Natural marble, the price of which starts from 4 thousand rubles per square meter, has been used since ancient times as a facing material. Due to its aesthetic and functional qualities, it remains popular today, despite the abundance of other modern materials. This noble graceful stone has rich shades and harmoniously looks in various styles.
What you need to know
The properties of the stone and its aesthetic advantages are revealed only under the condition of competent laying and joining, and one should not forget about proper operation. There are certain regulations and rules regarding cladding. If the recommendations are not followed, joints and seams will begin to diverge over time, the texture and color of the stone will change. Deformation of the surface occurs as a result of improper laying of plates, poor-quality insulation of joints, the use of materials and low-quality solutions. Because of this, marble slabs, instead of forming a flat surface, begin to change the height and location. In order to avoid such situations, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the rules of installation, operation and subsequent care.
Stone crumb
There is practically no waste left in the production of marble, since all by-products and residues are used to make a special finishing material, which is often called live stone - this is marble chips, the price of which starts at 30 rubles per kilogram. It acts as the basis for mosaic surfaces, interior details, sculptures and other products. The material is characterized by ease of processing and a large number of shades, making it optimally suited for decorating various surfaces. It is also used in the manufacture of porcelain and ceramics. A wide range of colors is achieved not only by the presence of natural tones, but also by coloring during the manufacturing process. The crumbs are free from impurities and foreign elements, while it can be used in any room due to the low level of radiation and high environmental friendliness.
Stacking
Marble Slabs stacked on a flat base without dirt and cracks. The main condition for a high-quality and durable finish is exactly an even foundation. There should be no foreign particles, peeling parts of the plaster and putty on it.
As a rule, marble is laid on a special composition. The base material and the dimensions of the plates determine the installation method. If the stone has a thickness within 50 mm and is laid on concrete, then in the process of work a sand-cement composition is used. In this case, immediately after applying the mixture to the surface, installation of the parts should begin. Of particular importance is the speed of work, since the process must be completed before it begins to solidify the solution. To ensure adhesion, the plates are pressed using special aggregates; manual force is applied in areas with limited access. After the installation is completed, the joints are processed with a special cement-based compound. It is worth noting that work should be carried out at a temperature not lower than +5 degrees.
The second way of laying
This technique is characterized by the use of treated stone and a special solution that does not contain sand. After the installation is completed, marble slabs are additionally sanded with special polishing devices until a smooth mirror surface is obtained. This floor looks much more impressive, but requires specific care and the use of certain chemicals.
Features
Unlike European technology, Russian often involves the use of thicker plates. At the same time, the foreign standard thickness of the material is within 10 mm for both internal walls and interior elements. Such a marble, price which depends on the variety, fits on special compositions that differ in the absence of water. In addition to saving material, a similar technique simplifies the process of work. It should be noted that most often marble slabs are used, the dimensions of which are 30 x 60 x 1.5 cm and 30.5 x 30.5 x 1 cm.
On wall structures, metal fasteners are usually not used to fix elements with a thickness of about 10 mm. No matter how the marble slabs are located, vertically or horizontally, they are laid with glue and special mastic, previously the surface of the walls is plastered, and a screed is arranged on the floor. Thus, it is possible to prevent shrinkage of the sand-cement layer and to ensure the elasticity of the connection.
It is worth paying special attention not only to the choice of marble, but also to other materials used during installation. The best option will be universal adhesives and mastics, which are made specifically for natural stone. Joints and seams require the use of compounds with high elasticity, they must protect the joints from moisture and compensate for the expansion that occurs when exposed to temperature.