Mosaic stone tiles are small, thin, irregularly shaped stones. Tiles are placed together over an adhesive and then grouted to form one large, cohesive surface to cover walls or flooring. Mosaic stones come in a wide variety of colors and many different stone types. The stones may be sold in separate pieces or attached to a mesh backing for easy installation. You can install mosaic stone tiles yourself using supplies that can be found at home improvement stores.
1
Prepare the floor or wall to be tiled by ensuring that the surface is clean and even. Fix any imperfections, such as raised nail heads, that can impact tiling.
2
Rinse tiles with water and allow them to dry. Rinsing removes dust and dirt that may have accumulated.
3
Lay a thin application of mortar using the trowel. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying mortar. A thin layer ensures that the tile will remain even and smooth across the entire surface. Work in a small area.
4
Place the tiles on the mortar. With tiles on a mesh backing, lay the entire sheet on the mortar and smooth the tiles. Lay loose separate tiles one by one leaving a small space between each for grouting.
5
Lay tiles until the entire surface is covered. Allow mortar to dry per the manufacturer's directions.
6
Apply sealant to protect tile during grouting. Select a sealant specifically for stone tiles and follow the manufacturer's directions for application and drying time.
7
Mix grout and push it into the spaces between tiles using a trowel. Smooth the grout into the surface by scraping the trowel across the surface. Wipe away excess grout using a damp cloth and allow it to fully cure before using.
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