FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Tumbled marble and grout

| Posted in General Discussion on February 26, 2001 02:09am

*
I’m installing a tumbled marble shower and floor. In the past jobs these were only used as accent areas and grouted with the other tile, no prob, however I’m thinking these should be sealed first then grouted with a bag or if posible a caulking gun loaded with grout (sanded) any thoughts?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Rich_ | Feb 19, 2001 08:11am | #1

    *
    The way I read your post I'd say you are mostly concerned with a grouting technique. Why?

    Perhaps you're thinking the sanded grout will scratch the marble? If that's the case, I'd say no worry because the marble has been tumbled. Other than that I can't think of a reason why.

    OTOH, the marble should be sealed. But this only because it is a permeable stone used in a wet area.

    1. splintergroupie_ | Feb 19, 2001 08:39am | #2

      *Seal the surface after it's laid. Grout as usual, no bag needed. The excess grout will clean off the surface easily if it's sealed first, but don't scrub the sealer off--use a sponge to clean up.

      1. Dave_Day | Feb 19, 2001 10:39pm | #3

        *The tumbled marble has ALOT of "pits" that will trap grout and make cleanup a nightmare, unlike the other tile I've set in the past. It's about 100 sq ' 4" by 4" floor and wall. thanks

        1. splintergroupie_ | Feb 19, 2001 11:09pm | #4

          *Dave, if it's that pitted, won't regular clean-up of dirt and scum be a nightmare, too? It may not be a good choice of material for the location or for over-all use.

          1. Phat_Bastard | Feb 20, 2001 01:54am | #5

            *David,last job I was on the bath had tumbled limestone or tumbled marble or something with ALOT of pits. Stuff looked great... then .... the tile guy just rubber floated grout over the whole thing and filled in all the really nice little holes and pitts the owner paid extra for. The grout color matched real close, thank God, but I thought it was a real shame. Would have been way better to use a bag. Much more time on the knees, but why be a hack, just charge accordingly and make it look nice. Then seal 'er up good.BeWell, PB

          2. Dave_Day | Feb 20, 2001 02:14am | #6

            *BB you nailed it SC I told you so is going to hit them pretty hard anyway I hate using bags so I looked into a pnumatic grease gun, no good, going to try a suction gun in reverse who knows?? I just can't slop grout all over this stuff time & mat any way

          3. andy_clifford | Feb 20, 2001 03:48am | #7

            *empty out a tube of caulk and refill with grout from the back.It works

          4. Louis_Wilson | Feb 20, 2001 06:19am | #8

            *On a kitchen backsplash of the tumbled marble, I sealed the face a couple of times, let it dry well and taped over the deeper pits on the face of the tumbled marble, no fun. Grouted as usual, had to do some creative sponge work to get the grout out of the intersections where the edge of the tile was broken down. Pulled tape off as grout set and continued to clean up. Kept the pits free of grout. Real pain to do. I'd avoid the tumbled stuff next time. It's one of those products that is supposed to look centuries old, but you gotta install it to modern expectations. This worked on a small area, larger area would be real time consuming.

          5. Rich_ | Feb 20, 2001 07:39am | #9

            *There are grout releases available for this type of installation, just can't steer you to 'em. A cheap alternative would be to stuff bar soap or other into the pits before grouting.There are mechanical caulking guns available, works just like a grease gun, about the same size too. Fill from the back end and fire. Try a plaster, masonry, or paint shop.BTW: Phatty, it wasn't by chance that the tile guy used a similar colored grout when grouting the limestone.

          6. Mongo_ | Feb 20, 2001 04:30pm | #10

            *I find it hard to believe that anyone would want unfilled voids and pits in a shower install...especially on the floor. With all the soap scum, skin scale, and mildew that will collect and form you'll have your very own Evolution of the Species experiments going on in your shower. In a dry, decorative install, sure, let the pits remain. But intentional water pockets, with a soft, somewhat porous stone like marble?Most customers will choose a complimentary colored grout for this type of install and fill the tile voids and grout lines in one operation. When done properly it looks outstanding.

          7. Dave_Day | Feb 21, 2001 02:10am | #11

            *Mongo you're right, went to the tile store today and they said pour it on everything, samples looked good and I gave up questioning clients tile preferences years ago thanks everyone

          8. Mongo_ | Feb 25, 2001 09:40pm | #12

            *Dave, As a follow-up, I have seen other techniques used in installations such as yours, but they are more laborious.I've seen individual tiles grouted to fill the pits before installing on the wall, then sealed, then installed, then the entire wall grouted. This allowed one or more colors (subtle shade differences) to be used for filling the tile pits, and another color to be used for the grout.Someone once emailed me that when doing a wall install they installed the tile, then covered each tile with a cutout of plastic contact paper. They grouted the wall, sealed the grout lines, then peeled of the contact paper and grouted the pits in the field tile.Lots of techniques, lots of work. Still, it's a great looking stone, the extra effort can be worth it. Good luck, and high hopes to you for a successful job.

          9. Dave_Day | Feb 26, 2001 02:09am | #13

            *Mongo the job worked out great i.e. the homeowner loved it and that's what matters thanks

  2. Dave_Day | Feb 26, 2001 02:09am | #14

    *
    I'm installing a tumbled marble shower and floor. In the past jobs these were only used as accent areas and grouted with the other tile, no prob, however I'm thinking these should be sealed first then grouted with a bag or if posible a caulking gun loaded with grout (sanded) any thoughts?

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build

Self-installing an HVAC system requires a lot of thought and planning.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data