Sandstone, one of the strongest floor tile materials available, comes in a large variety of natural, earthen colors. It is useful in high-traffic areas because of the durability of its surface. Properly installed and consistently maintained, sandstone tiles will likely last the life of your home. The installment process is important to this durability, however, as sandstone is porous and thus easily stained if not handled correctly. Instructions as follows: Firstly, clean the surface of the floor thoroughly prior to installing the sandstone tiles. Use a cleanser specifically formulated for the subfloor type, usually plywood or concrete. Follow the cleanser manufacturer's cleaning instructions to remove any dirt or debris on the floor. Secondly, create a level surface for the installation by spreading a layer of self-leveling compound onto subfloor surface. Mix the compound according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the compound onto the subfloor, covering the surface of the floor completely. Roll the self-leveler in place using a low-nap roller, to spread it evenly. Allow it to dry overnight. Thirdly, find the center point of the room by measuring each of the room's walls and placing a mark at the wall's center. Place the end of a chalk line on one of the marks and then extend the line across the floor to the mark at the opposite stone wall. Lift the line slightly and then snap it against the floor. Repeat the process with the other two walls. Where the lines meet is the exact center of the floor. Fourthly, place a row of tiles along each line to determine an optimum position for installing the tiles. Set up the tiles so that there are as many full tiles used as possible, with partial tiles placed along the edges of the surface. Mark the tile positions as a guide to tile placement. Fifthly, mix a batch of thinset mortar in a bucket to use as an adhesive for the tiles. Layer the thinset onto the floor in a 4-foot square area in the center of the room using the flat of a 10-mm by 10-mm notched trowel. Tilt the trowel at a 45-degree angle and use the notches on the edges of the trowel to raise ridges in the thinset. Sixthly, place the tiles onto the mortar, using the placement marks as a guide, and twist the tiles slightly to smear the mortar across the rear. Press firmly to set the tile securely and then place two tile spacers along all edges of the tile to provide uniform separation and lines during the installation. Seventhly, continue to place tiles onto the floor, repeating the thinset application and tile-placement process until you reach the surface edge. Cut edge tiles using a wet saw to fit along the edges of the floor, leaving a gap of ¼ inch along the wall to allow for expansion and contraction of the floor's surface. Use a carpenter's level, placed across the tiles to ensure that the tiles are level when installed. Tap non-level tiles into place using a rubber-headed mallet. Wait at least four hours for the mortar to begin to set before grouting. Eighthly, place a layer of tile sealant onto the tile surface before grouting to prevent the grout from discoloring the porous sandstone. Brush the sealant evenly onto the tiles, and allow it to dry for two hours before applying the grout. Ninthly, remove the tile spacers and apply the grout to the joints between the tiles to protect the sides of the tiles from damage and to aid in maintenance. Spread the grout over the tiles using a grout float, pushing the grout into the joints, filling them completely. Wait 15 minutes and then use a damp sponge to remove the excess grout from the surface of the stone tiles and to even out the grout lines. Wait an additional two hours and then use a dry lint-free cloth to remove the haze left on the tiles by residue from the grout. Allow the mortar and grout to set fully for three weeks. Tenthly, apply a sealer onto the grout at the joints to protect the grout from stain damage. Wait overnight before using the tiled surface.
Related Articles -
sandstone tile, sandstone,
|