« Flagstone Flooring | Main | Granite Flooring »
Installing Stone Flooring
Installing stone flooring is a bit more work than other types of flooring because of some of the necessary precautions and prep work, but the results are worth it. Whether you are installing slate flooring or installing marble flooring, you need to be do your homework first. Sandstone, flagstone and travertine flooring take the same preparation. Epoxy stone flooring is a bit of a different beast, and again, do your homework to make sure the application goes smoothly and the results are professional.
When you take into consideration the expense of owning it, installing stone flooring yourself may just seem like the right course of action to take. The problem is, though, that you need the knowledge to back up the will power.
>
It is essential that you invest the time and the money in learning how to do it as well as having the right tools. Failure to install stone flooring properly can and will lead to the stone cracking, becoming loose, or becoming uneven which can cause someone to fall and become hurt.
What’s Under There?
Installing stone flooring happens in the same way, whether you are installing slate or marble flooring, or virtually any other type of stone. The pieces of stone are either laid in their natural form or are made from real stone that is suspended in a polymer binder to create a tile like option. In all of these cases, the flooring needs to be laid carefully and accurately. If it is not supported or it is uneven, the finished product will not be that of high quality. And, you are increasing the risks of it breaking or chipping under pressure. No matter how hard the stone is, it can crack if it is laid improperly.
It is important to see what is under your foot when choosing stone flooring for your home. First, you need to take into consideration the weight of the stone. The heavier the stone, the more pressure you are placing on the structure of the building. In some cases, the weight may be too much. If you are concerned about this, it is wise to consult with a professional before making a selection. Often, a thinner layer of the stone tile can be used in place of the heavier options.
Secondly, when installing stone flooring, you need to think about what is directly below it. Because they are heavy and rigid, they need a very strong support system to keep them in place. The base product can not move or shift. Those applying stone on a wood subfloor need to reinforce it with another layer of plywood in some cases. Then a layer of tar paper is laid, followed by a wire mesh. A layer of mortar is then used (although a cement backer board can be used as well) to provide even more support. Then adhesive (the proper quality of course) is used to put the tiles in place.
If installation is to be over a concrete floor, you can use the same such methods or you can use a thin set adhesive.
In most professional projects, the installer is likely to use mortar bed. Also important to note is that in this case, the 3/4" plywood subfloor is the thinnest option.
A cement backer is a good option to use if you are looking for an easy to install solution. The subfloor needs to be 5/8" thick here. You will apply the cement backer board to the subfloor with an adhesive and screws. Your stone is then applied to the backer with thin set adhesive.
In virtually every type of stone flooring you will want to sealants over the top of the flooring. When they are applied before the grouting application, it becomes easier for you to keep the grout out of the cracks and grooves of the actual stone. Once the proper sealants are used, you can then grout the flooring.
There are many types of flooring from epoxy stone flooring to slate, marble, and flagstone. The proper installation of stone flooring will allow for your floor to last as long as possible. In most cases, properly installing stone flooring will allow it to last a lifetime.
Comments
I am going to lay a 900 sq ft. living room floor (new construction) of natural stone 3/4" to 1 1/2" thick stones. The base is a solid concrete slab. would you lay the stone directly on the slab, and what mortar mix is appropriate and how thick. I have done lots of rock laying but no flagstone before. Thanks, Wayne
WAYNE at May 14, 2009 07:37 AM
Hi Wayne, You'd want at least a medium set mortar for laying it. I would recommend using natural stone that is more uniform in thickness though.
The Flooring Lady at May 14, 2009 10:48 PM
Hello. I am planning to install natural stone on a 8'h x 7'w painted brick fireplace wall. What would be the process since the brick is painted?
~Mike
Mike at May 23, 2009 02:18 AM
Hi Mike, For best adhesion, I would recommend stripping the paint off of the brick.
The Flooring Lady at May 25, 2009 12:47 PM
Hi, this is going to sound awful, but have a section of flagstone floor that really is past its best, so wish to lift, use the better pieces elsewhere in the house, but concrete the section that is coming up and then tile. The existing base is just sand. Any ideas what I should do with this area with regards damp proofing this area? Any info appreciated Jackie
Jackie Strong at June 7, 2009 12:56 PM
Hello,
I am remodelling a master bath and plan on installing, limestone natural tile. When remodelling I had to remove an old ceramic floor which was installed with a wire mesh and mortar. I do not wish to reinstall the mesh system but want to use a cementboard backer instead. My subfloor is in good condition and I have replaced sections where water damage was apparent.The sub floor is a minimum of 5/8" thick. Would using a cement board be sufficient?
In addition, I am installing a focus wall of natural stone which comes in precut sections and is approxiamatley 4cm thick (I am in Canada). What type of adhesive would you use to apply this wall? (the sections are fairly heavy).
Jerry at June 9, 2009 12:52 PM
Hi Jackie,
Where in the house is this flooring? Where do you live? Are you tired of the flagstone or would a good refinish bring it back to life?
You can read about various moisture-proofing approaches at: http://www.theflooringlady.com/moisture_proofing/
The Flooring Lady at June 13, 2009 01:53 PM
Hi Jerry,
I don't have experience with the wire mast and mortar, though I've seen it in older homes. I'd think the backerboard would be sufficient. That's what I have in my bathroom and it's holding well.
I don't have experience hanging stone on wall surfaces. It seems to be something's needed to strengthen the wall too.
The Flooring Lady at June 13, 2009 02:10 PM
hello, I'm building a house and the homeowner has specified crab orchard flagstone for the entire house inside and outside . The house is on a conventional floor system I'm not to worried about the inside of the house but very concerned about the balconies which are exposed to the elements I would like to use plywood for the subfloor but wonder how to accomplish the waterproofing of the subfloor.
freddy rodriguez at June 15, 2009 02:51 PM
Hi Freddy,
You do indeed need to put good weatherproofing down on the plywood. You could do a "blow down" asphalt-like layer before laying the flagstone on top, or you could use Bitchathane, or some other rubber membrane, as the layer between the plywood and the flagstone.
It sounds lovely. I hope it works out for you.
The Flooring Lady at June 18, 2009 12:50 PM
