Laying Internal Stone
Fixing of any semi-permanent or permanent stone tiles may restrict access to pipes and cables running under the floor. Please ensure access to these pipes and cables is not required under building regulations.
Preparation is the most important step in laying internal stone tiles. To ensure perfect adhesion, the surface must be totally free of loose material and any grease or dirt must be cleaned away.
To lay the tiles properly, mark out the room so that the tiles are laid square to each other, laid completely independently of any walls. Using a measure and a chalk string line mark the centre line of the room from one end to the other, then find and mark the centre of this line. Begin loose laying tiles from the centre point alongside the centre line. Fix a straight batten to the floor at 90 degrees to the line of tiles, where the edge of the last whole tile is. Continue to loose lay tiles out towards the corner of the room, fixing another straight batten at 90 degrees to the first alongside the last whole tile. Ensure the corner produced is a precise right angle. Actual fixing of the loose laid tiles commences on the prepared corner following instructions provided by the adhesive manufacturer. Once the adhesive has set and the tiles are fixed securely, the joints between the tiles can be grouted following the instructions provided by the grout manufacturer.
Timber Floors
Tiles and slabs can be laid on timber floors but they are heavy, and you need to make sure that the timber structure is strong enough to accept the weight. Also, timber floors move, whether it is individual floorboards or sheets of tongue and groove. This is due to the fact that the existing timber flooring can only be fixed where it meets joists underneath. These fixings are generally not enough to stop the timber from moving. This can result in tiles lifting, gaps or even cracking of tiles. Therefore it is advised that an additional covering (i.e. 22mm plywood) is fixed at regular intervals (no more than 200mm) to improve rigidity.
Concrete Floors
If the concrete floor is uneven, the adhesive must be applied to allow for any depressions.
Sealing
A variety of sealants are available from specialist suppliers, dependant on the type of stone flooring you purchase. Please follow the instructions and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Important
All surfaces should be regularly cleaned with a damp cloth. Using the right care product will facilitate the cleaning process and will maintain the fresh appearance of the surface.
Care products should always be tested as to their effectiveness and their compatibility to the surface in a small, inconspicuous area.
For protective treatment (impregnation) the surface must be completely dry.
Marble, travertine and limestones will be damaged when exposed to acidic substances (cement residue remover, bathroom cleaners, vinegar, ketchup, wine, cola, fruit juices, etc.).
For more extraordinary kinds of dirt and blemishes (e.g. paint, wax, grease, oil, tar, algae, etc.) special cleaning products are available.
