A marble floor can make a bathroom or hall more beautiful and elegant. With a wide variety of colors and finishes, marble tiles match well with virtually any color scheme. Laying the marble floor is not a simple operation, but you can do it yourself with care and patience.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparations for the Pose
Step 1. Put on gloves, goggles and face mask
This will allow you to protect your hands, eyes and lungs while installing the floor.
Step 2. Remove any existing tiles
If you are placing the marble on an already paved surface, then you will need to remove the old tiles first.
- The ceramic tiles can be broken with a hammer and then removed.
- Vinyl floors will need to be peeled off using a crowbar.
Step 3. Clean the floor surface where you intend to lay the tiles and let it dry
Before laying the marble, make sure that the surface under the tiles is clean and dry.
Step 4. Use a long level to make sure the floor surface is level
Marble tiles are very tender and can crack easily if they are not installed on a flat surface. Use as long a level as possible to make sure the floor is level.
- You can smooth out any unevenness and fill any holes with cement-based smoothing mortar. Let the grout dry completely before continuing.
- You may also need to lay a plywood underlay to even the floor.
- Marble tiles should not be installed on a floor that has a height difference of more than 6 mm over a 3 meter span.
Step 5. Inspect the tiles
Run your nails over the tile to make sure there are no cracks or holes in the shiny surface of the tile. You must not use any cracked tiles or tiles with holes, as they could break during installation or with use.
Most stores will agree to replace any cracked or damaged tiles
Step 6. Measure the length and width of the floor and make a sketch on paper
Plan the laying on paper using the floor and tile dimensions. Decide what design you will make. You could create lines, a pyramid structure, or follow other patterns. Draw the model you have chosen to scale on paper.
- Try to organize yourself so that you use most of the whole tiles so you don't have to cut them.
- Also, do not use tile strips that are narrower than 5 cm.
Step 7. Mark the center of the floor
Locate the center of each wall and mark it with a light pencil stroke. Then take a wire tracer and position it so that it connects the centers of two opposite walls. Pinch the thread and snap it to the ground to trace the chalk line. Do the same for the other two walls. The center of the floor will be where the two chalk lines cross.
The tiles are usually laid so that they extend from the center to the sides of the floor
Step 8. Mark the grid on the floor using the chalk lines
Continue using the wire tracer to make the grid that the tiles will form. This will show you the precise location where you will need to lay the tiles.
Part 2 of 3: Laying the Tiles
Step 1. Place the tiles following the pattern you have chosen
Lay the tiles inside the grid you created. This dry laying will help you understand the areas for which you will need to cut tiles and identify the best place to start laying based on the model you have chosen and the shape of the area to be paved.
If the distance between the last whole tile and the wall is less than 5 cm then you should move the central tile up. This way the strip of tiles in this area will be wider and the result will be better
Step 2. Apply a thin layer of cement adhesive to the floor using a notched trowel
Wear sturdy work gloves and work one section of the floor at a time. The layer of adhesive must be thick enough to make grooves with the notched part of the trowel without exposing the underlying surface, but thin enough not to cause the tiles to lift.
- The grooves allow the adhesive to distribute itself evenly on the back of the tile.
- Choose the right adhesive for your type of marble. Ask the retailer where you purchased the tiles which adhesive is most suitable.
Step 3. Lay the marble tiles on the cementitious adhesive layer so that they are firmly in place
Place the tiles on the adhesive within 10 minutes of application. Be careful not to slip the tiles and not to dirty the glossy face with the adhesive.
- Sliding the tiles into place will cause the adhesive to accumulate and make the tiles uneven, risking breaking them.
- The adhesive will be difficult to remove from the upper side of the tiles.
Step 4. Lay the tiles using spacers
Use the spacers to have the right space between the tiles, even for the straight lines that form the horizontal and vertical lines of the grid. You should use 3mm spacers for the marble tiles.
Spacers help you to lay the tiles correctly
Step 5. Check the level of the tiles
You have to make sure that no tile rests on top of another. Take a piece of wood and place it on the surface of the tiles, using a hammer to lightly tap the wood. This ensures that all the tiles are on the same level.
