Tiling with natural stone tiles - the basics
From slate to marble; natural stone tiles are always on trend!
The design landscape of 2024/5 is moving towards a deepening connection with nature. This is because natural-inspired tiles are testament to our collective desire to bring the outdoors in!
Sandstone, slate, marble and travertine - natural stone tiles are a popular choice for many consumers, and rightfully so. They make wonderful features in many different styled homes and interiors. The stone can be sold in its natural state or it can be polished, which is often the case with marble as this brings out the stone’s colour variations.
Natural stone tiles are completely different from machine tiles and can involve much more work. Realising this before your tile installation is a very important factor, and it’s the reason why professional installation by a tiling contractor is recommended.
Major benefits of using natural stone tiles:
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They can be used for domestic or commercial applications.
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Are ideal for both interior and exterior use.
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And, can be used on walls or floors.
*Note that real travertine is less robust, and not suitable for commercial floors.
Things to take into consideration when laying natural stone tiles
Sealing your tile with the correct product is non-negotiable! One reason for ensuring natural stone tiles are fitted by a professional is that the tiles are usually extremely porous, meaning that they will stain unless they are properly sealed. Staining results from water, grout or dirt absorption which will change their appearance. Fortunately, sealers offer a range of finishes and often enhance the colour/shade of the tile. A win-win!
Secondly, the size and thickness of these types of tiles might differ slightly from one another since they have not been precisely cut like pressed ceramic tiles. That’s why you should call in the professionals!
Installation Basics
Natural stone tiles show varying mineralogy depending on the source and changing conditions of the particular environment. The use of high-strength, shrinkage-compensated rapid or quick setting adhesives when fixing natural stone tiles is recommended!
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For dark coloured natural stone tiles, such as slate, sandstone, dark marble and granite we recommend TAL Goldstar 6, or Goldflex.
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For light coloured marble or natural stone tiles, we recommend a light coloured adhesive such as TAL Marblefix or TAL Marbleflex.
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This is especially important in instances where tiles of varying thicknesses are used, as the adhesive system will have to be built up behind some of the tiles to ensure a level finish.
The backs of all tiles must be clean and dry and free from dust and contaminants. Natural stone products must also be tested for inherent delamination prior to fixing, particularly when tiling walls.
Tile panel movement joints must be created at:
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maximum 5 metre centres in both directions for interior surface bed applications
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maximum 3 metre centres for suspended applications and exterior applications.
TAL Stain Free Grout is ideal to use as it is light grey in colour and is specially designed to drastically reduce the staining of highly porous tiles such a sandstone and slate, overcoming the “picture-frame” effect encountered with conventional grout.
Mix the adhesive and grout with TAL Bond instead of water to enhance strength, flexibility and water resistance.
Essential tips!
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Balconies and showers should be waterproofed prior to tiling, using TAL Superflex,or TAL Sureproof.
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Remember to purchase trims to finish off edges!
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For a link to TAL’s adhesive range
Contact TAL’s Technical Advice Line as your go-to resource for advice.
Call us for support on 0860 000 825 or email us at [email protected].