Are you wondering how to lay marble floor tiles? Here is some guidance on doing so.
Marble floors have an ageless appeal that makes them the perfect choice for many rooms of your home, such as entryways, kitchens and bathrooms. MoCo Surfaces & Ceramica was established in 2010 and specializes in the marble tiles suppliers, production, sales and supply chain for high-tech Stone Slab Tiles.
If you want a personal touch in your floor decor, laying tiles yourself is certainly achievable. While it’s not difficult, there are some details to take into account for optimal results.
Here are some tips for selecting the ideal marble tiles and how to lay them. Additionally, we’ll tell you what steps should be taken next in order to preserve its beautiful appearance over time.
How should you select marble floor tiles?
Marble comes in an array of colours and finishes, giving you plenty of choices. When selecting marble floor tiles, two finishes are available: polished or tumbled and honed. Polished marble can also be referred to as traditional marble due to its shiny, glossy appearance. When decorating small spaces such as entryways or foyers with polished floor tiles, use lighter colours for maximum contrast and light-bringing effects.
Once you’ve selected the ideal marble floor tiles for your project and chosen a pattern, it’s time to install them. This guide will assist in getting you started.
1. Be Prepared for Installation
Comfortable but not baggy clothing suitable for work is essential. Additionally, protect yourself during each step of the process by investing in gloves, masks and goggles.
2. Get Ready to Lay the Floor
Prepare yourself by getting all necessary supplies.
This step involves several stages. First, remove any old tiles and thoroughly clean the floor. After drying has taken place, leveling is necessary; fill in cracks or sand bumps with thin-set cement (ensuring it has dried thoroughly). Before proceeding, ensure that all cement has fully set. For extra support, you may want to install plywood or cement boards for extra stability.
3. Take measurements of the floor in order to create a layout.
Measure your floor and draw reference lines to help create the pattern. Be sure to write down your chosen layout for ease of following along, but if unsure, divide the room with chalk or another material if unsure how it will appear.
4. Prepare the mortar
Thin-set mortar is ideal for marble tiles and should be mixed according to instructions. Start with a small amount at first so there isn’t dry out, then spread enough mortar with a notched trowel so you can place one tile.
5. Lay the First Tile
Begin by placing your initial tile on top of the spread mortar, fitting it perfectly according to your chosen pattern. Start in the middle and work your way around, being careful not to step on newly laid tiles. Plan your work so that none of the corners are obstructed during installation – if unsure, tap with a rubber mallet for perfect fitting.
6. Use Tile Spacer
Installing the next tile requires the same steps as the previous one: spread mortar, place tiles and tap with a rubber maul for even spacing between each one. Don’t forget to add tile spacer if you want perfect grout lines!
7. Remove Extra Mortar
Make sure you eliminate any mortar that has seeped into the grout lines as soon as possible.
8. Sealant
Once your tiles have been laid, it is essential to seal them. Doing this prevents staining and makes the stone more resistant to other damages.
9. Grout
Now your tiles can be grouted. Simply follow the instructions for mixing grout, making sure to only mix enough for 15-20 minutes – as it needs time to settle. Using a grout flopper, direct the mix into grooves by scraping away excess material with ease.
10. Wipe away all traces of dirt and grime.
Once grouting is complete, use a damp grout sponge to wipe the tiles clean. Be careful not to remove grout from between the grooves.
11. Seal the Grout
Sealing the grout is the final step. However, this step takes up to seven working days; follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. You may wish to seal your marble tiles again for extra longevity if desired.
Cut tiles with a wet saw.
You will likely need to cut tiles in order for them to fit your design or an area of the room. Wet saws are ideal tools for cutting marble tiles, and if you plan on doing more tile work, you can either rent or purchase one.