By Emily Beach, eHow Contributor
Limestone is a natural stone product known for its relatively soft texture, similar to marble. This material offers the look of more expensive stone tiles at a lower cost, and can be used in almost any room of the home. The key to successful limestone tile installation is careful preparation of the subfloor, which can greatly reduce the risk of cracks or damage. Take the time to carefully prepare your floor for this tile and enjoy the beauty and texture of natural limestone in your home.
Things You'll Need
- Drill
- 2-inch deck screws
- Vacuum
- Thinset mortar
- Notched trowel
- 1/2- to 3/4-inch cement board
- Jigsaw
- 2-inch cement board screws
- Mesh tape
- Chalk line
- Wet saw
- Safety glasses
- Spacers
- Tile sealer
- Paintbrush or roller
- Grout
- Grout float
- Rags
Instructions
Prepare the Subfloor
- Fasten any loose sections of the subfloor more securely to the joists below, using 2-inch-long deck screws. Focus on areas that squeak or move when walked in.
- Vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris.
- Spread thinset mortar over the entire subfloor surface, using a notched trowel. Lay cement backerboard over the mortar, butting the sheets tightly together.
- Screw in 2-inch-long cement backerboard screws every 6 to 8 inches along the edges of each board.
- Cover the seams between each board with a 2- to 3-inch-wide line of thinset, then cover the thinset with mesh tape. Allow the mortar to dry.
Install the Tiles
- Snap a chalk line from the center of each wall to the wall opposite. The point where these lines intersect is the center of the room. Start installing your tiles at this point to minimize the impact of walls that may be crooked or uneven.
- Lay out your limestone tiles without the use of mortar. Decide on the pattern you will use, including any accents or borders.
- Cut tiles to fit, using a wet saw with a diamond blade. Keep your safety glasses in place to protect your eyes when using this type of saw.
- Remove a small area of tiles from the floor and spread thinset mortar over the cement board, using a notched trowel. Place the tiles firmly onto the thinset, pressing them in place by hand. Use plastic spacers to maintain even grout lines between each tile. Repeat this process until all tiles have been secured to the subfloor.
- Apply a penetrating stone sealer to the limestone, using a paintbrush or roller. Follow the directions on the sealer to determine how much to use. Allow the sealer to dry overnight.
- Mix grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the grout onto the tile and use a grout float to force it into the joints between the tiles. Immediately wipe excess grout from the surface of each tile, using a clean, damp rag.
Tips & Warnings
- Choose sanded grout for joints wider then 1/8 inch, or unsanded grout for joints narrower than 1/8 inch.
Source: www.eHow.com
