MARBLE TILE INSTALL
STEP 1 – MEASURE AND FIND CENTER
You want the marble tiles that you install to radiate outwards from the center of the room, rather than starting abruptly from one of the walls. In order to achieve this effect you need to draw a reference line on the surface of the underlayment. Find the center of two opposing walls and use a line chalk to draw a path in between them. Then measure to the center of that line, and use a T square to make an intersecting chalk path to the other two opposite walls.
STEP 2 – PREVIEW TILES IN PLACE AND SET PERMANENTLY
After determining the center of the room with the reference lines, you can begin to experiment with a layout design.
Starting at the center of the room and working your way outward, lay down one row of tile along the reference line. Blend and adjust the tile placement until you achieve an optimal look.
Once you have decided on the tile layout, mix the adhesive, also called mortar or thin-set, that is recommended for your tile. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for preparing the adhesive.
Using a notched trowel, apply thin-set to a small area on the floor for installation. Use the notched edge of the trowel to create grooves in the thin-set. Creating grooves will increase the strength of the adhesive.
To continue the installation process spread the thin-set on one tile and place it where desired. Repeat this processes, working with one tile at a time, until you reach the wall.
To keep the placement straight, use the reference lines as a guide. Also, use tile spacers to keep the layout consistent, as well as create uniform grout lines.
Once you reach the wall, take note of any odd angles or gaps that require custom cut pieces.
Continue the tile installation by returning to the center point and laying out the second row of tile adjacent to the first.
STEP 3 – MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE
In most marble flooring installations you will need custom cut pieces in order to stretch the floor out to meet the walls. You will also need to fit tiles around architectural features in the room, as well as permanent appliances and equipment.
The way to do this is with the use of a wet saw. Carefully measure and make a straight line with a pencil on marble tiles prior to cutting.
If a wet saw is unable to make a specific cut, use a 4-inch grinder to cut curves, cutouts, or hard to reach angles. Wipe any moisture from the tiles, and install.
STEP 4 – WAIT 24 HOURS BEFORE PROCEEDING TO STEP 5
STEP 5 – MIX & APPLY GROUT
Mix grout according to manufacturer’s directions. Never use sanded grout for marble tile surfaces. Mix slowly until you reach a creamy consistency that remains fairly stationary on your grout float. Apply the grout to the grout join only. Avoid smeary grout over the enter surface of the tile. Allow to dry the recommended period (often not too long) before wiping grout off the surface. Do not wait too long – if the grout dries too much, it will make cleanup much more difficult.
Fill a bucket with warm clean water and dampen a sponge to clean the excess grout away from the grout lines. Do not gouge or wash out the grout. Clean the entire surface with water, repeating as necessary, to remove all grout from the tops of the tiles.
STEP 6 – WAIT 24 HOURS TO APPLY SEALER
After you’ve allowed your grout to dry for 24 hours, make sure the surface is clean, and free of dirt. Apply a tile sealer, made specifically for marble, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Apply as many coats as it takes until the marble tile and the grout stops absorbing the sealer.