Siesta Key Granite Floor Installation

Set up a dehumidifier and lower the temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the room being tiled starting 48 hours before the installation. The Siesta Key area has a high humidity that can affect the curing of the tile adhesive and grout.

Scrape the sub-floor with a paint scraper to remove any residue or loose paint that will prevent the tile from adhering properly.

Cut vapor barrier sheets to the correct size for the room to prevent damage from excess humidity in the Siesta Keys. Mix the thin adhesive using the instructions on the package. Spread the adhesive on the floor with a trowel and press the vapor barrier into the mortar to hold in place. Attach joints with fiberglass joint tape. Verify the recommended installation instructions for the type of vapor barrier you are using.

Measure the floor space and locate the exact center of the room. Mark this point with a chalk. Divide the room into four sections by marking with chalk lines.

Spread about 1/2-inch layer of thin set adhesive onto the sub-floor in one-quarter of the room. Use a notched trowel over the adhesive to create smooth lines over the surface.

Set the tiles onto the adhesive, starting at the center of the room and working toward the wall in straight lines. Press the tile lightly to make contact with the adhesive. Space the tiles about 1/8-inch apart, with a tile spacer between each tile to keep the gaps even. Use a ruler and level to keep the tile straight and smooth while installing.

Measure the space and gap between the last tile and the wall if you need to cut the tile. Measure the tile and mark the a cutting line. Wrap a piece of masking tape around the cutting line and re-mark the line with a pencil if you can't see through the tape. Cut the tile to the correct size with a wet saw and diamond blade.

Lay the tile one-quarter section of the floor at a time. Keep the tile in a straight line and the gaps a consistent distance of 1/8 inch.

Keep the dehumidifier on and let the adhesive dry for 24 hours before walking on the surface.

Mix Portland cement by following the package instructions for the amount of water required to create a grout consistency, which is soft enough to spread with a trowel. Wet a thick sponge with water and moisten the gaps between the tile by wiping it with the sponge. Spread the grout into the gaps with the trowel. Wipe a squeegee over the surface of the tile to smooth the grout and remove excess. Let the grout dry for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle dry Portland cement over the tile and grout. Wipe the surface with burlap to spread the powder evenly onto the grouted surface.

Wipe any excess cement and powder off the tile before it has a chance to dry and harden. Keep the dehumidifier on for 24 to 48 hours to control the humidity level in the room while the grout dries. Use caution when walking on the tile for the first 24 hours after the grout application.