Samples          Stone is a product of nature, and variations in colour and characteristics are the elements that let every installation be unique. No one sample can indicate all the possible permutations that may be present in a stone. All the tiles featured in this brochure have been selected from a typical range of each type, but it would not be possible to exhibit the full diversity. For large projects, it is highly recommended you ask for an array of samples.

Blending          We strongly suggest that all tiles are blended before installation. The installer must have an understanding of blending requirements or special patterns as part of the job. In addition it is practical to consider wastage on each project before ordering, for instance minor damage to some stones which may occur in transportation or during site handling, site cutting and grading. Under normal circumstances, 10% should be allowed for that purpose. Whilst sorting tiles to ensure suitable blending, normal practice calls for segregation of tiles with minor damages or some unusual markings. They can be used where cut tiles are required, or in less visible locations.

Colouring        Stone tiles are always packed in wet conditions at the factory and cannot properly dry out until unpacked; they will lighten in colour as they dry. It is therefore quintessential that all tiles are completely dry prior to installation to be able to assess any colour variation present. To check this, it may be necessary to place a tile in front of a direct heat source to see the true colour of the stone when it is totally dry.

Natural stone is used where aesthetics are significant and therefore the tiles used in the installation must compliment the surface appearance rather than detract from it. This guidance notes have been prepared in order to assist in the selection of the most appropriate adhesives and grouts to use with our adhesive - grout range. Due to the vast range of natural stone tiles commercially available and the wide range of properties within a particular generic type, this guide should not be deemed a general guideline for all stones.

In general, the fixing of natural stones employs similar techniques and materials to those used for fixing ceramic tiling. Natural stones, however, possess specific properties that need to be taken into consideration when fixed using adhesives.

Adhesive Bedding

The size of the stone can range from mosaic size up to large floor slabs of more than 1 metre square. Bedding of these natural stone tiles should be carried out using cement-based adhesives when using solid bed method.

• Use a white cement-based adhesive with light coloured stone tiles where a dark adhesive would show through. This risk can be minimised in dry, internal locations by either priming the backs of the tiles, or bedding in a rapid drying adhesive.

• Thin solid bed fixing is usually the best procedure and the technique of blob fixing (commonly used to temporarily bed stone cladding just prior to mechanical fixing), should be avoided as this is a poor fixing technique and may lead to the blobs being visible through the tile, concentrate loads and stresses to a small area of the tile and allow water penetration behind the tiling.

Grouting

The grouting technique should fill the joints adequately with grout mortar so that the long term performance is accomplished. With deep narrow joints between natural stone floor tiles the grouting technique may have to consist of at least two applications to progressively fill up the joints. This is because the initial application of grout mortar may sink down into any voids at the bottom of the joints as the trapped air slowly escapes. Stones with textured surfaces such as antique stone tend to have larger joint widths of 6-10 mm, whilst honed and polished stone joints can be 3-5 mm.

Cement-based grout mortars are most appropriate for stone jointing.

• Natural stone tiles require sealing prior to grouting. Care should be taken to prevent the sealer coming into contact with the sides of the tiles, otherwise adhesion of the grout may be impaired.

Although certain types and sources of natural stone do have particular properties which need to be catered for in terms of particular adhesive and grout selection it is important to bear in mind that the vast majority of quality natural stones do not give rise to problems but, due to natural variations, are difficult to identify, however, the use of correct fixing techniques utilising rapid drying adhesives will satisfy most situations.

Identification of Substrate

The choice of fixing method will depend on a variety of factors, but the background and or substrate to which the tiles are installed will be the greatest factor influencing the method adopted. Choose the appropriate below link for your own situation to download the information sheets. 

WOOD FLOORS and DERIVATIVES: chipboards, floating floors, timber floors, over-boarding with tile backer-board or plywood.
CONCRETE and SCREEDED FLOORS: concrete floors, sand and cement screeds, green screeds.
SHOWERS
UNDERFLOOR HEATING and UNDERTILE WARMING
WALLS: plaster boards, plaster walls, rendered walls, existing tiles, brickwork, timber walls, painted walls.