We recommend installing marble tiles by a professional tile installer who knows how to use a wet diamond saw. However, if you are handy and want to install yourself you can follow these steps and watch some videos on YouTube. Please note that the quality of the installation will depend on how much time you spend on each step. At the end of the day, a good tile installation will require patience and working with your hands.
Installing marble tiles can be a rewarding DIY project, but it requires careful planning and precision. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install marble tiles:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Marble tiles
- Thin-set mortar
- Tile spacers
- Notched trowel
- Rubber mallet
- Level
- Tile cutter or wet saw
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
- Sealant
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Chalk line
- Bucket
- Knee pads (optional)
Steps:
1. Preparation
Clean the Surface: Ensure the surface where the tiles will be installed is clean, dry, and level. Remove any old flooring or debris.
Measure and Plan Layout: Measure the area to be tiled and plan your layout. Use a chalk line to mark the center of the room and create a grid pattern to guide your installation.
2. Dry Lay the Tiles
Arrange Tiles: Lay out the tiles on the floor without any adhesive to see how they fit and to get an idea of the pattern. Adjust as needed to avoid small cuts at the edges. This is one of the most important steps to ensure you will be happy with the aesthetic beauty of the floor. Marble tiles are natural and will vary in color, texture, and veining. Mixing them with your desire is personal. There is no good or bad marble look. Some marbles will vary and blend more than others. Marble variation will be not only in veins but also in the background colors.
3. Mix Thin-Set Mortar
Prepare Mortar: Mix the thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It should have a peanut butter-like consistency. A good thin-set supplier like Ardex, Mapei, and Laticrete is important. In some cases, waterproofing your substrate will be required. Please check with us to see if your marble requires this. Most white marbles may require waterproofed floors to prevent contamination from ground waters.
4. Apply Mortar
Spread Mortar: Starting at the center of your layout, apply a thin layer of mortar to the floor using the flat side of the notched trowel.
Create Ridges: Use the notched side of the trowel to comb through the mortar, creating ridges.
5. Install the Tiles
Place Tiles: Press the first tile into the mortar and wiggle it slightly to ensure a good bond. Whether you want a diagonal versus straight or staggered layout depends on your desire and look.
Check Level: Use a level to ensure the tile is even. Tap gently with a rubber mallet if necessary. You may have to back butter corners.
Insert Spacers: Place tile spacers between the tiles to maintain even spacing.
Continue Laying Tiles: Continue placing tiles, using spacers, and checking each tile for level. Work in small sections to prevent the mortar from drying out before the tiles are placed.
6. Cut Tiles as Needed
Measure and Cut: Measure and mark tiles that need to be cut to fit edges and corners. Use a tile cutter or wet saw to make precise cuts. Please make sure you use a wet saw with a marble diamond blade. If your marble is hard, cut slowly. Also, check out our “How To Cut Marble Tile At The Job Site” article and learn how to cut your marble like a pro!
7. Allow Mortar to Set
Drying Time: Allow the thin-set mortar to dry for at least 24 hours or as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Apply Grout
Mix Grout: Prepare the right grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your needs.
Spread Grout: Use a grout float to apply grout over the tiles, pressing it into the spaces between the tiles.
Clean Excess: Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently. Allow the grout to set for about 30 minutes before final cleaning.
9. Seal the Tiles
Apply Sealant: Once the grout has fully cured (usually after 72 hours), apply a sealant to the marble tiles to protect them from staining. In Some cases, you may have to seal before grouting to make it easier to clean the grout. This is especially required if your marble or travertine has a lot of holes and crevices.
10. Final Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean Surface: After the sealant has dried, clean the tiles with a pH-neutral cleaner.
Regular Maintenance: Maintain your marble tiles by cleaning them regularly and resealing them periodically as recommended.
By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking marble tile installation. Take your time, measure carefully, and ensure all tiles are level and evenly spaced for the best results. Contact us today and get more information from our experienced team!