Flooring Tile - Installing Marble Tiles

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View Full Version : Installing Marble Tiles


AlexH
04-14-04, 04:00 PM
Hi,

I'm installing marble tiles in an entryway over slab (previously had ceramic tiles there). I have done small tile floor projects before but I'm a little hesitant on this one for the following reasons-

1. I would like to do a 1/16" grout line. I don't want to use spacers because I doubt they will work well and I know I will chip the tile trying to get them out. I have put down layout lines but I seriously doubt I can place a line with 1/16" accuracy. My longest run is only 5 or 6 12" tiles. Is the best approach to place by eye and/or use a straight edge to get straight grout lines?

2. Since this tile is polished I would assume that higher/lower tiles would be more obvious. Again should I use a straightedge to insure tiles are level with it's neighbors as I go or just go by eye? As I said the slab had ceramic tiles before so the slab should be fairly flat but there is no such thing as perfect.

3. I'd like to buy a tile saw. Could you recommend the cheapest saw that can reasonably do the job since I heard that the $100 units will cut marble very slowly. All of my cuts will be hidden under molding.

Thanks!


floorman
04-15-04, 05:50 PM
1.Use lines even the best setters can't set tile without lines

2.Use a 1/2 notch trowel and you'll have to pick the tile up and reset them as needed buttering the tile up before resetting

3.You can rent a saw at a rental center for about $15.00 dollars a day,any saw you buy for $100 wont cut the marble or have a tough time doing it:cool: