Before Installation of a Stone Floor

Being prepared for the installation of your stone floor will help ensure that the whole process is done smoothly and efficiently. Knowing what to expect will also make things less stressful on you, your family, and your home.

Hire a Pro.
Installing a stone floor is difficult work, labor intensive and extremely exacting. We strongly recommend you call upon a reliable, experienced professional to install your ceramic floor, insuring a beautiful, efficient and correct installation.

Even though we are recommending that you hire a professional, such as those with America's Floor Source, there are some aspects of the installation process that will be useful to you before, during, and after installation.

The Substrate.
The process of setting stone tile begins with the preparation of the tile foundation, or the substrate.

With cement subfloors, installers can opt to apply the mortar directly to it and simply lay the tile.

Wood subfloors, however, usually require a CBU or cement backer unit for support and a moisture barrier.

It's important to note that movement in the substrate material can sometimes occur. For example, water penetrating the grout and/or freezing and thawing temperatures can sometimes cause tile to rise, crack or chip.

Once the substrate has been leveled, it may have a waterproofing layer applied to it or require an anti-fracture membrane. Both of these materials are important in installations where the tile is frequently exposed to moisture, such as in kitchens, bathrooms, and exteriors.

After the Substrate
The installer will measure the area and snap chalk lines for an accurate layout, and determine which pieces of tile will need to be cut to fit the area.

The installer will measure and mark the tiles that need cut and then use a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut through the stone tile. The freshly cut edges are smoothed by hand with a white stone.

Once the layout has been determined and the necessary tiles have been cut, the installer can begin setting the tile.

Thinset mortar, which is a cement-based adhesive, is applied to the surface with a notched or grooved trowel. The tile is then placed into the thinset and pressed firmly into place.

Setting and Grouting.
Stone tile is typically installed with narrow grout joints, meaning the tiles are laid very close to each other on all sides. The Marble Institute of America recommended a grout joint no smaller than 1/16".

If it is a large tiled area, installers may use plastic tile wedges or spacers to maintain consistent spacing between each tile. They may also be used with mosaics that are uniformly placed on a mesh or paper backing. In small areas they may not use these spacers at all.

The installer may back butter the back of the tile with thinset mortar which will strengthen the bond between the tile and mortar already laid on the substrate.

As the installers move along setting the tile, they continually check to make sure the newly tiled area is as level as possible. Because stone tiles vary in thickness and size, the amount of thinset mortar applied is adjusted where needed to create a more level surface.

After all the tiles are set and the thinset mortar has fully cured, the installer fills the joints between the tiles with grout. Unsanded grout is most commonly used in natural stone installations. Unsanded grout is a dry, Portland cement-based product that is mixed with water onsite. This type of grout is used because it is able to fill the small joints more easily and will not scratch soft stones like sanded grout might.

The grout mixture is spread over the tiled area with a grout float to fill in all the joints.

A sponge is then used to remove excess grout from the surface of the tile, while leaving the grout in the joints to cure.

Water Proofing.
Don't gamble with water damage. When installing tile in any interior wet area, we strongly recommend that the floors and walls of the area be waterproofed before you tile.

Before installation day
Move Furniture.
You can either remove your furniture yourself, or we can remove it for you at an additional cost. If we are moving your furniture, please empty all china cabinets, entertainment centers and other pieces of furniture.

Moisture Control.
Be aware that the area of installation must be climate controlled (heated or air conditioned). Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.

Removal of Old Flooring
We can remove your old flooring. Please contact us for a breakdown of your options and charges, including disposal of the old flooring.

If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to installation. Please remove any tack strips and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.

Trim
In most cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for stone floor installation. Your installer can do this at an additional charge. America's Floor Source cannot be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.

Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility. Often, new trim is used.

Sub-Flooring Preparation.
Your existing sub-floor may need to be prepared to receive your new stone floor, or a new sub-floor may be required. If you think there's any chance that the sub-floor will need attention, please bring this to our attention, and we will inform you of your options and the associated costs.

Door Plan.
When stone flooring is installed, doors - especially closet doors and basement or bedroom doors - may not clear the new floor and swing free.

We will remove doors in order to install the hardwood and re-hang them if possible. We can shave or cut down doors to ensure clearance at an additional cost.

Clean Up.
Installing a stone floor will produce waste. Usually, these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Please let us know before installation if you desire us to haul away the waste.

Installation Day
Be Home.
Please be at home the day of installation and be available to answer any questions that the installation crew may have. Your presence will ensure a number of details, such as in which room or rooms the stone tile is installed, what pattern the installer follows, and other details.

Keep Your Family Safe.
Your installers will have and use tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.

Do A Walk-Thru.
We recommend that you walk through the job with the chief installer prior to the completion of the installation. This walk through will allow you to ask questions and receive clarification on any final details.

After Installation
Ventilate.
If you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation.

Wait.
Do not walk on your new tile floor for 24 hours after installation. The mortar and grout need time to set.

Follow Instructions.
Your installer will tell you if there are any additional special instructions that must be followed following installation. For example, the tile may need to be mopped daily for several days to prevent the grout from cracking, pulling moisture from the underlying mortar, or curing unevenly.