Use the piece of wood along both the vertical and horizontal lines of the grid to even out all the tiles
Step 6. If you will need cut tiles, measure the size of each tile by placing one tile on top of the entire tile closest to the wall
Place another tile against the wall so that the edge of the second tile rests on top of the first. Draw a line on the first tile with a utility knife to mark where to cut the tile to get it the right size.
Step 7. Use a water-jet tile cutter to cut tiles to be placed close to walls or in uneven spaces
To minimize the risk of breaking the tiles while cutting them, saw three quarters of the desired length then rotate the tile to the other side and cut the remaining piece. Repeat the process for all the tiles to be cut and then put them on the adhesive layer.
If you do not have it, find out if in your city it is possible to rent the water-jet tile cutter even for just one day
Step 8. Remove any excess adhesive accumulated between the tiles
If you have put too much adhesive under the tiles or you have crushed it too much, the adhesive may come out of the spaces between the tiles. If this happens, you need to take a small knife and remove the excesses.
Step 9. Do not walk on the floor for 24-48 hours, so that the adhesive dries completely
Different adhesive types have different drying times, so check the instructions on the package to verify the correct drying time.
Do not walk on the tiles during this time as you may make the floor uneven
Part 3 of 3: Adding the Finishes
Step 1. Seal the marble
Marble is quite brittle and easy to damage, so it is very important to apply a coat of good quality marble sealant before proceeding with the grout. Applying the sealant is also important because marble is very porous and the grout could leave stains on the tiles.
- Apply the sealant to the surface of the marble.
- If you prefer the look and color of "natural" marble, that is, without sealant, you can apply a protective product to prevent the grout from sticking to the tiles.
Step 2. Prepare the grout following the instructions on the package
Grout, or concrete, will be used to fill in the spaces between the tiles. Make sure you wear a face mask, goggles, and sturdy work gloves. Put on a long-sleeved shirt to prevent the putty from damaging your skin.
Prepare the grout that you will use for the next 15-20 minutes of work, because if you prepare too much of it it may dry out or harden
Step 3. Moisten the joints between the tiles using a slightly wet sponge
This will prepare the spaces for the grout or concrete.
Step 4. Fill the joints with grout
Distribute the concrete evenly in the spaces between the tiles using a squeegee. Be careful not to stain the surface of the tiles with grout. This is likely to happen, but try to avoid it as much as you can.
- Push the grout as far as possible into the joints to create a strong joint.
- Immediately wipe off any grout residue from the surface of the tiles.
Step 5. Use a squeegee to spread the grout
Use the trowel to spread the grout and create a smooth surface in the joints between the tiles. You can also use your fingers - after putting on the gloves - to even out the grout.
Step 6. Use a clean sponge to scrub the tile surface
With a damp sponge, rub the tiles to remove any grout residues. Try not to get the grout too wet.
Step 7. Let the grout dry
As for drying times, refer to what is indicated on the package. Some will take a long time to solidify and ensure maximum strength.
Step 8. Seal the grout
Use a disposable sponge applicator to spread a sealer over the grout. This will prevent the grout from staining and discolouring due to dirt. It will also make it easier to clean the floor.
Step 9. Clean the tools you used with water or acetone
Remove any grout or cement from your tools so they are ready to be used again.
Advice
- For marble tiles it is advisable to use spacers with dimensions between 0, 16 and 0, 32 cm.
- Use the longest level you have to check that the floor is level. If the difference in height is greater than 1.5 mm every 90 cm, you will need to lay a foundation.
- If you don't have the water-based tile cutter, you can try to rent it from a dealer in your area.
- Be very careful to lay the marble tiles flat or they may crack or chip.
Warnings
- If you need to remove a vinyl floor before installing the marble, you should first check for the presence of asbestos. Asbestos can release fibers that are very dangerous for the respiratory system into the air. Ask a specialist company to remove the old floor if asbestos is found.
- Be very careful when using the wet tile cutter as the blades are very sharp and can be dangerous.
