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Question
i have a suspended slab that I would like to cover w/ bluestone, but due to weight, I can only use 1/2 (up to 3/4 max) thick stone. My contractor suggests porcelain, but I prefer the look of the Pa. bluestone. I have been
unable to locate bluestone this thin--is it available, and
would it be ok to use in this application. I am in the cincinnati area, so freezing is an issue. My plan was to
use a thin bed of mortar over a bed of concrete backerboard. Thank you for taking the time to help.
dirc
Dirc,
When you say you have a suspended slab, are you saying you have a concrete suspended slab? If so, you do not need the backerboard (assuming the concrete is stable and free of any cracks), and you can thinset 3/4" bluestone directly to the concrete slab. I do not think you can find 1/2" bluestone and it is not advisable due to the weaker nature of thinner stone. If you do thinset, make certain you get 100% coverage of the mortar. Use a 1/2" to 3/4" notched trowel to apply the thinset to the slab, AND also use a 1/4" notched trowel to backbutter every tile. You need to make certain that the grout joints are completely filled, and after the installation is complete and cured (at least 45 days)when completely dry, you must seal the stone and grout using a quality sealer like HMK Silicone Impregnating Sealer (available from stonecareonline.org) you must do everything to prevent any moisture from penetrating the grout and filling any possible voids in the mortar to prevent any freeze-thaw damage.
Best regards,
Tad Dixon
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Answers by Expert:
Torin Dixon
Expertise
Questions concerning Natural Stone Fabrication and Installation including: Marble, Granite, Limestone, Slate, Soapstone, Bluestone, and Travertine in Slabs and Tiles. Expert in natural stone cleaning, sealing, protection and restoration. Distributor of HMK Stone Care Products; Sealers, Cleaning Products, Stone Maintenance. Expert in stone and tile flooring, sealing and maintenance issues. Stain removal from stone. Importer and Distributor of slab stone for residential and commercial applications. Stone carving Stone restoration
Experience
I have worked in the Dimensional Stone Industry since 1977.
California Contractors License 1989
Former owner of Prestige Marble & Tile (So. Calif.)
Current owner of Elegance in Stone (Missoula, MT)
Current Owner of Montana Stone Gallery,LLC Missoula, MT
Owner of Stoncareonline.org Distributor of natural stone maintenance products
Organizations
Missoula Building Industry Association
Montana Building Industry Association
Flathead Building Association
National Association of Home Builders
Member of the Marble Institute of America
Former member of the National Tile Contractors Association
Publications
Slippery Rock Gazette-Stone Industry Publication
Education/Credentials
Journeyman Marble Mason, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union #2
California Contractors License 1989-1997
Montana Contractors Registration #42969
Importer of natural stone slabs. Owner-Director of Montana Stone Gallery a regional Importing and Distribution company located in Missoula, MT
Past/Present Clients
Thousands of commercial and residential installations of stone slabs and tile in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, flooring, fireplaces over a 34 year professional career.
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