If you’re looking for reliable information on natural stone installation,
you’ve come to the smart place.
Understanding the basics of stone installation will increase your knowledge of the
process, and enhance your confidence in the installers or your self if you are doing
the installation.
So let’s cover these basics.
Step one is to prepare the substrate, the surface on which the stone will lay.
With cement subfloors, apply the mortar directly to it and lay the tile.
Wood subfloors usually require a cement backer unit for support and a moisture barrier.
Next, measure the area and snap chalk lines for an accurate layout, then determine
which pieces of tile will need to be cut to fit the area.
A wet saw with a diamond blade is used to cut the tile.
Thinset mortar, a cement-based adhesive, is applied to the surface with a trowel.
The tile is then placed into the thinset and pressed firmly into place.
Stone tile is typically installed with narrow grout joints, meaning the tiles are
laid very close to each other on all sides
If it is a large tiled area plastic tile wedges, or spacers can be used
to maintain consistent spacing between tile.
The installers may back butter the back of the tile with thinset mortar
to strengthen the bond between the tile and mortar.
After the tiles are set and the thinset mortar has cured fill the joints between
the tiles with grout.
And that’s how your beautiful natural stone floor is installed.
Now, a few words on what you should do before installation day, during and after.
Remove all furniture and other objects from the area of installation.
Consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of.
We will be happy to discuss the best method of disposal and costs.
If you prefer to remove your present floor covering yourself, do it at least one
day prior to installation, to allow for cleanup and floor preparation.
If removing old carpet, remove the tack strips and pull the staples out of the floor
from the original pad.
Moldings and baseboards may need to be removed prior to installation.
If you are using an installer they may do this but at an additional charge, and
they will not be responsible for damage due to dry or brittle wood.
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation.
This is your responsibility.
Your existing subfloor may need to be prepared to receive the stone tile, or a new
subfloor may be required.
If subfloor work is necessary, it should be done by professionals and we will help
you with those decisions.
When stone is installed, some doors may not clear the new floor and swing free.
Doors may need to be removed to install the stone and then re-hung. Again, please
consult with us regarding the removal and re-hanging of doors and the costs to do
so. Doors may also need to be shaved or cut down to insure clearance.
Check with us regarding our policy and cost. You may need a carpenter to provide
this service.
Finally, know about the plan for clean up, if there are added costs, and ask about
stone tile remnants.
On installation day, be at home and available. Because it’s difficult to estimate
the length of each job, some installers may not give you an exact arrival time.
Keep children and pets out of the work area on installation day.
Prior to completion, you should walk thru the job with the installer, so you’re
clear on final details and address any issues at that time.