Installation Guide – Calacatta 3.3" Triangle Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Notes

• Natural Calacatta white marble with soft veining and a honed (matte) finish.
• Approx. 3.3" triangle chips, factory-spaced and typically mesh-mounted on ~12"×12" sheets (some lots may be paper-faced).
• Suitable for walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors. Numerous grout joints increase traction vs. large tiles.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Substrate must be clean, dry, sound, and flat (≤ 1/8" variation in 10′). Skim/patch as required—mosaics telegraph unevenness.
• Approved substrates: cement backer board, fully cured concrete, or mortar bed meeting ANSI standards.
• Wet areas: install an ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane. Shower floors require a 1/4" per foot slope to drain.
• Because Calacatta is light, always use white setting materials to avoid shadowing/picture-framing.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Pattern Orientation

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes to distribute natural shade/vein variation.
• Snap level/plumb reference lines. Establish the triangle apex orientation (all “points up” or alternating) and keep it consistent.
• Hide the sheet grid: trim mesh edges so sheets interlock and stagger sheet seams. Align triangle points across seams.
• Plan balanced perimeter cuts; avoid slivers. At exposed edges, decide between straight border cuts or a metal/stone trim profile.

Step 3: Adhesive (White Thin-Set) Application

Adhesive:

• White, polymer-modified thin-set for natural stone (ANSI A118.4/A118.15). Avoid premixed mastics, especially in wet zones.

Trowel & Technique:

• Use a 1/4"×1/4" square-notch (or 1/4"×3/16" V-notch on very flat walls).
• Key in mortar with the flat side, comb in one direction, then lightly flatten ridges to prevent telegraphing and squeeze-through at the triangle tips.
• Work in areas you can cover within 10–15 minutes to avoid skinning. Maintain consistent bed thickness for a flat plane.

Step 4: Setting the Sheets

• Place sheets to your layout lines; press/iron with a rubber grout float or beating block to achieve full contact without chipping the points.
• Use wedge spacers to keep factory joint spacing and to align apex-to-apex lines across sheets—do not butt-joint.
• Where mesh irregularities cause lippage, back-butter individual triangles and reset immediately.
• Clean squeeze-through thin-set from joints and faces right away with a barely damp sponge/microfiber.
• If paper-faced: set paper out, beat in, lightly wet paper after initial grab (~10–20 min), remove, and true up joints.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Cut with a wet saw using a continuous-rim diamond blade for marble; painter’s tape over the cut line helps reduce chip-out.
• Support triangle tips near cuts to avoid breakage; dress exposed cuts with a rubbing stone.
• Finish edges with stone trims, metal profiles, or a framed border row for a clean termination.

Step 6: Grouting (Honed Marble)

• Allow thin-set to cure (typically 24 hours).
• For joints ≤ 1/8", use unsanded grout. For ~1/8"–3/16", a fine-aggregate, marble-safe grout may be used—test first to confirm no abrasion.
• On white marble, consider a marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to limit pigment uptake; select a light neutral grout for a soft look.
• Pack diagonally with a rubber float, taking care around sharp tips; clean with minimal water to avoid washout or shading.

Step 7: Sealing

• After grout cures (~72 hours), apply a penetrating, breathable sealer approved for marble and grout. Choose natural-look to preserve the honed finish.
• Re-seal periodically per exposure (e.g., every 1–2 years in wet/high-use areas).

Maintenance

• Clean with pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners only; avoid acids, vinegar, bleach, and abrasive pads (marble can etch).
• In showers, squeegee/wipe dry after use to reduce mineral deposits; use marble-safe scale removers if needed.

Movement Joints

• Honor structural/expansion joints and provide soft joints per TCNA EJ171 at perimeters, changes of plane, and large expanses.
• Use 100% silicone (stone-safe) at inside corners and where the mosaic meets dissimilar materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Calacatta varies in tone and veining—dry-lay and blend sheets before setting. Expect slight chip size/thickness tolerances.
• Protect delicate triangle apexes during handling and beating-in. Avoid heavy point pressure.
• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for substrate issues or improper installation. Professional installation is recommended.