not frost proof.

• To install in an outdoor or indoors swimming pool use a high quality penetrating sealer with U.V. protection; and additionally apply a acrylic concrete surface sealer on top.

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PRELIMINARY NOTES:

Before making any arrangements for the installation with your tile installer or contractor, make sure that you thoroughly inspect your order of floor tiles from Tierra y Fuego.  Check for quantities, designs, colors, and damage that may have occurred during transit.  If you notice any discrepancies call Tierra y Fuego’s customer service line at 1-877-945-4900. 

The following instructions are provided as a courtesy only. Tierra y Fuego cannot be held responsible or accountable for information derived from the use of these instructions.  Contact your professional tile installer for advice.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE:

• Since cement tiles are handcrafted tile; each tile is unique. We recommend to pool tiles out from different boxes and laid them out before they are installed. Shuffle the tiles to acquire the desired effect.

• Throughout the installation process and handling of the tile, be careful not to damage the finished surface or corners of the tiles.

• Prepare the floor to be tiled.  If you have existing flooring, removed it before you install your new floor.

• Remove all baseboards or trims and clean the floor thoroughly. The surface on which you are installing the tile must be smooth and free from debris, grease, or wax.

• For areas subject to moisture, the underlayment should be sealed with a waterproof membrane or other moisture-resistant product. Cement-fiber board makes an ideal underlayment for tile in wet locations. These boards are often referred to as "cement board". The cement board is composed of cement and fiber that gives it its strength and resistance to moisture.

• Measure the area to be tiled, and find the center of two opposite walls or sides. Use these points to snap a chalk line across the length of the area, in the center of the floor, dividing the room or area in half. Then snap another chalk line perpendicular to the first so the two lines cross in the center of the room. Check where the lines intersect with a carpenter's square to make absolutely sure the center point has a 90-degree angled quadrant.

• Prior to installing the cement tiles, submerge them completely in a bucket of water for approximately five to ten minutes. Immerse about ten tiles at a time.  This process will help the tile for better and faster adhesiveness.

• Take one tile at a time from the bucket of water and begin laying the tile from the center of the floor where your two reference lines cross. Start by laying a tile at the intersection of the lines, and then use the lines as a guide, as you work your way outward toward the walls in each quadrant.

• Spread the adhesive with the trowel's notched edge, combing it out in beaded ridges. Spaces between ridges of adhesive should be almost bare.

• As the tiles are laid one by one, add adhesive to the back the each tile. Perfectly level each tile using only hand pressure. Do not use any tools such a rubber hammer.

• Align the tile and leave no space between tiles (no spacers are required). Throughout the installation the tiles should be perfectly leveled, since these tiles cannot be reduced to acquire the desired level. The reduction can be done with natural stones, but not on this tile, because it will eat away the color and the design that makes this floor tile special.

• Immediately clean any excess adhesive that may ooze between the tiles before it dries with a humid white rag.

• Before walking or grouting the tiled are allow the floor to dry for 24 to 48 hours.  If applied in a humid environment allow at least 48 hours for to it to dry.

GROUTING CEMENT FLOOR TILE JOINTS

• After allowing the area to dry completely, clean any excess adhesive or spots, if any, with a #180 or #220 fine sand paper.

• Once the surface is completely clean, seal the tile with a penetrating sealer. Additionally, the sealing will act as a grout release. Be careful not saturate the tiles with sealer, since it may flow into the tile joints. For further sealer information read the manufacturer’s instructions. We have tested Miracle Sealant’s Porous Plus and found that it yields excellent results.

• Traditionally, the color grout used for hydraulic cement floor tiles is white non-sanded grout, or white cement. Prepare your grout accordingly and begin the grouting process.

• Wipe away excess grout immediately from the surface of the tiles with a damp clean sponge. Take care to fill well all joints.  Once the grout is cured and dry it should be sealed with a penetrating sealer.  Read the grout manufacturer’s instructions for further information.

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• The tile naturally has a matte finish. 
  
• Once the tile has been installed, grouted, and sealed, you may decide to wax it to give it a luster patina and further protect the tile. If you decide to wax the floor, use a clear liquid wax, and follow the wax manufacturer’s instructions. You may need a buffer to acquire the desired finish.

• For routine cleaning of the Barcelona mosaic cement floor tile use a mild cleanser, water, and mop as needed.  Never use abrasive cleaners or bleaches because they will eventually eat away the natural color pigments of the surface.

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The technique for making mosaic cement tile was conceived in the mid 1800s in Europe, and quickly spread out to North and South America.  The tiles are made one at a time with a manual or electronic hydraulic press.  A frame with the design is used and filled with pigmented colors, which make a unique multi-colored floor tile.

Tierra y Fuego’s Barcelona handcrafted concrete tile has a thickness of 5/8 inches.  It consists of three layers from bottom to top.  They are fabricated in different sizes and shapes.

Layer one is made of a mixture of gray Portland cement, sand, and limestone powder. The mixture creates the most porous layer, so it can easily attach to the floor during installation.

Layer two is the intermediate layer. It is made of a mixture of gray Portland cement and fine sand; it functions as a sponge-like barrier, which absorbs the excess water from the top layer.

Layer three is the visible decorated surface.  It is a mixture of high quality white Portland cement, marble powder, fine sand, and natural mineral color pigments.

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