Installation Guide

WWW.SOLISTONE.COM
INFORMATION & GUIDELINES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF BASALT
RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION
Formed from rapid cooling lava on Earth’s surface, SOLISTONE Basalt tiles bring style and
texture to any application. Suggested applications include interior and exterior feature walls,
water features, fireplaces, and entertainment areas.
NOTE: this document contains only guidelines for the installation process. A professional installer
should always be consulted to discuss the specific parameters surrounding your project.
SUBSTRATES
All substrates should be firmly fixed, flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants such as dust, oil,
paint, sealers etc. to ensure proper adhesion. Painted surfaces must be scuffed or sanded for the
product and adhesive to bond correctly. Wet areas need special attention and require
appropriate substrates, e.g. concrete, cement boards (compressed sheet), and/or treated
plywood. The use of reinforced waterproof membranes is suggested, and in the case of floors, a
fall to the drainage point of no less than two inches. The use of metal lathing is recommended for
larger heavier stones to ensure maximum support of the structure.
WATERPROOF MEMBRANES
Waterproof membranes prevent leakage of water through to the sub-floor framing and/or
habitable spaces below. Particular attention must be paid to carrying the membrane up the wall,
outside shower boxes, installation of bond breakers and sealing around penetrations. It is strongly
recommended that membrane systems be used in all wet areas. Some systems involve the use of a
primer.
CUTTING
Basalt can be cut with a wet saw or with a hand grinder using a diamond or masonry blade.
ADHESIVE
Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions carefully. SOLISTONE does not recommend one
brand of adhesive over another. Please check with your local tile supply store for alternative and
comparable products.
The manufacturer's literature will explain if the adhesive product is suitable for interiors and/or
exteriors, as well as walls and floors. Most thinset mortars (multi purpose and polymer modified
thinsets) are adequate for installing natural stones. A cement-based adhesive is generally suitable
on masonry substrates where no movement is anticipated. Where slight movement could occur
through thermal or pedestrian loads, a modified cement adhesive should be used as a minimum. A
bonding agent is always recommended for larger heavier stones. It is very important that each
stone is embedded in the adhesive. To make sure there is 100% coverage you can tap the stones
into the adhesive with a rubber mallet.