Marble Tile Installation Instructions

Mineral deposits in white marble.

Greater demand and increasing supply makes marble tile more of an affordable option for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Covering a rainbow-broad spectrum of beautiful colors and textures, marble tiling today can fit even the most diverse design schemes imaginable. Although more effort and maintenance is required versus traditional tile materials, marble tile projects are more than worth the extra work.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Tile spacers
• Wet tile saw
• Thin set
• Grout
• Buckets
• Sponge
• Tile Sealer

Instructions

1. Measure the area that you wish to tile. Select the marble tiles for your project. Order an additional 5% to 10% tile to allow for waste and cutting.

2. Clean the area that marble will be applied to and remove sediment. For concrete slab applications, clean the area and apply a wet sponge and water to stubborn dirt or grime. For wood sub-floors, attach a 5/8 inch tile backer board, for walls attach 1/4 tile backer board. Add adhesive before installing the backer board, screw in every 6 inches vertically and horizontally. Verify the type and thickness of backer board to use -- different building codes apply to different areas of the country.

3. Measure the area of installation, proceed by finding the center line of the installation area. For floors, measure two center line points and connect them with a chalk line from point to point. Find the center of the room in the other direction, measure the two center line points farthest from each other and mark a chalk line between these two. Start the first marble tile at this intersection point. For walls, measure the center of the wall along with a vertical or "plumb" line, mark a chalk at this intersection and begin your first tile centered at this intersection.

4. Mix the "thin set" or adhesive that will be used to stick the tile to the wall or floor following the manufacturer's directions. Apply the thin set to the immediate area of installation with a notched trowel. Apply a light coating or "skim" the back of the marble tile to ensure a good bond. For particularly soft marble, avoid scratching the surface with the notched trowel. Use spacers (1/8 to 1/4 recommended) between the tiles to separate them. Continue installing until every full piece is installed.

5. Measure and make a straight line with a pencil mark the pieces to cut. Using a wet saw, cut the pieces to the correct dimension. Use a 4-inch grinder to cut lines that the wet saw is unable to make, such as curves or hard-to-reach inside corners and angles. Use a dry rag to wipe any moisture off of the back of the tiles and install the cut pieces. Allow 24 hours for the marble tiles to dry before proceeding to the next step.

6. Mix a matching grout in a bucket and add water slowly. Mix slowly until the consistency is creamy and stays fairly stationary on your grout float. Apply the grout to the grout joint only. Avoid smearing grout on the surface of the tile away from the grout joints. Allow enough time for the grout to start the drying process. Don't wait too long--if the grout dries too much, it will make the job much more difficult. Fill up a bucket with clean water and dampen a sponge to clean excess grout away from the grout lines. Do not gouge or wash out the grout. Clean the surface with clean water and repeat if necessary.

7. Wait 24 hours and apply a traditional tile sealer to the surface of the marble and the grout. Apply several coats of the sealer until the marble tile and grout stop absorbing the sealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle with care -- marble tiles are prone to chipping, scratching and/or cracking if not handled properly.

• Always wear protective goggles, a dust mask and gloves when working with marble tiles and cementitious products.

References

• Youtube: Installing Marble Tiles on Walls and Floors