Help with terracotta

[tommyzooom]

I have somehow managed to avoid terracotta until now,

I have to price a job tomorrow, around 17m2. The client is sealing them themselves, (with what I won't know until tomorrow)

I have been swotting up on terracotta, but am unsure on whether to cut them with the Dewalt, wet or dry? will water stain them?
Also I'm aware prices vary from place to place, so would you guys price it the same as trav or stone
Thanks

 

[DHTiling]

Trav or stone..? same thing ain't it..:lol:

Yes, it is a lot of work so price the same as a stone job.. minus small amount for sealing that the customer is doing.. which personally i wouldn't let them do but that is just me.

 

[merlecollins]

I agree with Dave mate - try and insist on sealing the cotta yourself, then you know it's done properly.
I just did a job at the end of last year with Saltillo Terracotta and it took about 6 coats of LTP Colour Intensifier and Stainblock. Took about 10 litres for 20m2.:yikes:
Well and truly seal them before even thinking bout fixing/cutting them - I just cut them dry with my grinder.:smilewinkgrin:
Avoid leaving anything at all on the surface that may trap moisture as any prolonged contact may cause water marks, even when sealed. I had put a piece of Dural CI on top as a stepping stone and ended up with a few circular dot marks:mad2:
Most of all - Enjoy it, they are a lovely tile to fix and very satisfying finished job

http://www.tilersforums.com/members/merlecollins-albums-graham-place.html

Oh and allow plenty of adhesive in your price as well, as the tiles will invariably be dished, so yo will need to fill the back of the tile to flat, before fixing.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

With Terracotta I dust them down and seal them - leave them stacked on their side to dry.
Use a wet cutter with clean water to cut and they will dry fine.
You may want to seal them again before grouting.
Being 'Old' I only use Boiled Linseed Oil + traffic wax.
I also would only do the whole job.

If their is any further information you require - PM me.

 

[tommyzooom]

Thanks Dave and Merle,
I hope I will enjoy it, Normally I would turn it down as I have plenty on, but terracotta is probably the only thing I haven't laid, and I would like to try everything at least once. I hear what you're saying re sealing, I'll see what they say tomorrow.
So dry cutting is the way to go,with grinder? Anyone tried dry cutting on the Dewalt?
Any more opinions?

 

[tommyzooom]

Ooops, overlapped your post TJ.
Obviously I would prefer to cut them wet, but was worried about staining, and I presume they would take ages to dry?

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Never had a problem with staining from a wet cutter and the tiles get wet when they are grouted so no time delay at that stage.
They must be completely clean and dry before any further protection is given - seal/polish.