1: Preparation

Preparation is key to any project, and stone flooring is no exception to this: if you’re working on a new construction, you can pour a layer of concrete to create a level subfloor; if it’s a remodelled floor, you’ll need to install water-resistant backer board which is specifically designed for laying tiles on top, as this will be waterproof and will reinforce the tile joints.

2: Measure and purchase

Next you’ll need your maths skills to work out how many stone tiles you will need. To work out the surface area, multiply the length by the width and then add 10 – 15% more to the sum to allow for cutting and fitting extra pieces of tile around the edges of your stone flooring.  Remember when purchasing your stone tiles that you’ll also need to buy the appropriate adhesive to fix them; speak to the team at your stone merchants, as different types of natural stone retain moisture at different rates, and surfaces differ from stone to stone – from rustic rough-to-the-touch natural stone through to highly polished surfaces – so it’s important to get the correct mortar or grout.

3: Laying the tile

As a general rule, when laying square stone flooring, you should lay the stone tiles from the middle of the room outwards to ensure that any cut tiles are at the walls and not in the centre of the room.  However, if the walls of the room you’re working in aren’t completely straight, you should consider which part of the floor needs a straight edge and start tiling from there. Remember the last tiles to be laid will be uneven, so you should plan for these to be installed in a less obvious part of the room.  For rough cut stone flooring, the layout of the natural stone should be worked out before fitting the smaller tiles in-between the larger flagstones.  You may need to use a hammer to break off smaller parts of the natural stone tiles for filling the gaps.

4: Fixing and sealing

Once you’ve decided on the layout of your stone tiles, the next step is to mix your adhesive and spread a good amount on the floor before finally fixing your tiles.  You should use a spirit level to ensure that the floor and each individual tile is level and that no lips appear from tile to tile.  Once your floor has fully set, you should use a stone sealer to help protect your stone flooring and prevent stains; your stone merchant will be able to advise on the best sealant for your new stone flooring.

To obtain a free quote for Stone flooring Installation in Albuquerque Rio Rancho NM, please don’t hesitate to contact  at Handyman Services of Albuquerque.