marble tile install

[Glenn the tile guy]

i am just going to make this as plain and simple as possible
is there any real difference between installing ceramic tile and marble or is it the same proccesses.

[John Bridge]

Hi Glenn,

The difference is in degree of tedium.

If it takes patience to do and excellent ceramic job, it takes ten times as much to conquer stone tiles.

[Jim H]

Hi GLenn,,Admire your interest in stone. You are dealing with a flat polished/honed surface and tiny grout joints, 1/16" or less and some are without a chamfered or beveled edge, (mostly travertine that is) just square saw cut. Zero forgiveness. Totally different ball game. Personally I like stone,,very challenging.

[tileguytodd]

Think Slow!!!
Doing a quality Stone installation is not for everyone.There are good ceramic installers that do not like doing stone work.
If your like a hunting Dog you have to run 5 miles before getting to the job site,perhaps Stone installs should be avoided.
Patience is not only a virtue,it is a requirement in Stone work.
You will not be practicing your standing around technique on a granite or marble job.
Prepare everything,then prepare it again.when you think its flat,it isnt so do it again.
And remember, never ever look marble directly in the eye until it is set with 100% coverage.if you do it will break.marble doesnt like to be looked in the eye

[doitright]

Hi Glen, Welcome

To make it simple in response:

Yes, but you need a tighter substrate (L/720 vs. L/360)
Yes, layout is critical, but tighter joints.
Yes, you can use thinset, but medium bed yields better results.
Yes, you grout, but you best use non sanded, and plan on regrouting while wet (due to sagging grout).

Throw it in, only if you want it to look thrown in.

If you've never worked with stone, pick a small room, and maybe best be in you're own house!

[Steven Hauser]

Yep Glen,

Everything the two John's, Todd and Jim said plus the fact that there are many different types of stones to install and many different installation or sealing needs to address.

Learn to do a shower first and stone second.

my .02

Steven