18×36 Calacatta Honed Marble Tile – Beveled Edge, Italian Elegance
Experience Grandeur with Large-Format Calacatta Tile
The 18×36 Calacatta Honed Marble Tile brings a bold statement to both modern and traditional interiors. With its generous format, distinctive veining, and matte honed finish, this beveled-edge tile offers a luxurious take on timeless Italian marble. Whether you’re creating a serene bathroom retreat or a sophisticated entryway, its natural beauty will elevate every inch of your space.
Key Features of 18×36 Calacatta Honed Marble Tile
- Material: Authentic Calacatta Marble
- Finish: Honed – for a soft, elegant surface
- Edge Detail: Beveled edges for added depth and definition
- Color: Classic white base with dramatic gray and golden veining
- Tile Size: 18″x36″ (45.7×91.4 cm)
- Thickness: 0.47″ (1.2 cm)
- Applications: Ideal for walls, floors, showers, and large statement surfaces
Why Choose This Calacatta Honed Marble Tile?
This tile’s expansive format reduces grout lines, helping create a cleaner, more continuous design flow. The honed finish enhances its soft texture while offering a slip-resistant surface, making it suitable for wet areas. With the added dimension of beveled edges, this large-format tile works beautifully in both residential and commercial settings.
Installation Guide – Step by Step
Step 1: Surface Preparation – Flat, Clean, and Rigid
- Ensure substrate is level with no more than 1/8″ variation over 10 feet.
- Use self-leveling underlayment if necessary to achieve flatness.
- Subfloor must be dry, stable, and free of debris, grease, or dust.
- Apply a waterproofing membrane for wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Step 2: Layout Planning – Large Format Requires Precision
- Find the center point of the space and establish layout lines.
- Dry-lay tiles to visualize veining and ensure tone balance.
- Mix tiles from different boxes to harmonize color and pattern.
- Plan for 1/16″ to 1/8″ grout joints—tight but adequate for beveled edges.
Step 3: Mortar Application – Strong Bonding is Critical
Recommended Mortars:
- Mapei Ultraflex LFT White
- Laticrete 4-XLT or 254 Platinum White
- Ardex X77 or X90 OUTDOOR White
Instructions:
- Use a 1/2″ square-notched trowel for even thin-set coverage.
- Back-butter each tile fully to avoid hollow spots under large tiles.
- Set tiles before the adhesive begins to skin over.
Step 4: Cutting & Fitting – Smooth, Clean Edges Matter
- Cut using a wet saw with a continuous-rim diamond blade rated for marble.
- Polish any visible cut edges to match the honed surface.
- Dry-fit tiles before setting to confirm spacing and alignment.
Step 5: Setting Tiles – Avoid Lippage
- Use a tile leveling system (e.g., wedge and clip) to maintain flatness.
- Apply even pressure and check with a level regularly.
- Clean excess mortar from joints and tile surfaces promptly.
- Allow 24 hours for adhesive curing before proceeding to grouting.
Step 6: Grouting & Sealing – Finalize with Protection
- Pre-seal honed marble with a penetrating sealer before grouting.
- Use non-sanded grout to protect the honed surface and beveled edges.
- Grout diagonally across joints and wipe away residue immediately.
- Buff any grout haze with a soft microfiber cloth after 30 minutes.
- Seal grout lines and tiles again after full cure (approx. 72 hours).
Maintenance Tips – Preserve Elegance
- Clean regularly with pH-neutral marble-safe cleaners.
- Do not use acidic or abrasive products that may etch the stone.
- Re-seal every 6–12 months depending on foot traffic and exposure.
- Use protective felt pads under furniture to prevent surface scratching.
Shipping & Packaging
Each 18″ x 36″ honed Calacatta tile is individually cushioned with corner protectors and packed in reinforced crates. Inspect tiles for consistency in finish and veining before installation.
Important Note
Calacatta marble is a natural stone that displays significant veining and tone variation. Always dry-lay tiles before final installation. Stonemarket USA is not responsible for installation errors or natural stone characteristics.
