- 1). Mix up a batch of the thinset mortar. Add a little extra water than what is called for by the manufacturer's instructions, so you achieve a slightly runnier consistency, similar to mayonnaise. Use the flat side of your trowel and spread the thinset over the face of the brick to fill in the voids between all of the bricks and create a flat surface. Allow this to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before installing your marble.
- 2). Lay out your fireplace. Check several pieces of marble in a row to determine the joint-to-joint width of the tiles, and check those measurements against the fireplace. A common method of laying out a fireplace is to have full tile centered on top of the fireplace. You can adjust your layout as personal preference dictates. Once you know your layout, draw pencil lines with the level and pencil to serve as reference points for smearing your thinset.
- 3). Install your marble tiles. Start at the bottom of the fireplace on the sides and work your way up. Mix up some thinset according to the instructions on the bag and spread an even layer of thinset onto the face of the brick with your notched trowel. Use the flat side of your trowel to apply a thin scratch coat to the back of a piece of marble tile. Press the piece of marble lightly into the bed of thinset. Repeat this process for each individual piece.
- 4). Work your way up three or four pieces and then press your level against the face of the marble tiles. Apply pressure so that you press all of the pieces into the bed of mortar simultaneously, keeping the surface area between all of the tiles flat and uniform.
- 5). Hang the top row of horizontal pieces across the face of the fireplace with strips of tape. The side pieces will rest on top of the vertical sections, but the few center pieces have nothing to hold them up. Apply several pieces of tape to the face of each piece and attach it to the wall or hearth to hold the pieces in place while the thinset dries.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -