Grouting Sandstone

[SandyFloor]

Hi, I'm looking for ideas or opinions. Have recently started a 400sq. mtr job of sandstone 22mm thick with a rough quarry finish (more like slabs). Sealing, cutting and fixing no problem. The problem is with the varying gaps and the depth grouting is taking an age and using up a lot of material. So far we've been using grouting bags and cleaning off with a washboy (tiles previously sealed).

Does anyone have any ideas to save time or material?

Possibly it's just a case of accepting more grout is reqd than expected and giving the job to whoever gives me lip that morning.

Regards,

Sandy

 

[DHTiling]

Now they are laid , you will just have to grout..

Next time it would be wise to let some adhesive fill up half the joint depth.. less filling to do then..

 

[SandyFloor]

Actually only about 10% is fixed. You have given me an idea. That is to slide the tile into position from a few inches out so as to build up the adhesive in the joint hence less grout. Does that sound feasible?

 

[DHTiling]

Use a deeper bed then tap the tile down into it.. this then causes the adhesive to come up into the joints... work clean and then bingo.. less grouting.

Only a good method for thick stone though..

 

[SandyFloor]

That sounds good especially as they are going onto extremely level concrete. Will change tack slightly in the next room over the next couple of days and let you know how we get on....thank for your input....much appreciated,

Regards,

Sandy
www.ascotflooringuk.com

 

[DHTiling]

No probs.. please do let us know how you get on.. remember to leave plenty room for the grout..

 

[merlecollins]

Please make sure the sandstone is well and truly sealed before grouting - I would always give it at least 2 coats before I even fixed it

Nice website by the way....

 

[SandyFloor]

The sandstone has already had two coats Lithofin Stain Stop ( the first coat disappeared rather quickly ). I think it will need at least another two post grouting.

 

[DHTiling]

Do a water droplet test... this will determine the surface porosity.

Stainstop is great for sandstone..

 

[merlecollins]

The sandstone has already had two coats Lithofin Stain Stop ( the first coat disappeared rather quickly ). I think it will need at least another two post grouting.

You'll go through bucket loads Sandy mate, but it's worth it

I can remember doing a cafe floor in a leisure centre with 600x400x30mm sawn cut sandstone and I think we ended up putting 6 or 7 coats on:yikes:

 

[SandyFloor]

Yep...literally a case of 'suck it and see'

 

[Perry]

I always use sand and cement on most sandstone a lot cheaper and better finish also I find it much easier 😛ete

 

[Daz]

Is this the Bradstone sandstone? You'll deffo need at least 2 coats of sealer prior to grouting and don't let the grout hang around too long on the tile surface. Work small areas at a time and it'll become a faster job.

Good luck.

 

[SandyFloor]

It is the Bradstone sandstone. I'm actually applying two coats sealer prior to fixing and I think it'll take at least another two.

Todays update: By simply putting a slither some adhesive close to the joint and closing the tile up most of the joint has filled up. If needed a quick wipe with the sponge to keep things clean and the grouting should be a lot easier. Thanks to Dave for a bit of inspiration. It seems so obvious now.

I took delivery of a new DeWalt24000 yesterday after giving up on the Vitrex bridge saw. Wow!!! what a difference. Cuts the big slabs no probs. I could go on for ages on how impressed I am with it ....maybe on another post.

Thanks to all for advice.

 

[DHTiling]

Make sure you rake the joints out some , so grout can get a good hold.

Another Dewalt owner..:welcome:

 

[merlecollins]

I took delivery of a new DeWalt24000 yesterday after giving up on the Vitrex bridge saw. Wow!!! what a difference. Cuts the big slabs no probs. I could go on for ages on how impressed I am with it ....maybe on another post.

SNAP

Incredible machine, although has really struggled with Keope porcelain today

 

[diamondtiling]

Sounds very similar to my London basement job, they will eat the grout but I used a deeper trowel as Dave suggested and this helped a lot.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

I always use sand and cement on most sandstone a lot cheaper and better finish also I find it much easier 😛ete

I'd certainly agree with this.

 

[TT Tiling]

hi im on a job at the mo with 900-600 sandstone ,and yes lots of sealer ,4 coats so far ,then grout and one after , its going to eat the grout i can see it coming

 

[SandyFloor]

I always use sand and cement on most sandstone a lot cheaper and better finish also I find it much easier 😛ete

Customer had already specified the grout so I have priced it into the job ok. But I know what you mean.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Customer had already specified the grout so I have priced it into the job ok. But I know what you mean.

Which grout is specified?:smilewinkgrin:

 

[SandyFloor]

Which grout is specified?:smilewinkgrin:

Mapei ultracolour plus

 

[SandyFloor]

hi im on a job at the mo with 900-600 sandstone ,and yes lots of sealer ,4 coats so far ,then grout and one after , its going to eat the grout i can see it coming

I've bought in 100 ltrs Lithofin Stain Stop to cover 400 sq. mtrs....crossing fingers it's enough.

 

[Perry]

Mapei ultracolour plus

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Recomended 2-20mm joint widths and your tile is 22mm thick ( less any adhesive you decide to leave in joint).
It's an excellent grout, but I'd prefer a natural joint with sand/cement.

 

[SandyFloor]

Recomended 2-20mm joint widths and your tile is 22mm thick ( less any adhesive you decide to leave in joint).
It's an excellent grout, but I'd prefer a natural joint with sand/cement.

I'm with you there.....but customer wanted the finish to be quite smooth and the first room is complete and grouted and it does have a smooth finish....personally I think it looks a bit plasticy ( is that a word?) when in the rough sandstone...but they knew what they wanted and they're happy with it. I think they have the idea it will discolour less ever time.

 

[rbtiling]

Instead of doing it by sliding the tile and forcing the adhesive up from underneath, which could result in lippage, if the stone is well and truly sealed just use adhesive like grout, then wipe over with a sponge to remove enough to accept grout.