Marble tiles add a touch of luxury and timeless elegance to any space. Installing Marble can be challenging, but with the help of the right tools, you can achieve professional-looking results. In this blog, we will learn how you can install Marble, maintenance tips and the importance of sealing your tiles.
Preparation:
Surface Preparation: Before fixing the tiles make sure that the surface that you wish to place the tiles on is clean, dry and flat. Any unevenness can cause the tiles to crack or when installing them, they do not stick as they should. If necessary, use a leveling compound to smooth out the surface.
Layout Planning: Before installing tiles on the floor, you need to plan where you want specific tiles, which is done by packing tiles. This helps one see the final appearance and use fabrics where the chances of making many cuts are reduced. To apply the colour in a circular motion, start from the center and progress to the outside to achieve balance.
Installation:
- Mixing the Adhesive: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the tile adhesive or thin-set mortar.
- Applying the Adhesive: Use a notched trowel to scoop up a small portion of the adhesive and spread it on the floor waiting until it gets stiff. Ensure that the trowel is producing a 45° angle to ensure that it forms even ridges on the adhesive so that the tiles will stick better.
- Laying the Tiles: Begin tiling right at the intersection of the lines you’ve drawn on the floor. Place it as far as possible on the adhesive and put a little pressure on it, along with rotating movement. Insert tile spacers between tiles to maintain consistent gaps.
- Cutting Tiles: If you get to the side or corner, you need to calculate the area of the tile and cut the tiles with a wet saw. Whenever one is cutting tiles, he or she needs to put on safety goggles and gloves.
- Checking Level: When installing the tiles, it is recommended that each section be leveled with the help of a level after laying the tiles down. If it’s too high, tap it gently with a rubber mallet.
- Allow to Set: Allow the tiles to set for at least 24 hours before you start the grouting process. It would help if you did not walk on the tiles during such a time.
Grouting
- Mixing the Grout: Read The manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the grout or apply the one that has been recommended by the installing contractor.
- Applying the Grout: After that, mix the grout and spread it on the tiles using the float, applying grout to the gaps. Work in sections and make sure you close the gaps or seams that were left by the previous section.
- Cleaning Excess Grout: Subsequently, working with non-sanded tile grout takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, and you will need to wipe any excess manually with a damp sponge. Ensure that you wash the sponge regularly so that it does not compromise the cleaning of the surfaces.
- Final Cleaning: Normally, it takes a day for the grout to cure, and then the haze on the tiles should be wiped off with a piece of cloth.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: What You Need to Know
Deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional depends on several factors:
- Cost Savings: There is an opportunity to save money, at least on the labour part, if the plumbing work is done independently.
- Satisfaction: It is satisfying when you do everything, especially finishing up the project and making sure it is created professionally.
- Flexibility: There are many freedoms that one can avail of when working, including the freedom to work at one’s preferred rate and time.
Challenges
- Skill Level: As with any tiling project, Marble tiles need to be installed carefully and with maximum regard for measured detail. Mistakes can be costly.
- Tools and Equipment: There is a lot of equipment touching on refurbishing, which implies that you will either have to buy or hire special tools like a wet saw, for instance.
- Time-Consuming: Another important observation is that Your tasks are usually more time-consuming than professional work.
Professional Installation
- Expertise: Businesspersons are well experienced and skilled in business, thus guaranteeing a perfect product.
- Efficiency: One can note that a team of professionals is capable of doing the work much faster.
- Warranty: Most workers give a guarantee on their work to ensure that the client is comfortable.
- Cost: Professional installation may be costly; for this reason, it may be suitable for large areas.
Best Practices for Maintaining and Cleaning Marble Floor Tiles
Marble tiles are relatively low maintenance, but they do require regular care to maintain their beauty:
- Daily Cleaning: Dust and Sweep: Sweep the floor with a soft broom or use a microfiber mop. Spills: Clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid their end up staining the floor.
- Weekly Cleaning: Damp Mop: When cleaning the floor, a damp mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner which is intended for cleaning Marble should be used. Do not expose it to strong acids and abrasive cleaners, which will harm the finish of the material.
- Monthly Cleaning: Marble can be cleaned once in a while with a special cleaner designated for natural stones. Therefore, the consumption protocol should be adhered to punctiliously as per the stipulation on the product. Annual Maintenance:
- Sealing: Again, this is very useful in sealing your Marble tiles, preferably once every year or as instructed by the manufacturers. This is vital in protecting it from staining and other sorts of harm.
Why Seal Marble Tiles?
Marble is a porous material, which implies that it can soak liquids and other stains into it. Applying a sealer on the surface of your Marble tiles ensures that they are less permeable to water, thus offering a shield on the floor from spilling foods, dirt or water.
How to Seal Marble Tiles?
- Clean the Surface: You have to make sure that the tiles are clean and dry before applying the sealant.
- Apply the Sealant: This will be in a gentle wiping motion using a soft cloth or gently painting it on the tile with a paintbrush. Use as recommended by the manufacturer as to the quantity to be used at a time.
- Let it Penetrate: There is normally a standard time that is advised for the sealant to soak into the Marble; usually, it ranges from 15-20 minutes.
- Wipe Off Excess: After that, let it dry and wait for some time and again, with a clean dry cloth remove all the sealants that have not been absorbed.
- Let the Sealant Dry: Waiting for the sealant to dry should take at least 24 hours, after which one can step on the tiles or put other items on them. It is also important to seal your Marble tiles to protect their magnificent look and increase the floor’s durability.
Conclusion
Installing Marble tiles can be a rewarding project that enhances the elegance of your home. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, understanding the process and the necessary maintenance will ensure your Marble tiles remain stunning for years to come. Regular cleaning and sealing are crucial to protect your investment and keep your Marble floors looking pristine.
Original Source:
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