I have to lay black marble tiles for a fireplace hearth and surround. my question is do I need a special thin set for this?
on some brands of thinset they say not for green or black marble which even I can understand, but on some they say for ceramic and porcelain tiles and don’t say that I can’t use them for marble. I would need to add the latex additive to those but do you also need it for the special “Marble Thinset”? (I didn’t get a chance to read the directions on that bag)
now I realize that marble is not ceramic but can I use the same stuff? I have seen thin sets that were supposedly just for marble, should I be using those or is it just a gimmick.
BTW the surround is to be attached to drywall and the hearth is exterior grade plywood installed by others. the tiles are 12×12. also is there any rule as to spacing of this kind of tile?
Thanks
Steve
Nothing is impossible…It just hasn’t been done yet.
Replies
Try this forum out. This guys might be of some help to you..
http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?forumid=1
Steve,
I'd use wonderboard over the plywood first and being that your not setting tons of marble I'd use the thinset stuff that they sell at HD (sorry...ugh) that comes in a box. That you use for the dark colored marble. The stuff is kinda cool actually as its totally cured in about an hour and you can grout the same day. I've used it a lot and I like it. Its kinda expensive but has its place. As for the distance to set the tiles. All the marble I've ever used has a fine beveled edge and I've always butted the tiles tight with no problem and the fine beveled edge gives you the thin grout line. Have fun.....
Andy
Andy, thanks for your reply, the trim for the tile is already set at a specific height (remember I didn't lay this part out, I'm just putting in the tile) so I don't think I'll be going with the wonderboard. its only 5' x 1' with 45° ends so it should be a weight/deflection problem.Steve
Nothing is impossible...It just hasn't been done yet.