Natural
Stones
General Installation Suggestions
Natural
stone tiles must be installed by a qualified tile setter or stone mason with experience in
setting limestones, marbles and slates. Since
these are natural products, it is essential that the client and the installer use
appropriate materials, regarding both the tile and the setting materials, for the specific
use, material and application conditions. Stone
Tile is pleased to assist in the choice of materials, however, we cannot be held
responsible for their use for any particular purpose.
Since each stone is essentially unique with respect to colour,
veining, structure, etc., any samples that are submitted are intended to be merely
suggestive of the final product. Variations
in the colour and structure of the material are due to nature and are thus unavoidable.
For
more detailed installation suggestions, please refer to the Stone Tile Specifications which are provided upon
request.
Although all are our materials are grouped and named by colour
and finish, often the range of colour and figuring of a particular product will be
somewhat broad. Since tiles are cut from
blocks, the colour/veining may be consistent within one crate but vary from crate to
crate. Prior to beginning an installation, it
is recommended that tiles be selected from several boxes or crates or from different
locations within a crate so that the range can be seen.
Mix the tiles to obtain the desired effect. Continue
to take tiles from the various boxes or crates throughout the job to obtain the desired
overall, uniform effect.
Most natural stones are either directional (with the grain
running in one direction across the tile), figured (with veins and markings running in
swirls or a number of directions), or multi-coloured (with sometimes subtle and sometimes
dramatic colour variations). Directional
tiles may be laid end-to-end, in a parquet pattern or random. Figured and multi-coloured stones should be
arranged like an abstract painting, with the owner, designer an installer rearranging the
individual tiles, in a sample area, until the desired effect is obtained.
Consult
with your mortar/adhesive manufacturer for the correct setting products which are
appropriate for the specific stone and site conditions.
Never use a dark mortar/thinset for white or light coloured stones, as the mortar
may bleed through and stain the surface of the tile.
If installing over a wood subfloor, ensure that the area is properly prepared to
accept to stone.
All
natural stone floors must be sealed both before and after grouting. Ensure that the tiles are completely cleaned of
all mortar, grout and foreign material prior to sealing.
(Some sawcut limestones/travertines may have slight rust staining on the tile
surface that is a result of the cutting/manufacturing process. This can be easily removed with a 5%-10% dilute
solution of Muriatic acid left on the tile for 10-15 seconds and then neutralized and
removed.) When the stone is thoroughly dry,
after the mortar is set and the tile cleaned, apply one coat of the appropriate sealer. Allow to dry for 24 hours and then apply the
grout, clean again and allow to dry before the final coat of sealer. Follow the sealer manufacturer’s instructions
carefully.
Penetrating sealers are recommended for all stones and do
not alter their natural appearance. A final
coat of
colour enhancer can be
applied to deepen and intensify the natural colour of the stone.
A
regular maintenance programme should be established for sealing and cleaning of the
material. Neutral pH cleaners can be used for
day-to-day maintenance, with more powerful cleaners or poultices for specific stains. The stone should be resealed from 1 to 3
years in commercial applications and 2 to 6 years for residential.