Many considerations are needed before a homeowner can enjoy the beauty and class of natural stone tile. One of the first things that will need to be decided is how the tile will be adhered to the wall. An adhesive will be needed to bond the tile to the surface area. This surface is area is referred to as the setting bed. An assortment of adhesives are available that are easy and convenient to use. The homeowner who spends time learning about the options and usages of different adhesives may find that tile installation can be performed without the use of a professional contractor. Several adhesives are available and they all have specific strengths.

Before the do-it-yourselfer can determine the appropriate adhesive for the job, there are a few installation questions that should be addressed. Determining whether the tile will be interior or exterior, amount of humidity in the area, whether it will be on the wall or floor, and also the type of setting bed should be determined. Setting beds are traditionally drywall, wood, backerboard or concrete. These many different factors will determine the type of adhesive that is needed.

When purchasing adhesive for natural stone tile installation, it is important to search for a type that is specifically for the stone. Most forms of adhesive are available with a makeup designed to work specifically with natural stone. Before purchasing or using an adhesive, the installer should be certain that the adhesive will not discolour the stone. Also, it is important to ensure that the type of adhesive is acceptable for supporting the weight of natural stone tiles, if they will be used on a wall.

The most common form of adhesive is organic mastic. Many prefer this type of adhesive because it comes ready-mixed. Mastic are great for keeping wall tiles in place without slipping; however they do not hold up well in high temperatures or in outdoor conditions. They require a more stable climate controlled environment.

Stone floor tiles need a more flexible adhesive that won’t bend and crack under the pressure of constant traffic. A thin-set mortar is the usual adhesive used for this type of installation. This adhesive usually comes in a powder form and requires mixing, but it provides a strong bond and flexibility to prevent breaking of the adhesive with regular abuse. The advantage of a thin-set mortar is that it can create the strong bond with a relatively thin layer. It also contains a water retention compound that allows the cement to properly hydrate.

A medium-bed mortar is a type of thin-set mortar with a coarser aggregate and applied in a thinker layer. This adhesive is used to secure a heavier tile or when the surfaces of the tiles are uneven. The deeper bed allows for more room to press tiles into the adhesive for creating a flat surface area.

Latex and acrylic-mixed mortars are typically more expensive than the formerly listed options for adhesives, but can be found with additives that increase the adhering properties and lower the water absorption of the mortar. Both of these types of adhesives work well in dry or wet environments. Epoxy adhesives are also available that can be used with non-traditional setting beds, or if other forms of adhesives will not work well with the available setting bed.

There are many things to learn and understand when it comes to selecting the appropriate adhesive for a job. Many times, manufacturers and suppliers of tile will be able to make recommendations for the best types of adhesive to use with natural stone. As always, professional advice should be sought in the event of uncertainty, but usually the consumer’s local hardware store or supplier will be able to provide answers and help in the selection.

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Published Thursday, December 30, 2010