Installation Guide
We always recommend that you employ a proven professional for installation, but here are some guidelines that you can consider.
When your stone is delivered
When you receive your stone, check that you have all of your tiles and that they are in good condition. With natural and hand-crafted products there will, of course, be some variations in colour tone and natural character that makes them unique and beautiful. We recommend that you ‘shuffle’ tiles from different boxes/crates so that you have a uniform effect across the entirety of the new surface.
Prior to installation
Both sides of the tile should be wiped clean of any dust before installation and the top surface should be wiped again after installation and before sealing and grouting takes place.
You must create a flat, level and stable surface – preferably of concrete – on to which the tiles can be laid. If you do this on a timber surface, the floor will need overlaying with a suitable tile backer-board such as NoMorePly (www.nomoreply.net). You can also use this product to tile on to timber-framed walls.
If you are tiling on to walls in damp and wet areas, we recommend you fully tank (waterproof) the walls with a specific tanking system such as Mira or similar.
If you are tiling on to an underfloor heated screed the floor will need priming and overlaying with a movement uncoupling membrane. This will help prevent any shrinkage or cracking that may occur in the screed being transferred through the tiles.
Tiles can be cut using a diamond-blade ideally a water-cooled machine. Constantly spraying with water while cutting will help to prevent chipped edges.
Installation
Use a good quality, flexible, semi-rapid, white tile adhesive and carefully follow any instructions on the manufacturers label. Ensure 100% coverage of each tile with adhesive, and remove excess adhesive with a damp cloth before it hardens.
Level the tiles using hand pressure only. Using a mallet or rubber hammer could cause cracking.
Sealing your tiles
Once your tiles are installed you will need to use an impregnating sealant for protection against fading and staining. This should be applied after they have been installed (and cleaned) but prior to grouting. You should apply a second coat after grouting.
You could also choose to apply a surface wax as this will offer further protection and give an attractive patina (encaustic tiles and rustic tumbled stones in non-wet areas only). This would be applied after grouting.
Grouting
You will probably need to allow 1-2 days after the tiles have been laid before you can apply the grout.
• We recommend using lighter coloured grouts, not black or bright coloured as these can cause staining in the natural pores of the tiles.
• Follow the grout manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Ensure you have selected a grout product that is suitable for use with natural stone and encaustic tiles.
• Don’t use masking tape on the tiles as this can cause marking.
• Ensure that you wipe away any excess grout from the tiles before the grout dries.
• Once grout is installed and fully dried, wash your new tile floor with a neutral detergent.
• Do not leave water to sit on the surface.
Ongoing maintenance
Clean your tiles regularly by sweeping away any dust or grit and then mopping with clean water and neutral detergent.
You can also lightly polish tiles with a soft pad. If the tiles become heavily soiled we recommend scrubbing them with a stronger, specialist detergent.
If the tiles are heavily used, you may find that you will need to re-seal your tiles more regularly. You could also choose to apply a surface wax as this will offer further protection and give an attractive patina. We would also recommend this process if the tiles are being used for a cooker splash back.
IMPORTANT NOTE
These are very general guidelines and not definitive instructions. The issuer of these guidelines cannot be held responsible for installation. It is always recommended that a qualified and professional tiler should take responsibility for the installation of all stone and tile products.