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Entry Hall Rehab: Natural Stone Tile A lackluster ceramic-tile floor gets dressed up with the look of natural stone. From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-211

(Continued from page 2)

Figure K

Cutting and Setting Border Tiles

• There will be areas along the edges or near trim where tiles will have to be cut to size. Measure and mark the cuts on each tile individually, leaving room for joint spacing on either side. You can even number them so you remember where each cut goes. Use a straight edge to mark your cuts and double check your measurements before cutting them.

• Dean and Derek suggest using a wet saw with a masonry blade to cut the limestone (figure K). Cut all of your tiles first, then dry set them to make sure they fit. For more detailed cuts, you can use a grinder with a diamond blade.
  

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• Once your cuts are finished, set them. Apply the thinset to the floor, or to the back of the tile if you need to be more precise, and then set the tiles (figures L and M).

  Figure L

  Figure M

  
  

• Wipe the face of the tiles with a wet sponge as you work to remove excess thinset before it dries (figure N).

• Allow the tiles to dry fully (figure O).

  Figure N

  Figure O

  
  

  Figure P

Once the tiles have dried, thoroughly clean them with water and then seal them with a penetrating stone sealer (figure P). Spray the sealer onto the tiles and wipe off the excess. Limestone is a porous stone and the sealer will protect it from staining, especially when you begin to grout.

Grouting

• Pick a grout color that complements the tile you have chosen. You can either use colored grout or add liquid color to white grout.

• Mix your grout according to the manufacturer's directions and spread it along the joints with a rubber float (figure Q).

• Push the grout in, making sure that it gets all the way into the joint (figure R).

  Figure Q

  Figure R

  
  

  Figure S

• Don't forget to grout the cut pieces against the wall.

• Wipe your grouted area with a sponge and clean water as soon as you get an area completed (figure S). This keeps the area clean as you work and, by the time you finish, the floor will already be clean.
  

Figure T

Figure U

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