Marble Tile and Sealing

[dharris45]

I am installing polished Marble tile in my master bathroom. Yes I know all the issues of marble staining. Unfortunately I had already bough the tile before I found this web site.

Also reading through this web site it seem that most folks say the polished Marble should not be sealed, i.e. that it will not even absorb.

How about the grout, should I seal? If so, what is recommended.

Thanks,

Don

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[Davestone]

Yes, check through this site on the TYW store, above for your sealing needs,or try Aquamix products available from your local H.D.,i prefer an impregnating sealer.What kind of marble?Some have some issues you might need to know.And have you checked your job on the DEFLECTO above if it's over wood?

[dharris45]

Davestone, thanks for the reply

My bathroom currently has tile floor. I believe it is over 1/2" durock or similar over 3/4" oriented strandboard. I have not torn it out yet, but seem to have that much height change from bedroom into bathroom

The joists or 12" wood I-beam on 16" centers. The span under my master bath is 14' 6", but the bathroom only cover 11' 6" of that.

I plan to tear up the current tile floor 4x4 white tile and replace with the Marble 11 3/4 square Marble tiles. I do realize that the Marble is somewhat heavier than the ceramic tile. But have assume it would be OK.

I know that the deflection should be at L/360 for tile and L/720 for stone but the DEFLECTO tool does not work for I-Beams.

I am hoping to be able to take of the 4X4 and not destroy the durock or whatever is underneath and re-set the marble. Worse case I assume I may have to go down to the subfloor and replace all.

[doitright]

Hi Don, Welcome! :)

We can have our resident BBCamp check your deflection for you. You should be ok, but you'll have to tear out to the subfloor. You will also need to add 1/2" BC plywood over the subfloor, then add an isolation membrane such as Schluter Kerdi or Noble TS.

[bbcamp]

The depthof the I-joist is important information, but you also need the flange width to determine which I-joist it is. Better yet, look for a manufacturer's stamp and give their tech support folks a call.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[dharris45]

doitright, thanks,

So are you saying I can tear down to the subfloor. cover with BC plywood (1/2" or 3/4" ?), use some form of membrane (like Schluter Kerdi or Ditra?) then tile over that. I don't need the cement backer board?

Thanks,

Don

[Davestone]

Yes,the ditra,and other membranes can be used instead of cbu,the stickler is marble requires the 2 layers of plywood,under the cbu.Most of these requirements have nothing to do with the strength of the flooring used...only the deflection..or bounce ..of the floor underneath