Installing Granite Flooring Tiles

Granite flooring tiles definitely add attitude to any space. It is for this reason that a lot of people want to have this type of flooring option in their homes. Granite is, in fact, known for its sturdiness and beauty. If you are planning to install granite flooring tiles, here are the steps you should follow:
Granite flooring tiles

What You'll Need:

• Sander
• Plastic spacers
• Backerboard
• Backerboard screws
• Wet saw
• Thinset
• Rubber mallet
• Notched trowel
• Grout sponge
• Grout float
• Grout sealer
• Paper towels

Step 1 – Clean the Area

The area that you would be working on must be completely dried and cleaned. Sand off any peeling paint or sealant that is still on the area. Make sure to clear floor imperfections with waterproof products.

Step 2 – Lay Granite Flooring Tiles

Get to the an area with a 90-degree corner and lay out your granite flooring tiles. Plastic scrapers can be used to hold the granite flooring tiles in their places. Trim the tiles according to your need. Laying the granite flooring tiles beforehand would let you assess if you need more materials.

Step 3 – Create the Thinset

Read the package directions for mixing the thinset. Once this is mixed, get the trowel to apply a thin but even thinset layer on the subfloor. Get the backerboard in place by screwing down a backerboard screw. Do this carefully so you can be assured that your granite flooring tiles are protected from damages.

Step 4 – Press the Tiles on the Thinset

Create ridges while spreading the thinset that you’ve mixed by angling the trowel to a 45-degree position. Remember to lay out the thinset in areas that you can cover tiles within 10 to 15 minutes. Otherwise, the mixture will harden without the tiles on it. Lightly twist each granite flooring tile into the thinset. Use the rubber mallet to lightly hammer down the tile. This process would ensure that no airpocket is under the granite flooring tile. Carefully follow this step until all of your granite flooring tiles are installed. Stay off the tiles for at least 24 hours.

Step 5 – Apply Grout

Mix small batches of grout to a consistency similar of a toothpaste. Make sure that you only mix batches that are good enough for 20 minutes of application. Set your mixture aside for 5 minutes. After that, apply grout to the joints of each tile by using a grout float. Use a damp sponge to clean off any kind of grout excesses. Leave it to dry for approximately 72 hours.

Step 6 – Apply Grout Sealant

Once the grout on the tiles has completely dried, use a penetrating grout sealant to ensure that no moisture or water can get through your granite flooring tiles. Ready your paper towels to remove grout sealant excesses. Do this immediately as the sealant would easily dry out and mar the surface of your granite flooring tiles. Let the sealant dry for approximately 24 hours.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com