Installing large format marble tile on kitchen wall.

Q. We are considering using a large format marble tile on a kitchen wall. The tile is 7 1/2" X 24" X 3/4".

Is this size tile too heavy to use on a wall? Is special thinset needed?

Currently the wall is lathe and plaster (100+ yr old home), should this all be removed and Backerboard installed, or would it be OK to install directly over it?

Thank you!!
Mike

A. It depends on a number of things. . Normally tile of this size should be mechcanically anchored. However, there are expoxy setting mortars that can be used that will adhere tile of this size. The problem is going to be the substrate. If the substrate is sound and not flaking, etc. you might be able to adhere it directly. If not, I would remove the plaster and install backboard.

Fred Hueston
Chief Technical Director, SurpHaces
President, Stone Forensics

Article ID: 229
Created: August 3, 2010
Last Updated: August 17, 2020
Author: Admin

Online URL: https://sr-manual.com/kb/article/installing-large-format-marble-tile-on-kitchen-wall-229.html