Calacatta White 3.3″ Triangle Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Installation Guide – Calacatta 3.3″ Triangle Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Overview

• Natural Calacatta marble with soft gray veining and a honed (matte) finish.

• Approx. 3.3″ triangular chips, factory-spaced and typically mesh-mounted on ~12″×12″ sheets (some lots may be paper-faced).

• Suitable for walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors. Multiple grout joints provide better traction than large-format tiles.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Ensure substrate is clean, dry, structurally sound, and flat (≤1/8″ over 10′). Patch or skim coat as needed.

• Approved substrates: cement backer board, fully cured concrete, or ANSI-compliant mortar bed.

• In wet areas: apply an ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane; shower floors require 1/4″ per foot slope to drain.

• Always use white setting materials under light Calacatta marble to prevent shadowing or discoloration.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Pattern Orientation

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes to balance natural shade and veining.

• Snap level and plumb reference lines. Decide triangle apex orientation (all “points up” or alternating) and keep it consistent.

• Trim mesh edges and stagger seams to hide sheet grids. Align triangle points across seams.

• Pre-plan perimeter cuts; avoid narrow slivers. Use stone or metal trim profiles at edges if desired.

Step 3: Adhesive Application

Recommended Material:

• White, polymer-modified thin-set suitable for natural stone (ANSI A118.4/A118.15). Avoid premixed mastics, especially in wet areas.

Technique:

• Use 1/4″×1/4″ square-notch or 1/4″×3/16″ V-notch trowel on flat surfaces.

• Key in mortar with flat side, comb in one direction, lightly flatten ridges to avoid telegraphing.

• Work in sections you can cover within 10–15 minutes to prevent skinning. Maintain uniform bed thickness.

Step 4: Setting the Sheets

• Place sheets along layout lines; press with rubber float or beating block for full contact without damaging triangle tips.

• Maintain factory spacing; use wedge spacers to align apexes across sheets—do not butt-joint.

• Back-butter individual triangles if mesh irregularities cause lippage and reset immediately.

• Remove excess thin-set from joints and faces with a barely damp sponge.

• Paper-faced sheets: set, lightly wet paper after initial grab (~10–20 min), remove paper, and true up joints.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Use a wet saw with continuous-rim diamond blade; painter’s tape over cut lines reduces chip-out.

• Support triangle tips near cuts to prevent breakage; smooth edges with a rubbing stone.

• Finish edges with stone trims, metal profiles, or framed border rows.

Step 6: Grouting (Honed Marble)

• Allow thin-set to cure (~24 hours).

• Unsanded grout for joints ≤1/8″; fine-aggregate, marble-safe grout for 1/8″–3/16″ (test first).

• Optional: marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to prevent pigment absorption; select light neutral colors for a soft finish.

• Pack diagonally with a rubber float, carefully around triangle tips; clean with minimal water to avoid shading or washout.

Step 7: Sealing

• After grout cures (~72 hours), apply a penetrating, breathable sealer suitable for marble and grout. Use natural-look sealer to preserve honed finish.

• Reapply periodically depending on exposure (typically every 1–2 years in wet or high-traffic areas).

Maintenance

• Clean only with pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners; avoid acids, vinegar, bleach, or abrasive pads.

• In showers, squeegee or wipe dry to limit mineral deposits; use marble-safe scale removers if needed.

Movement Joints

• Respect structural and expansion joints; provide soft joints per TCNA EJ171 at perimeters, plane changes, and large expanses.

• Use 100% stone-safe silicone at inside corners and where the mosaic meets other materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Natural Calacatta varies in tone and veining—always dry-lay and blend sheets before installation.

• Protect triangle apexes during handling and installation; avoid heavy pressure on points.

• Slight size and thickness tolerances are normal for mosaics.

• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for improper installation or substrate issues. Professional installation is recommended.