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Although marble is a type of stone, it is also quite porous, which means that it will easily stain and absorb moisture. It is for this reason that it must be sealed when installed, and it should be resealed roughly every six to twelve months. However, before marble tiles can be sealed, it must first be cut and laid.

How to Cut Marble

During the marble flooring installation, the material will need to be cut. (details) While some people choose to use simple tile snappers, this is not the best option for marble. Tile snappers work well with ceramic tiles, but for marble you will want to choose a wet saw. The wet saw should feature a blade with a diamond tip so that it can cut more efficiently. It is important to exercise caution when slicing marble because it may snap while the grain is within the tile. When slicing marble, you will want to make sure that the cuts are clean.

Laying Down the Marble Tiles

Once the marble is cut, you will next have to lay down the tiles. First you will want to apply and spread the marble mortar within the floor’s center. It should be placed between the chalk lines of the tile pattern. This can be done using a trowel which is notched, and the side of the trowel can be used to create grooves within the mortar which will help it spread evenly. Once this is done you must spend the following ten minutes laying down the marble tile as the mortar will set very quickly.

As you lay down the tiles on top of the mortar, remember to create tile spacers which should be 1/8 inch near the marble corners, as this will ensure they are placed correctly. Double check the location of every tile using a level to verify that each tile’s surface is even. None of the edges should be above the other tiles.

Keep adding the mortar to the small spaces inside the design lines of the snap chalk with the trowel, and put down the marble in the design you want, starting within the center and working your way outward until you reach the walls. The marble tiles should then be left alone for a night so that the thin set can become hardened and cured.

Sealing the Marble

You will start by adding a small bit of the sealing material to a corner tile, so that you can test it to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration. Wait for it to dry and then compare it to the other tiles. Once you’ve confirmed it won’t cause discoloration you can then use a foam brush to spread it across the floor’s surface. Start from one wall and work backwards so that you don’t step on the marble tiles. Gently add the sealant to each tile, and make sure the layer is thin. You will also need to add the sealant to the grout, and this can be done by running the brush down every grout row. Once this is completed, the floor should be left to dry for 4 hours.

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