Suggestions to Install Limestone

Category: Fabricator and Installer Updated: 2013/8/3

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Limestone is a natural material made from the sedimentary rock of fossilized plants, animals and marine life. It often exhibits ancient spiral-shaped shells, snails and other archeological goodies. This - in combination with the often dazzling crystals and minerals that make up the composition of limestone - makes it one choice of tile for many construction projects.

Instructions as follows:

Firstly, clean the work area if you are installing on a concrete slab . Remove dust and grime with a sponge or broom. For wood subfloors, install a 5/8-inch cement board. For walls, install 1/4-inch cement board. Use screws to attach the cement board and mortar to bond it in place. Check local building code for the thickness requirement for cement board.

Secondly, find the center of the installation area. For walls, measure the center as well as a horizontal 'plumb' or level vertical, perpendicular line and start your first at this intersection. For floors, snap a chalk line on the center of the area. Measure and snap a line for the center of the room in the other direction.

Thirdly, measure the limestone tiles that need to be cut and verify that your measurements are correct. Use a construction pencil to mark the surface as the water from the wet saw will not wash this mark away. Use a wet saw to cut the pieces. Clean excess water off of the back of the stone with a dry rag or cloth before installation. Do not use a tile cutter to cut limestone.

Fourthly, mix thinset mortar in a bucket with water, following the manufacturer's directions. Apply the thinset to the immediate area of installation of the first piece with a notched trowel, covering the area thoroughly. Apply a light coating of thinset to the back (or unpolished, 'unfinished') side of the limestone tile for the best bond. Avoid contact with the finished surface of the limestone with the notched trowel, as this may scratch it. Use tile spacers to achieve the proper grout joint size between the tiles.

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