Marble tiles need sealing to prevent wear and tear.
Marble tile creates a sleek look for floors, walls and showers. Much like shower ceramic tile installation, marble tile requires a smooth starting surface to prevent cracking and an uneven final look. Additionally, marble tile can etch easily from water minerals and absorb water through its pores. To prevent this wear, apply marble tile sealer according to the sealer instructions. John Bridge of Tile Your World recommends also squeegeeing your tile dry after every shower to keep the tile looking new.
Instructions
1. Spread wall mortar on the shower's walls and floor with a trowel, checking periodically with a level to ensure a smooth surface. Allow the wall mortar to dry completely.
2. Spread a small amount of thinset mortar at the bottom corner of one wall, using the notched trowel. Only spread as much as you'll use in 15 minutes.
3. Apply one row of tiles to the mortar, leaving a 1/16-inch space in between for grout. Place a long piece of scrap wood over the tiles and gently beat them into place with the rubber mallet.
4. Apply the tile upward and outward until you reach the shower wall and floor edges.
5. Measure the remaining space of the shower wall edges, using a tape measure. Cut tiles to fit the spaces, with a lubricated table saw. For small tiles, cut with tile nippers.
6. Mix the grout and spread it with a trowel into the spaces between the tiles. Clean excess grout off the surface of the tiles with a wet sponge. Allow the grout to dry.
7. Apply a marble sealer to the tile and grout with a clean rag. Allow it to dry and buff with another clean rag.
Tags: marble tile, , tiles with, wall mortar, with trowel