Basalt Recommendations

[basaltlover]

Hi Everyone,
New to the forum but I love perusing the posts and learning new tricks.

In two days I'll be tiling my shower with 4 x 12 honed basalt tiles that are 3/8" thick. I've received a couple of different recommendations on the best application method. Best I can tell people seem to prefer back buttering with a straight edge trowel and using a 3/16 v notch on the wall/floor. Does this seem right with the gurus on this forum?

I plan to use an impregnator but again people seem divided. Should I apply before we tile or once the tiles are on the wall?

I know its crazy but I'm going to attempt a 1/16 grout line (at least at first). Any recommendations on grout?

Any other recommendations for basalt would be welcome since this is my first time working with the stone and its in my own home so my wife would appreciate it if it looked nice

 

[marktiling]

I will be interested in hearing any info as I have a Black Basalt floor to do in a couple of weeks.

 

[Deleted member 9966]

any views from our members on this query?

 

[Dan]

The british standard for floor tiling states a 3mm grout joint minimum, yours would end up 1.59mm. It's about the only thing I can contribute to this thread, sorry.

Though the lads will be getting in from work now so you'll get a few more opinions soon.

 

[tfs]

fit the tiles by trowelling to wall only at first, lifting them again to see if you achieve good coverage without back buttering, if not, then back butter. Be sure to lift every few tiles to contstanly check that you are getting a good bond.

I have fitted large format basalt and sealed after but for peice of mind it is best to seal before and then after!

 

[tfs]

I think that your trowel selection is too small for that depth/ weight of tile. I would try 8mm or 10mm on walls and a 12mm for the floor. Be sure to scrape out any adhesive between tiles before grouting. If too much adhesive comes through the tiles then you may get try using the next trowel size down.

 

[Ken Bruty]

As above, as tfs has said

 

[basaltlover]

thanks everyone for the help!

 

[doug boardley]

I'd use an 8mm square notch for the walls and a 10mm solid bed (half round) trowel for the floor. I'd also back skim the wall and floor tiles. I'd seal them prior to fitting and grouting.