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Lay Slate on Steps by Vicky Smith
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Lay Slate on Steps |
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Business
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Plain concrete steps are usually drab and have little to offer aesthetically. With simple preparation and diligent application, slate tile offers a decorative alternative without compromising on durability. Slate tile will endure years of foot traffic with only minor maintenance needed. Slate is comprised of a varied mixture of quartz, mica, chlorite and calcite. This provides a natural look that comes with color variations in each piece, unlike ceramic and porcelain tile. Instructions as follows: Firstly, clean concrete steps free of any debris, oils or paint. Measure and mark the center of each riser. Place tile spacers on the ground floor against the first riser (the vertical plane on a step). Measure the height of the riser from the top of the spacers. Secondly, mark and cut enough slate tile to cover the first riser with a tile wet saw. Use a 5-gallon bucket and a drill with a mixing paddle to mix thinset and enough water to give it the consistency of peanut butter. Use admix to strengthen the thinset according to the manufacturer's instructions for exterior applications. Thirdly, use a 3/8-inch notched trowel to spread thinset on the back of the slate tile. Firmly set the tile on the riser, starting from the center line and laying to the edge of the staircase. Ensure the natural inconsistencies in the slate tile doesn't cause the slate to sit unevenly. Adjust the tile spacers accordingly. Cover the entire length of the riser. Leave space the width of desired grout lines in between each tile. The end pieces may need to be marked and cut. Fourthly, mark the center of the step. Measure the width of each step to the outside edge of the underlying riser. Cut enough slate to cover the length of the step. Spread thinset evenly on the step. Spread enough thinset on the back side of the slate tile (called back-buttering) to create a 1/4-inch drop away from the staircase to prevent water from pooling on the steps. Lay the tile over the entire step. Wipe away any excess thinset with a wet sponge. Fifthly, lay tile spacers on the back edge of the tiled step, and measure from the top edge of the spacer to measure the height of the next riser. Lay each riser and step. Allow the tile to set. Tile will usually set up overnight. Sixthly, clean the tile with water and a sponge and allow to dry. Mix sanded grout and water in a clean 5-gallon bucket about the same consistency as butter. Use a rubber hand float to fill all the grout joints fully with grout. Wipe away any excess grout. Allow the grout to set up for 72 hours. Seventhly, seal the slate and grout with tile sealer. Allow to dry. Finally, let me have a short conclusion. As an excellent business E-platform of promoting stone industry, we analyze the B to B international purchasing flow carefully and set up network marketing solutions for stone trading enterprises involved. If you are really interested in us and want to consult us freely, you can also see arch or become a loyal follower of us by @ https://twitter.com/stonebtb.
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