Natural marble, the price of which starts from 4 thousand rubles per square meter, has been used as a facing material since ancient times. Due to its aesthetic and functional qualities, it remains popular today, despite the abundance of other modern materials. This noble, graceful stone has rich hues and looks harmoniously in various styles.
What you need to know
The properties of the stone and its aesthetic advantages are revealed only if they are properly laid and joined, and one should not forget about proper operation. There are certain standards and rules regarding cladding. If the recommendations are not followed, the joints and seams will begin to diverge over time, the texture and color of the stone will change. Surface deformation occurs as a result of improper laying of slabs, poor-quality joint insulation, and the use of low-quality materials and mortars. Because of this, marble slabs, instead of forming a flat surface, begin to change height and location. In order to avoid such situations, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of installation, operationand aftercare.
Stone chips
In the production of marble, there is practically no waste, since all by-products and residues are used to make a special finishing material, which is often called living stone - marble chips, the price of which starts from 30 rubles per kilogram. It acts as a 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 dyeing during the manufacturing process. The composition of the crumb is free of impurities and foreign elements, while it can be used in any room due to the low level of radiation and high environmental friendliness.
Laying
Marble slabs are laid on a flat base without dirt and cracks. The main condition for a high-quality and durable finish is precisely a flat base. It should be free of foreign particles, peeling parts of plaster and putty.
As a rule, marble is laid on a special compound. 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 a sand-cement composition is used in the process of work. In this case, immediately after applying the mixtureon the surface, you need to start mounting the parts. Of particular importance is the speed of work, since the process must be completed before the solution begins to solidify. To ensure adhesion, the plates are pressed in with the help of special units; in areas with limited access, manual force is applied. After the installation is completed, the joints are treated with a special cement-based composition. It should be noted that work must be carried out at a temperature not lower than +5 degrees.
Second styling method
This technique is distinguished by the use of treated stone and a special solution that does not contain sand. After the installation is completed, the marble slabs are additionally polished with special polishing devices until a smooth mirror surface is obtained. Such a floor looks much more impressive, but requires specific care and the use of certain chemicals.
Features
Unlike European technology, Russian technology often involves the use of thicker plates. At the same time, the foreign standard material thickness is within 10 mm for both internal walls and interior elements. Such marble, the price of which depends on the variety, is laid on special compositions, which are distinguished by the absence of water. In addition to saving material, this technique also simplifies the process of work. It is worth noting that marble slabs are most often 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 for fixing elementswith a thickness of about 10 mm, metal fasteners are usually not used. Regardless of how the marble slabs are located, vertically or horizontally, they are laid with glue and special mastic, the surface of the walls is preliminarily plastered, and a screed is installed on the floor. In this way, shrinkage of the sand-cement layer can be prevented and the elasticity of the connection can be ensured.
It is worth paying special attention not only to the choice of marble, but also to other materials used in laying. The best option would 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.
