Laying Marble floors
#1
In laying Marble squares (12 x 12) do you seal the marble somehow before grouting? Marble seems to etch so easily, I was unsure of the process. Do you use the same mortar that you would use for a ceramic floor? Any tips you can give would be helpful!
Thanks,
ginger.adams@valmet.com
Thanks,
ginger.adams@valmet.com
#2
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Pre-sealing faces prior to installation avoids staining problems. Unsanded grouts are not necessarily nonstaining but marble grout is by definition cementious and nonstaining. The surface finish and type of marble play rolls in the choice process also. Cleaning excess as you go is standard procedure.
The type of marble tile (gauged or ungauged and the color, which relates to the mineral composition) plus subflooring, defines one or more of the setting methods. Epoxy is used for green and black marbles. Nonstaining marble thinset and nonstaining marble mastic are two of the more common
setting materials among others. Setting beds range from a full mortar bed to backerboards
Before you begin drop by the Ceramic Tile forum and don't be shy about details such as subflooring, current flooring, gauged or ungauged marble, color of, and type of finish. The moderator, tileman1, and John Bridge will either issue a cautionary thumbs up, with help, or implore you hire this done.
John Bridge has written a book on tile setting, but I have not read it. The Marble Insitute http://www.marble-institute.com/ publishes relevant books also.
The type of marble tile (gauged or ungauged and the color, which relates to the mineral composition) plus subflooring, defines one or more of the setting methods. Epoxy is used for green and black marbles. Nonstaining marble thinset and nonstaining marble mastic are two of the more common
setting materials among others. Setting beds range from a full mortar bed to backerboards
Before you begin drop by the Ceramic Tile forum and don't be shy about details such as subflooring, current flooring, gauged or ungauged marble, color of, and type of finish. The moderator, tileman1, and John Bridge will either issue a cautionary thumbs up, with help, or implore you hire this done.
John Bridge has written a book on tile setting, but I have not read it. The Marble Insitute http://www.marble-institute.com/ publishes relevant books also.