Installation Guide

Natural Stone Slate Tile Installation Manual

e following procedure for the installation of Natural Stone Slate Tile (Gauged Back) for Flooring.

It may be used over any wood or cement oor that is structurally sound and dry. In new home con-

struction where plywood is used as a sub oor, it is suggested that an underlayment or backer board

needs to be attached to the sub oor to insure rigidity where slate oors will be installed.

SETTING

1. Clean area where slate is to be installed. In the case of smooth painted or

varnished oors, it is necessary to sand with a very coarse sand paper to as-

sure a good mastic bond

www.msistone.com

2. Lay out the slate to understand pattern choices. For multi color slates,

blend tile randomly to give proper blend of colors as slate color vary from tile

to tile.

3. Using a notched 1/4” x 1/4”trowel, hold at a 45o angle to be sure a full ridge

is made with the notches. Spread thinset on oor starting at a far corner so

you can back out of the room as you proceed. Spread just enough area so you

can reach over it to place the slate.

Natural cle slates have a thickness variation. Spread a good amount of

thinset on the oor to make up for any thickness variation. Adding or taking

away thinset will ensure that all the tiles are evenly set.

4. Maintain a grout space between the pieces as recommended by the slate

supplier (1/4” or 3/8”) depending on the size of the tiles. To do these accu-

rately, use spacers.

Slate may also be laid without joints, in which case edges are then butted

against one another, only if the

Material is honed or polished, however we recommend 1/16” - 1/8” grout

joint.

M S International, Inc.

PAGE 1
M S International, Inc. Natural Stone Slate Tile Installation Manual The following procedure for the installation of Natural Stone Slate Tile (Gauged Back) for Flooring. It may be used over any wood or cement floor that is structurally sound and dry. In new home construction where plywood is used as a sub floor, it is suggested that an underlayment or backer board needs to be attached to the sub floor to insure rigidity where slate floors will be installed. SETTING 1.
PAGE 2
5. Each piece of slate should be firmly pressed into the adhesive to secure a good bond. 6. After all slate tiles is set in place – allow at least 24-36 hours depending on weather conditions, for drying before grouting joints. 7. Slate tile can be easily cut with a wet saw using a diamond blade GROUTING AND CLEANING 1.Have all equipment and material clean. Clean all joints and surface of slate.
PAGE 3
4. Trowel or wipe off surplus grout from slate with a damp sponge. Rinse several times with clean water, changing the water as often as necessary so it remains clear. It is very important to do this as you go along. 5. After grout has set hard to the touch, clean surface of slate and along grout line by rubbing briskly with a clean piece of cloth. 6. Let joints harden for three days. 7. Wash floor completely again by freely applying fresh clean water with sponge on the entire floor and sponging dry.