HOW TO LAY A STONE FLOOR – Laying natural stone flooring is not that difficult providing you do all the proper preparation and really pays off when you see the finish. This project does require patience and a fair amount of time, so don’t rush the job. This guide provides you with practical advice on how to lay them.
Step 1
Prepare the flooring by removing any old tiles and cleaning the surface.
Step 2
Level the floor using a leveling compound if necessary – most floors are not level and doing this makes the job so much easier.
Step 3
Measure the floor to find out the square meters; measure the length and multiply this by the width and then divide this number by 9.
Step 4
Take a trip to your local stone merchant or DIY store and select the amount of stone tiles you will need. This will depend on the size of stone tiles you buy. Remember to add 10 percent to cover any accidental breakages. You will also need to buy the appropriate adhesive which the store will advise you on.
Step 5
When you lay tile – stone or ceramic – lay the full tiles starting from the center of the room and work your way out to the walls. This will allow you to have the cuts along the wall and not in the middle of the room.
Step 6
It is a good idea to lay all your tiles with spacers out dry. This will allow you to cut your tiles and allow you to see where the cuts go.
Step 7
Mix your adhesive and spread a good amount on the floor and lay your tiles. Use a spirit level to ensure each tile is level and that no lips appear from tile to tile.
Step 8
When you have completed the entire floor you can remove any spacer and grout the spaces.
Step 9
Once your floor is fully dry and set, use a stone sealer to help prevent stains – ask your DIY store for advice on floor sealants.
