Limestone Tile Installation
- 1). Sketch out the design of your limestone tile floor on graphite paper, starting your pattern from the center and moving outward. Make any revisions to the design on the paper before beginning the limestone installation process.
- 2). Tear out the existing floor, if applicable, and prepare the subfloor by sweeping up any debris. Use a notched trowel to spread out thin-set mortar over the surface of the subfloor. Position the tile backer board over the thin-set, placing the backer board sheets together so they butt up against each other but don't overlap.
- 3). Use your drill to screw 2-inch cement screws along the edges of each backer board 6 to 8 inches. Apply a line of thin-set approximately 3 inches wide over the backer board seams and apply mesh tape over the thin-set. Wait for the thin-set to dry completely before moving on to limestone tile installation.
- 4). Measure from the center of each wall to the opposite wall in the room. Snap a chalk line for each measurement. Use the point where all the lines intersect as a reference for the center of the room. You can then begin the limestone tile installation at this reference point. Carefully measure and mark any tiles you will need to cut to fit them into the design. Using a diamond blade wet saw, cut the limestone tiles along those marks.
- 5). Choose a small area on the floor and remove the tiles. Apply thin-set mortar with a notched trowel evenly across the backer board. Then position the limestone tiles on top of the thin-set and press them down firmly. Put plastic spacers between each limestone tile to help keep the grout lines even. Repeat the process with each tile until the entire floor is covered.
- 6). Use a paintbrush to spread tile sealer over the limestone. Follow the sealer instructions to determine the proper amount of sealer to apply. Let the tile sealer dry overnight.
- 7). Mix the grout in a bucket according to the directions on the grout container. Pour the grout over the floor. Using a grout float, spread the grout so that it sinks between the limestone tile joints. Use a damp rag to wipe away excess grout from the limestone tiles.
