GBM HMDMARTRI-CA Tuscany Calacatta White Triangle Mosaic Marble Wall and Floor Tile Installation Guide

GBM HMDMARTRI-CA Tuscany Calacatta White Triangle Mosaic Marble Wall and

Floor Tile

Product Information

Abolos Marble Installation Guide

GBM GBM GBM is a brand of marble tiles manufactured by GBM Manufacturing Incorporated. The company has multiple distribution centers in California, Texas, and Florida. Their head office is located in Stockton, California. GBM specializes in providing
high-quality marble tiles for various installation projects.

The Abolos Marble Installation Guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing the marble tiles. It is recommended to inspect the tiles for damages and defects and perform a dry lay outbefore starting the installation process. This ensures that any  issues are identified beforehand.

The guide emphasizes the importance of preparing the substrate, mortar, and laying the marble tiles properly. Following these steps will result in a successful installation and enhance the longevity of the marble tiles.

For further information or assistance, customers can contact GBM Manufacturing Incorporated through their toll-free number or visit their website.

Product Usage Instructions

1. 1. Step 1: Prepare the substrate

Before installing the marble tiles, it is crucial to prepare the substrate properly. This involves cleaning the surface and ensuringit is level, smooth, dry, and free from any debris or contaminants. Any existing flooring should be removed, and the substrate should
be thoroughly inspected for any structural issues or cracks.

1. 1. Step 2: Prepare the mortar

Next, prepare the mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a high-quality mortar suitable for marble tile installations. Follow the recommended mixing ratios and ensure the mortar is well-mixed and free from lumps. Allow the mortar to rest for the specified time before use.

1. 1. Step 3: Lay the marble tiles

Begin laying the marble tiles on the prepared substrate. Apply a thin, even layer of mortar using a notched trowel. Press the tiles firmly into place, ensuring proper alignment and spacing between each tile. Use tile spacers to maintain consistent grout lines. Adjust the tiles as necessary to achieve a level and uniform surface.

Continue laying the tiles row by row, working in small sections at a time. Periodically check for levelness and adjust as needed. Avoid stepping on freshly laid tiles to prevent displacement.

Once all the tiles are laid, allow the mortar to dry and cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours. Avoid any foot traffic or heavy loads on the newly installed marble tiles during this curing period.

Recommended Tools & Materials

• Anti-fracture membrane
• 1.25-inch board screws
• Line chalk
• Mortar
• Notched trowel
• Tape measure
• T-square
• Tile spacers
• 2-by-4 lumber or wood stud
• Rubber mallet
• Marble sealer
• Grout
• Grout float
• Foam brush
• Work gloves
• Wet saw (for custom-cut pieces)

**Strongly recommended to inspect for damages and defects as well as dry lay out your tiles before starting the installation. *****

Prepare the substrate

Make the substrate as smooth as possible before laying tiles. Then you’ll want to install anti-fracture membrane or another type of vapor barrier underlayment. Using a notched trowel, spread thinset mortar directly on a plywood subfloor, and then fasten anti-fracture membrane with 1.25-inch screws. These steps help decrease any space between the two surfaces that can lead to water seepage or cracks in the tiling, thereby damaging the overall integrity of the area.The substrate is the foundational base that you will cover with marble tile. Remove any excess dirt with a nylon or iron brush, straighten out all the uneven areas and fill any cracks. You want the substrate to be as smooth and clean as possible before attaching the tiles.
Once the surface is as clean and smooth as you can get it, you will need to identify the proper starting point with guidelines to assist in a straight and symmetrical layout. You want to install the tiles from the center point of the room so that they radiate outward instead of abruptly going from one wall to the next. Find the midway point of two opposite walls, draw a chalk line to connect them and then measure the center of that line and use a T-square to make an intersecting chalk path to the other two opposite walls. Doing this will indicate the center of the room while also dividing it into four neat quadrants.

Prepare the mortar

Each manufacturer has specific instructions for mixing their mortar, so be sure to closely adhere to those rules. There’s no need to mix all the mortar immediately, so only make a small amount and then continue making more as you need it.
Time to bust out the trowel. For marble tiles 12″ square or smaller, a ¼” notched trowel is suitable. However, for larger tiles and irregular tumbled or natural cleft materials, you’ll need to use a ½” notched trowel to create larger, deeper grooves in the adhesive. Starting from one of the corners of the intersecting chalk lines, apply a layer of mortar with the flat side of the V-notched trowel, creating grooves in the mortar as you go. Remember, because the adhesives dry so quickly, it’s wise to only cover a small area of the substrate at a time and immediately attach the tiles before moving on and adding more.

Lay the marble tiles

After you’ve spread a bit of mortar large enough to cover the tile’s surface, line up the tile perfectly with the chalk line intersection and then gently press it into place. A small twist will help the adhesive bond more tightly to the tile. Use a rubber mallet to lightly tap the marble tile firmly into place. Despite its durability, be careful not to tap too hard as marble can crack. Before you start laying your marble tiles, inspect them to ensure none are broken or defective.
Once you have three or more tiles in place next to one another, you can place a 2×4 over the tiles and gently tap the rubber mallet on it to ensure that the tiles are all the same height. Continue on in this way with the rest of the tiles, following along on the chalk line you made for reference. Using a tile spacer will assist in maintaining uniform grout lines. The tiles will probably not fit perfectly once you reach the wall, so take note of any gaps to custom cut pieces with a wet saw later.
Be sure not to step on the freshly-laid tiles until after they have dried, so the quadrant closest to the door is the one you finish last. That way, you don’t tile yourself into a corner. After the mortar completely dries based on the manufacturer’s instructions, use a paint stick or a utility knife to remove any excess mortar that might have seeped up in the spaces between the tiles.

Seal and grout the marble

Once all the marble tiles have been set and dried, you will want to safeguard them from cracking, chipping, staining, and general wear and tear by applying a high-quality marble surface sealing agent. This step should be done before the grouting process since the grout mix can stain the tiles.
Just like with the mortar, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the grouting, and only mix enough for you to use within 15-20 minutes as it dries so quickly. Use a grout float to apply the grout to the joints, and be careful to keep as much of it in the grooves as possible while quickly wiping up any that gets on the tiles. After finishing this step, apply another layer of sealant to protect the grout. Depending how much foot traffic the room gets, applying a marble sealant once or twice a year is a good way to keep the tiles looking shiny and new.

California Head Office
1188 S Airport Way
Stockton, CA 95205
Texas Distribution Center
3835 Gulfway Drive
Port Arthur, TX 77642
Florida Distribution Center
924 Lane Avenue North
Jacksonville, FL 32254
1 888-862-8397 Toll Free
1 888-868-9887 Fax
www.GBMglass.com

References

• GBM® Tile, Glass and Natural Stone

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>