General Information

Builders Depot Stone Mosaics may be used for interior and exterior wall and floor applications and is suitable for both residential and commercial use.

Prepare for Installation

1. Set Builders Depot mosaic on a substrate that is rated to hold natural stone. This will include cement backer boards, concrete masonry units, brick/masonry, exterior grade plywood, traditional mud beds, etc. Consult a professional builder for rating requirements before starting the project.
2. Insure the framing is structurally sound and up to code.
3. Be sure the entire surface is level before installation.
4. All surfaces must be sound, clean, and free of oil, waxes, frost, curing agents, form release agents and any other bond inhibiting contaminants. After the surface is completely clean, inspect the surface for any dips or bumps. Make all repairs necessary to make the surface level and smooth.
5. Before you begin, insure that whatever type of setting materials used are rated to hold the types of stone mosaic being used. Be sure to use non-staining setting materials and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make it ready to be troweled onto the surface.
6. Shuffle the tiles from different boxes so variations in color are distributed throughout the installation.

Set Up Builders Depot Mosaic

1. Using no larger than a 1/4” x 1/4” inch “V” notched trowel (a 3/16 “V” notch is usually perfect) or one suggested for the setting materials used, trowel out enough mortar or adhesive to cover the area to set the first few sections. When troweling the mortar, be sure that it is spread evenly. Thick spots will result in mortar bleeding up through the seams. Should this occur, motar will need to be removed from the seams before grouting. Thin spots will result in stone mosaics not sticking at all. For best adhesion, cover the back of each individual or sheet of tile with a thin layer of mortar using the trowel.
2. Carefully place the first two to four sections of tile into place. If product is mesh backed, place the tile mesh-side down into the setting material. Using a level surface such as a wooden block and a rubber mallet, tap the sections into the setting material, avoid the outside edges adjacent to the next sections. Next, press another section into the setting material, making sure to match the width of the established grout lines. Doing so will prevent the seams from showing. Tap again with your flat level surface, this time pressing down on the seams between sections (this avoids “cupping”) but again, avoiding the outside abutting edges (except for the edges that are against the outside wall or threshold).
3. Repeat this process for the next few sections, periodically examining the installation. If the seams are undetectable, the job has been done well. Seams are created by gaps in section placement, uneven (height) pieces along the edge of the seam, and stone mosaic not lining up within a section. The seams will need to be re-worked between the sections as necessary to make them undetectable. To rework seams reset pieces on the seam to blend evenly. Periodically use your level to insure tile height is consistent. Repeat steps until the stone tiles are set and seamless. Follow the instructions on the setting material package; do not walk on the surface of the tile for 24 to 36 hours depending on the type of setting materials used.

Grout Builders Depot Mosaic:

1. Apply a coat of quality penetrating sealer before grouting. Grouting a porous stone product without sealing may cause the stone to wick up the grout making clean-up difficult. Please note; sealers for natural stone are available through local hardware stores and tile retailers. Do not use a top coat, as it will change the color of the stone. Allow sealer to dry according to the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Choose a grout color appropriate for the installation. For a seamless look, use a complimentary color. Mix grout according to manufacturer’s directions.
3. Grout openings between tiles and sheets.
4. Clean the joints with a damp sponge taking care not to remove too much grout. A powder residue will appear. Buff this with a soft dry cloth.
5. After grouting, protect area from foot traffic and water exposure for at least 72 hours.
6. Once the stone is 100% haze-free, clean once more with a vacuum. Apply the final coats of sealer following the manufacturer’s directions.

Please Note: Not all adhesives, cleaners, grouts and sealers are not equally suitable for all types of tiles. Check with a flooring and tile specialist for specific recommendation on installation of all Builders Depot Natural Stone Collections.