How to Install Granite Flooring

Granite flooring is a very elegant style of flooring and is available in many colors and patterns. Since it is natural stone it is very durable and will last the lifetime of the home. Care must be taken since anything that is dropped on granite tile will potentially break. It is also cold on the feet. High gloss granite is not advised for use in bathrooms since it is extremely slippery.

Things You'll Need

• Carpenter's square
• Chalk
• Granite tiles
• Mortar
• Wet saw
• Safety glasses
• Measuring tape
• Grout
• Grout float
• Grout sponge
• Rubber mallet

Instructions

1. Remove existing flooring. Clean the entire surface of the floor making sure that floor is level. If necessary, scrape away any old glue or paint.

2. Use a measuring tape, to find the middle of the flooring surface and lay down the carpenter's square. From this point in the center of the room, snap chalk lines in each direction creating a cross. Lay down the loose tile to determine where your starting point will be.

3. Mix the adhesive material (mortar) until it is a creamy consistency. Mix only enough for 30 minutes at a time.

4. Apply the mortar in a straight pattern with the flat side of the trowel working on small sections at a time. Using the ridged edge of the trowel, hold at at 45 degree angle and make ridged lines in the mortar that you have applied to the floor.

5. Press the first tile into the mortar with a twisting motion. Lightly tap the top of the tile with a rubber mallet to release any air from under the tile. Repeat this for the entire room using spacers in between each tile. Use a wet saw to cut any tile that requires cutting. Complete the entire room. Do not walk on the tiles for 24 hours.

6. Mix grout and using a grout floater, fill the seams in between the tile with grout. Grout can be applied after 24 hours. Use the edge of the floater to remove any excess grout. Wipe the tile immediately with a grout sponge to remove any residue. If it is desired, go back and seal the grout after 48 to 72 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Go back 30 minutes after tile has been set to remove any remaining residue.

• Wear protective eye wear when using a wet saw.

Resources

• Home Tips