I have 1/2"thick, 12x12 marble tiles to set on durock cement board on the floor. I will need to put down 1/4" mortor / thinset to bring them up to the wood floor height. Should I use any special type of thinset product for this since it is quite deep? Thanks

Do I need pro help! Moved into our brand new home 7 months ago... have 16 inch ceramic tile with ivory grout in big kitchen, bigger foyer and hall, 2 big bathrooms.. and ceramic 12 inch tiles in both tub surround areas, free standing shower. husband says a good 700 square foot of 'grout' or more... Just found out WHY we are having such a hard time keeping the grout clean, especially in kitchen,etc. Builder didn't seal it (didn't know that) The grout looks fine in some spots, but terrible (very dirty looking in others) So far I have used regular floor cleaners (Lysol, etc.) straight hot water & plain amonia, bought a Floormate scrubber, used that cleaner in the Floormate scrubber... all to no avail! Of course we are going to have it all sealed as soon as we save up for it (expensive, we found out) We cannot do it, he has bad arthritis, me, a bad back. We need to know what CAN we clean this grout with to get it back to the ivory we had when we closed on the house... or I we in a bigger mess than we know? Thought about buying a small steamer, but heard that it has to be a powerful one... then I worry about too much water possibly harming more than helping? Am open to any and all suggestions and comments. And for future new homeowners... buyer beware... ask every darn question you can think of a head of time and avoid what we are now having to deal with! Thanks in advance for all help offered. :confused: