uneven marble fix? - Ceramic Tile Advice Forums

daurang · 03-07-2004, 04:09 AM

The master bath of a new house I'm due to close on soon has a slight problem. One marble tile is slightly but clearly higher up (lippage) than the rest of the them. You can clearly see it is higher maybe by 2 mm on one side. I told the builder that it is not within industry standard to be so much off and it is annoying me. He said that it is extremely difficult to break open and replace just one marble so he offer to buy me a $100 rug to put on top of it which I'd need do anyway. How difficult is it to replace a 1'x1' marble tile and can I do it myself (similar to replacing tile?) or must I have a pro do sand it down?
The builder is extraordinary nice because he has given many thousand dollars in free upgrades and has begged me for a break on this one in return. I'm sure he would do it if I force the issue but I'd rather forget it if it can be fixed reasonably cheaply. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Michael Meyer · 03-07-2004, 06:23 AM

I suggest that you have the tile replaced, you do have a lot of extra tiles dont you. Michael of Stonehenge

doitright · 03-07-2004, 08:39 AM

Welcome daurang

Any other way we can address you? 1st name perhaps?

I 2nd the motion to replace the marble tile. It's not that difficult, but a few steps must be taken in order.

If you're up to it we'll walk you through, or perhaps you can hire the original setter, if he's up to it. There are some special tools that would help.

You clearly have a good relationship with your contractor. We'll honor that and help any way we can!

daurang · 03-07-2004, 04:03 PM

My name is Nathan.

The builder say that breaking out the 12"x12" marble tile involve risk of flying debris which may crack the window or mirror or the $5000 shower glass stall. So if it's reasonably easy, I don't mind doing it or helping him do it. Please take me through it.

Also does the grout or the marble needs to be sealed? The marble is metculously shiny so how do I know if it needs to be sealed or not?

03-08-2004, 01:37 AM

Dear Nathan:
Oh my ...! Flying debris that could break the window, the mirror and the shower door?? Do they plan to use TNT to remove that one tile??

The only real risk you may have is that while removing one tile you may damage (chip) one or more of the adjacent tiles. So, first you'd have to remove all the grout around the faulty tile. After that I suggest to cut into the tile with a 4" blade to make small sections that you will then pry out one at a time using a chisel and, at times, a hammer. Most of the pieces should come out just by prying if you cut deep enough.

Ciao and good luck,

John Bridge · 03-08-2004, 06:44 AM

Welcome aboard, Nathan.

Get a small chisel and a hamer. Start in the middle of the tile and work slowly and carefully toward the edges. Get comfortable. It's takes a while.

kemguru · 03-08-2004, 07:46 AM

Hi Nathan

Your polished marble probably will not allow any impregnator to penetrate, but your joints will benefit from one good application. While applying impregnator to the joints, you can wipe over the tiles, for peace of mind, but just be sure to remove all excess seal before it dries. Buff with a clean, white terry towel.

KChurch1 · 03-08-2004, 09:03 AM

There is some risk involved (potential damage to surrounding area) with removing the single tile. This depends on the person doing the removal. Be sure to protect the surrounding area... you can hang drop cloths/blankets on the mirrors/shower enclosure, place drop cloths/blankets on the surrounding marble floor and have a broom/vac handy to pick up shards of tile as you hammer/chisel out the tile... wear eye protection, gloves.... if the marble is set well and sounds solid, you'll have to work at removing it.... if the tile sounds hollow... it should come out very easy. The sharp pieces that fly around while using the hammer/chisel will scratch the surrounding marble if you are not careful. Removing these scratches may be more difficult than removing the tile...
Just food for thought...

doitright · 03-09-2004, 07:30 PM

Hi Nathan

Hope we didn't scare you. Maybe I understated the difficulty of removing the marble, because I've done a few of them, and am always careful. I don't go to the extent Karen mentions, but valid points have been raised.

If I were to remove the bad piece and replace it, I would go about it as John B stated, except make sure you remove the surrounding grout 1st. Also keep the chisel away from the edges (at all costs). Be patient. Sometimes tapping the surface of the stone with the hammer might also help loosen the tile from the thinset (depending on which one was used).

Keep in touch!

daurang · 03-10-2004, 09:35 PM

I went ack to the house today and the builder already changed the tile. He said it took him 6 hours just for one tile!

doitright · 03-10-2004, 09:39 PM

Hi Nathan,

Welcome to our world! Maybe that will show the value to install properly the first time. When I'm asked why my repairs or blend new to old cost so much, maybe this will shed some light to someone. Thanks for sharing the good news, that the necessary repairs were made!

daurang · 03-11-2004, 07:06 AM

Someone please tell me where to get or what impregnator to use on the marble grout. Thank you all for your previous valuable advice.

kemguru · 03-11-2004, 07:49 AM

Hi Nathan

TYW Stone Armor is available through this forums online store. The link is at the top of this page. It’s also available at Buddy’s Carpet & Flooring throughout Ohio, if you’re nearby.

If you prefer to walk in and buy a product, and you're not in Ohio

Most Home Depots carry Aqua Mix Sealers Choice 15 Gold. It costs more than Stone Armor, but if you need it by this weekend, it’ll do.