Precautions to Be Observed while Installing Natural Stone Tiles

When installing a sink or hotplate, it's advisable to keep the stone slabs on site so the manufacturer can take exact measurements and cut the marble or granite surfaces into correct size. The manufacturer considers several factors when measuring a benchtop or vanity for installation.

Once the stone benchtop or vanity has been prepared to specifications by the manufacturer, the installer will fix the stone in position with special glues and resins. The end user must choose the colour of the epoxy resin used to fill the joints with the installer, so it matches perfectly with the stone. The wrong colour can affect the look of the stone.

Sealing of the Benchtop, Tiles or Shower with a high quality professional sealer will ensure the benchtop/tile floor/shower is easier to keep clean and stop unsightly staining.

Important factors to be kept in mind when choosing stone slabs from the manufacturer or tiles from the tile distributor are narrated here: ‘Tips for choosing your stone’.  

Points to remember when installing stone tiles in a shower:

• The floor should have a good slope towards the drain so the water will drain out quickly. This is to ensure that water does not pool around the sides and seep into and behind the stone tiles.
• Two membranes of waterproofing are to be applied to prevent leakage  –one below the tile and one below the sand cement bedding.
• Ensure that all fittings related to plumbing are installed before tiles are laid.
• Always lay floor tiles first. This will make  the wall tiles to perfectly sit on top of the floor tiles and prevent water from flowing down the wall and under the floor tiles.
• Edges and corners of the tiles are not sharp on shower steps or shelves.

For more specific information, you may call The Marble Man stone restoration specialists on 1300 627 626. Also visit their website for everything natural stone- repair, maintenance, restoration etc.