Stone FAQs

How big are the stone tiles?
How do I cut the stone tiles to the size I need?
How many stone tiles will I need?
Where can stone tiles be used?
Will I need to seal a stone mosaic?
Will I need to grout a mosaic made with stone tiles?
Will I need to polish a stone mosaic?
How do I polish a stone mosaic?

How big are the stone tiles?
The stone tiles are usually about 3/4" long x 3/8" wide x 3/8" thick. The lengths vary from 1/2" to 1", but the size is fairly consistent within a color.
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How do I cut the stone tiles to the size I need?
The two primary methods for cutting stone tiles are (a) straight nippers and (b) hammer and hardie. The nipper is easy to master, but the harder stones can be difficult to cut because the cut depends on the arm strength of the user. The traditional cutting tool is the hammer and hardie. The hardie, which is a chisel-like tool, is mounted in a substantial wood block. The tile to be cut is placed on the hardie and then tapped with the hammer. Mastering this technique requires some practice, but overall the hammer and hardie is much easier on the arms than the nippers, especially if cutting large quantities. For large-scale production work, a chopping machine is recommended.
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How many stone tiles will I need?
A half-pound of stone tiles contains 40-50 pieces, depending on the density of the stone. This amount will cover about 12 square inches. The general rule of thumb is to allow 5.5 to 6 pounds of stone per square foot. To use the stone with tiles of a different thickness or to increase the coverage per pound, you can cut the stone across the short end to create 3/8" x 3/8" tiles of whatever thickness you choose. Cutting along the long side is also possible, but is more difficult to get cleanly riven stones. If you do attempt to cut on the long side, results will be much better if you use a hammer and hardie.
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Where can stone tiles be used?
The stone can be used inside or outside, on walls or floors.
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Will I need to seal a stone mosaic?
The decision to seal a stone mosaic depends on the desired effect and the final location of the mosaic, but many stone mosaics are sealed in some way to prevent staining or to bring out the colors by simulating a "wet" look. Stone mosaics that will be grouted should be sealed before grouting to keep the grout from sticking to the surface or filling crevices in the stone. Sealers are available in most tile, hardware, and building supply stores.
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Will I need to grout a mosaic made with stone tiles?
The decision to grout a stone mosaic depends on the placement of the stones, the desired effect, and the final location of the mosaic.  See the section on Finishing for tips when grouting stone tiles
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Will I need to polish a stone mosaic?
Stone mosaics in floors are often polished to some degree to provide a smooth walking surface. A fairly smooth surface can be obtained without polishing by using the indirect method to create your mosaic.
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How do I polish a stone mosaic?
Start with coarse silicon oxide sandpaper (like 40 grit), and select finer sandpaper as the mosaic becomes smoother. Belt sanders seem to work better than orbital and disk sanders.
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