Tools:  Wet saw, 6mm comb, squeegee, clean sponges, old clean towels, buckets for mixing adhesive, buckets for mixing grout, fresh water buckets, 4" paint brush 
  

1. When the marble tiles arrive on site, stack upright and keep out of the rain.  Store inside in a safe place and out of the way of other trades.  The 30.5 x 30.5 tiles come in polystyrene boxes, ten in each and with paper in between both tiles.  The 40 x 40 come loose with paper in between tiles 

2. Ensure the floor to be covered has been power-floated to a smooth finish, or has been made good with floor levelling compound if the concrete finish is rough.  New floors should be at least six weeks old (BS Regulation) so that all the moisture has evaporated. 

3. Because marble is a natural product there will be variation in colour and no two tiles look the same.   So, take two or three boxes at a time and lay them on the floor to assess the overall appearance.  The tiles can be mixed from the different boxes.  Chipped tiles can be used for cuts at skirting edges.  Some tiles may have grooves, which are part of the character of the tiles, not a defect, which will be impregnated with sealer later by the tiler.  All the tiles have been checked in Natural Surfaces warehouse before being despatched to ensure the highest quality when arriving on site. 

4. Use a "White" floor adhesive in the Readymix, Evode, Bal, Feb range.  Check with your supplier and specify marble.  They are available in rapid or slow set.  If grey grout is used it will discolour the marble and is not to be used.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the back of the packs. 

5. Lay the tiles on the adhesive and butt them together.  The grout space is the small bevelled edge of the tiles.  Expansion joints are to be left at the skirting edge of where tiling abuts columns, curbs, steps etc.  Use a gap the width of the tile.  Cover with timber or marble skirting.  In large floor areas, tiling should be divided into bays at 8 - 10mm intervals to allow for expansion. 

6. Use a wet saw to cut the tiles.  These are available in hire-all shops if the tiler doesn’t have one.  The wet edge should be dried with a cloth. 

7. Ensure the job is protected when leaving by covering with 8’ x 4’ hardboard sheets or similar when other trades are competing in the area.  Lay plastic sheeting on top of the hardboard to avoid dust, grit etc.  Otherwise, just block off the room or shut the door if there are no competing trades 

8. As soon as the tiles are set and the adhesive has taken grouting can commence.  Use a white or cream grout pulling it into the bevelled grout spaces with a squeegee.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the back of the pack.  Clean and dust off the surplus grout. 

9. The next day apply HG marble impregnator.  Wipe the entire floor with a damp sponge, to lift off excess dust and wipe it dry with old clean towels.  Apply with 4" paint brush, roller, or wax mop.  Do two courses at a time going from one side of the room to the other.  Allow the liquid five minutes to soak in.  Anything remaining after that time must be wiped up with old clean towels and buffed in a circular motion to reveal the polished marble surface.  If left to dry out it will become tacky and difficult to remove.  Follow the same procedure with the next two courses of tiles and so on.  The impregnator gives protection against staining and deepens the colour.  However, the marble must be treated with a degree of respect and any spillages must be wiped up as soon as possible as protection is not 100%.  Depending on the porosity some polished marbles may need a second coat. 

10. In relation to maintenance, for regular cleaning of floor surfaces uses HG Marble Wash and Shine.  In all other cases, use HG Marble Bathroom Cleaner. 

11. The marble can also be used on bathroom walls.  Follow the same procedure as indicated above. 

The above information is given in good faith and doesn’t form part of a legal contract.  However, as we are wholesalers we are not responsible for the work carried out by tradesmen and cannot be held responsible if the instructions are not adhered to.  Technical backup and service will be given at all times and we will be happy to answer any queries you may have.