Areas of use
Tundra Grey Honed Marble can be used in a wide range of interior and exterior claddings and floorings, as an element of many public/residential decoration projects.
Features
Marble is a sedimentary rock that was formed while subjected to extreme temperatures and pressures. As a result, we have 2 categories of metamorphic rocks: foliated metamorphic rock (slate) and non-foliated metamorphic rock (marble). Marble is based on calcite, hence the features:
- density: 2 863 kg/m³
- hardness (Mohs scale): 3 – 4
- water absorption: 0.6 %
- mechanical strength (compression): 117 MPa
- mechanical strength (bending): 5.9 MPa
- abrasion resistance: average
- fire rating: class A1 (non-flammable product)
Available sizes
Tundra Grey Marble tiles with a honed finish have a standard size of 61 x 61 x 1.2 cm. As an alternative and also recommended for exterior cladding projects, but with sandblasted finish and 1.2 cm thickness Tundra Grey Cross Cut Sandblasted Marble 61 x 30.5 x 1.2 cm. Another honed marble that can be used for exterior claddings is Volakas Honed Marble 30 x 30 x 2 cm.
More than 200 marble models! Deliveries all over Europe!
How to install marble
Tundra Grey Marble tiles are laid out with the back butter technique. The steps include:
1. Surface cleaning: use an industrial vacuum cleaner to remove debris. The surface must be clean, flat, dry, smooth, and load-bearing.
2. After measuring the surface, calculate how many tiles will fit the surface. It is recommended to have a sketch of your project.
3. First, simulate a dry assembly: layout a full/partial row of tiles over the surface and establish how to cut the edge tiles (those that will not fit). Number the tiles on the back.
4. Check out the finish and colors, and decide on the layout. If you want a pattern, simply lay out the tiles accordingly, thus simulating a dry assembly. The tiles setup should match the desired color layout.
5. Make sure the installing conditions are observed: dry tiles (kept dry for at least 24 hours before installation), installation temperature: 5 - 25 °C (indoor and outdoor), and standard humidity.
6. Choose and prepare the adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Weberset Marmo Plus, Weberset Porcelain Max², or Weberset Superflex Max² are recommended.
7. Start the assembly. Spread the adhesive evenly on the surface with a notched trowel. Depending on the adhesive cure time, it will be applied on smaller surfaces so that it does not cure before laying out the tile. Apply the adhesive to the backing surface and the tile. For cladding wet areas, minimum adhesive coverage of 95% is needed. Large tiles may develop bumps or deformations during installation. These faults can be compensated by adhesive. Deep grooves will be practiced over the tile surface with a 10-20 mm notched trowel. The adhesive is applied by the back butter technique, to ensure perfect adhesion. The adhesive is applied in a straight direction; avoid curve formation with the trowel. A line of small parallel grooves is obtained over which the tiles are laid out. For rectangular tiles, apply the adhesive so that the grooves are transversal to the board width. All these operations aim to increase adhesion.
8. Start the tiling in one corner to make sure the tiles are aligned properly. Layout the tile directly over the surface and press gently, perhaps moving it slightly back and forth without rotating it. The surface should be flat. A rubber mallet can be used.
9. Tiles can be fitted with or without joints. For the latter, expansion joints will be supplied (based on the surface area). Lay out full tiles, keeping empty the spaces at the edge of the tiling surface. After fitting the tiles, remove excess adhesive with a damp sponge. If you have underfloor heating, it is recommended to assemble it with joints. For interior tiling, standard joints have 1-2 mm.
10. Allow the tiled surface to dry for at least 12 hours/according to the manufacturer’s instructions, without stepping on it during this time.
11. After fitting the full tiles, you will have uncladded areas near edges or around hard-to-reach areas. For such situations, the tiles should be cut to size. Measure the areas on which the tiles are to be fitted and draw the cut-outs on each tile, taking care to leave room for the edge gaps. For this, use a tile-cutting machine equipped with suitable discs.
12. Cut out the marked tiles, allow them to dry, and then install them with the same procedure.
13. Allow the surface to air dry (for 24 hours) without stepping on it.
14. Tiles with joints need to be grouted.
15. After grouting, remove the excess grout and allow the surface to air dry (for 24 hours).
16. Wash the surface with clean water.
Maintenance
Quick and easy 3-step treatments are carried out after installation.
1. Cleaning – is carried out with LTP Grimex, or other professional cleaners. For stain removal always use specific solutions.
2. Surface sealing – protecting surfaces against dust, water, grease, and staining. LTP Mattstone, LTP Colour Intensifier, LTP External Stone Sealer, LTP Mattstone H2O, LTP Grout&Tile Protector are recommended.
3. Maintenance – use neutral cleaners LTP Waxwash and LTP Stonewash.
