DIY Network

With the new underlayment down, the crew is ready to install the limestone composite tile. The tile, a mixture of limestone and polymer, is a strong solution for the kitchen. The product is unique and requires a specific application method as outlined below.

Materials:

utility knife
100-lb. roller
caulk line for guidelines
adhesive (with special trowel adaptor)
tile spacers
carpenters square or other metal straight edge
hair dryer (or hot air gun)
tape measure
fans
hard rubber float
nylon scrubbing ad
firm square edge sponge
buckets with clean water
rubber gloves
safety glasses
fans

	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

1. Measure the room, then use a chalk line to divide the room into four quadrants. Make sure the dividing line is not directly of the meeting of two plywood panels.

2. Place tiles to ensure they are evenly spaced from the wall to the center mark.

3. Trowel out the special pressure sensitive adhesive that is designed for this tile. The adhesive comes with an attachment that converts a traditional trowel into one that lays out the adhesive so it dries at the proper rate. Apply adhesive in only 3 of the 4 quadrants, starting from the far corner. Keep your work tools in the 4th quadrant. When the adhesive is dry (about 40 minutes later), it will turn from blue to clear and will not stick to fingers when lightly touched.

4. Before installing the tiles, note the directional arrows on the back surface of each tile (figure A). These arrows must be rotated to create a more random pattern with the tile. Position each tile very accurately. Note: Once each tile has been positioned onto the adhesive, it isn't repositionable as is most standard tile.

5. Add a spacer before positioning the next tile (figure B). Use a regular spacer or a small piece of extra tile. Once each tile is in place, remove the spacer and reposition for the next tile.

6. When all tiles are positioned, use a 100-lb. roller (figure C) to seat the tile into the adhesive. (Rollers can be rented for under $40 from most equipment and tool rental shops.) Go over each tile at least twice.

7. With this adhesive and floor system you can begin grouting immediately. This floor system requires a special pre-mixed acrylic grout. Just like the tile, this grout is flexible. If the floor happens to flex, the tile and the grout won’t crack.

8. Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and knee pads during the grout application. First trowel the grout out of the plastic container right onto the tile, working it into the grout spaces (figure D).

9. After application of acrylic grout on a 20 square foot section of the floor, use a sponge and clean water to wipe up the bulk of the excess grout. Once that’s done, dribble some clean water into the center of each tile, then wipe it with a mild scouring pad (figure E). After completing the first 20 square feet, move onto the next 20 square feet and repeat the process.

10. Allow grout to dry thoroughly, which can take up to 24 hours. Once dry, use a water and ammonia mixture and wipe any haze still on the tiles.