The first tile install at the Hacienda Hideaway is complete—and it’s a stunner! Say hello to the new primary bathroom floors:
In my last progress update, we gave the walls a DIY microcement finish and built the arched shower doorway:
It took some time for the special order tile to arrive and to schedule installation, hence the 5-week delay. We opted to save time and hire out the install so we could continue focusing on the kitchen cabinet build (I’ve been posting updates in my IG stories!)
I first fell in love with star & cross tile years ago when I spotted the pattern on the floors of the Taj Mahal, and I’ve waited patiently for the perfect opportunity to use them. They were the first design element I chose for the Hacienda Hideaway:
I partnered with Zia Tile, and they shipped 150sq ft of their handmade cotto tile. Because each piece is made by hand, there are natural variations in size, texture and color, which give it that imperfect charm.
The installers worked fast, and I was only able to get one photo from them:
They finished setting the tile on the first day, and the next day I brought my mini-project manager to inspect their work:
There is a specific set of instructions to follow when installing handmade cotto tiles, and Zia Tile provides a detailed checklist. I ordered this natural stone cleaner in advance, along with this 511 Porous Plus Sealer. It’s critical to seal these porous tiles before grouting, to avoid staining the tile.
Everything was looking good after sealing…
But, there was one unresolved issue: the floor transition. This tile is quite thick (5/8″) and our wood floors are much thinner, so there was a large step up. Our floors didn’t come with any transition pieces, and it would be a pain to try to match the finish.
Lucas came up with the idea of cutting down pieces of scrap tile, and grinding them down at an angle so they form a small ramp:
This worked like a charm, and didn’t take him very long at all! A much more elegant solution than a clunky mismatched molding strip:
With that problem solved, it was time for grout! Zia Tile recommended Mapei Flexcolor CQ grout, and I went with the color Bone. Truth be told, it looks darker online and I was a little disappointed when I first saw the install photos…
I wanted a muddy beige tone for a naturally aged over time look, which would also hide dirt/stains much better than a lighter grout. The grout is actually beige in the container, but looks ivory next to the darker tile. Just an optical illusion!
But honestly, you could use any grout color with this tile and it would still look stunning. And I do like the way the lighter grout accentuates the pattern. My dream tile has come true!
We don’t plan on adding any baseboard, so the lighter grout blends in much better to fill in gaps against the white wall.
I decided to keep the flooring consistent throughout the room—shower included. Why change a good thing?
Next up: shower faucets, toilet and tub installation… and a whole lot more! Here’s the price breakdown for this project:
Total cost
| Cotto Star & Cross Tile (150 sq ft) + shipping | $4,350 |
| Grout | $158 |
| Stone cleaner | $18 |
| Sealer | $130 |
| Labor/materials | $1,808 |
| Total | $6,464 |
In full transparency, I received the tile as a trade, so my actual cost was much lower. Certainly there were still cheaper options, but I’ve been dreaming about this tile for years and waited for the perfect opportunity to use it. When it’s a permanent fixture in a house you plan to keep for a long time, sometimes the splurge is worth it 😉
Next week, I’ll be revealing all of the tiles I chose for the Hacienda Hideaway. Follow along on Instagram for more updates in the meantime!
Steve says
Nice post. The tile’s design is very nice. Waiting to watch the rest house.
Jenna Sue says
Glad you like it, Steve!
Tracee says
It looks so great!!!! And I love seeing Lucas advance his skills as time goes on!!!!!! What a great team! Do you ever have buyers remorse for the riverside retreat, and wish you had gone with a different style? Or is that one your most favorite? I love all your homes!
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Tracee! No buyer’s remorse, we were lucky to have ended up in that situation (lease to own) and learned a lot renovating/furnishing it. I would not change the path we took to get to where we are today 🙂
Kathryn says
Oh my gosh…SWOON!!!!
Brittney says
Looooove it. Is the cost breakdown what you paid, or what another customer would pay who’s not partnering with the tile company? Will there be maintenance like yearly sealing of the tile/grout?
Jenna Sue says
Hi Brittney! The cost breakdown is retail cost for anyone else who wanted to do the same project (assuming the same size room). All tile that is sealed needs to be resealed periodically, I’m not sure exactly how often ours will need it but probably every few years or so with heavy use.
Kelley P says
Love this floor tile. Fabulous look. I can’t wait to watch the rest of the house come together!
Kim says
Absolutely gorgeous tile. The character you’re putting in this house is *chef’s kiss*.
Does the tile in the shower need any special care or cleaning instructions? I would worry about discoloration/mold/etc?
Barbara says
Wow!! So unique and earthy and the pattern scrumptious!!! Well done….wish I could use this tile and actually have someone put it in that knows what they are doing….not easy. Glad you could make your dream come true!!!
charisse says
Really, really beautiful floor. You mentioned sealing the tile, but not the grout. Especially in a shower you will want the grout sealed. You have been doing such a lovely job in the Hacienda Project. Fun to follow along.
Susan Merritt says
Jenna,
I love your tiles. You are so creative! Could you share with me, your favorite cleaning products for your tiles. You seem to have a lot of experience with tile. I am just learning and would love to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you!!
Teddee Grace says
This is gorgeous and the angled scrap pieces for the “ramp” are such a creative solution.
Jessica says
Came out beautifully! Such a stunning space!
Deb says
Hello Jenna, the tike is just beautiful!. I used to work for a boutique bank that had a similar tile in lobby. They has a company cone in every two-thre years to polick it with bee’s wax. Kept the tiles from stains but left the tiles easy to walk on (no slippery floors). You might check into sucha service.