Installation Guide – Royal Beige Honeycomb 4″ Honed Marble Mosaic Tile

Material Notes

• Natural Royal Beige marble with a honed (matte) finish.
• Large-format honeycomb (hexagon) chips, approx. 4″, mesh-mounted in sheets (~12″x12″).
• Suitable for walls, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and light-traffic residential floors. In wet areas, confirm slip requirements.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

• Substrate must be clean, dry, sound, and flat (≤1/8″ variation in 10′). Skim/patch as needed.
• Approved substrates: cement backer board, properly cured concrete, or mortar bed meeting ANSI standards.
• Wet zones: install an ANSI A118.10 waterproofing membrane; shower floors require ¼” per foot slope to drain.
• Use white setting materials beneath light beige marble to prevent shadowing/picture-framing.

Step 2: Dry Layout & Planning

• Blend sheets from multiple boxes to distribute natural shade/vein variation.
• Snap level reference lines to keep hex rows true; plan balanced perimeter cuts (aim for half-hex at edges).
• Trim mesh edges so sheets interlock and the honeycomb pattern continues seamlessly; stagger sheet seams to avoid a visible grid.

Step 3: Adhesive (White Thin-Set) Application

Use:

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

Trowel & Technique:

• On flat substrates use a 1/4″ × 1/4″ square-notch. If minor irregularities exist, a 1/4″ × 3/8″ may be used.
• Key in mortar with the flat side, comb in one direction, then lightly flatten ridges so they don’t telegraph through the hexes.
• Work in areas you can cover within 10–15 minutes to prevent skinning.

Step 4: Setting the Sheets

• Align the first sheet to your reference lines; press in with a rubber grout float or beating block for full contact and a flat plane.
• Maintain factory joint spacing (typically around 1/8″). Do not butt-joint.
• Lift and reset if lippage occurs; back-butter individual hexes where needed to correct plane (larger 4″ pieces reveal unevenness more readily).
• Immediately clean squeeze-through thin-set from joints and faces with a damp sponge.

Step 5: Cutting & Detailing

• Use a wet saw with a continuous-rim diamond blade for marble; taping the cut line helps minimize chip-out.
• Dress exposed cuts with a rubbing stone; finish terminations with stone trim, metal profiles, or matching moldings.

Step 6: Grouting (Honed Marble)

• Allow thin-set to cure (typically 24 hours).
• For joints ≤1/8″, use unsanded grout. If joints are ~1/8″–3/16″, a fine-aggregate, marble-safe grout may be used—test first to confirm no scratching.
• Optional on light stone: apply a marble-safe grout release or pre-seal to reduce pigment uptake.
• Pack joints diagonally with a rubber float; 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.
• Re-seal periodically per use/exposure (e.g., every 1–2 years in wet or high-use areas).

Maintenance

• Use pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaners only; avoid acids, vinegar, bleach, and abrasive pads.
• In showers, squeegee/wipe dry after use to limit mineral deposits; use marble-safe scale removers if needed.

Movement Joints

• Honor building/structural 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 tile meets dissimilar materials.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

• Natural marble varies in tone and veining; dry-lay and blend sheets before setting. Expect slight size/thickness tolerances common to mosaics.
• Flatness is critical with 4″ hex mosaics—correct substrate unevenness before installation.
• Stonemarket USA is not responsible for substrate issues or improper installation. Professional installation is recommended.