about grout with marble tile squares

I am interested in laying granite tile squares over a heated flooring in my bathroom. I have the following questions. 1. Can I even lay the polished granite/marble tiles over heated flooring? 2. Specifically what barrier to I put down between the heating element, and the tiles. 3. What affixative do you recommend to put down to affix the tiles to the flooring? 4. This is important: do you put anything in between the tiles, or just lay tight with nothing between the tiles? Or do you use a combination of nothing and clear epoxy if there is an area, which could get some moisture on them .....like near the shower or toilet? Please answer my questions, as I would love to do this. Many thanks. Ruth Neijna Highlands, NC

 

Dear Ruth:

 

“ 1. Can I even lay the polished granite/marble tiles over heated flooring? ”

 

Yes, you can.

 

“ 2. Specifically what barrier to I put down between the heating element, and the tiles. ”

 

This kind of installation is not really my cup of tea. My answer wouldn't be qualified enough. However, I do know that it depends on whether the heating elements are hot water or electric. A good installer is certainly more intelligent than me on this one.

 

“ 3. What affixative do you recommend to put down to affix the tiles to the flooring? ”

 

Ditto. It is not really my specific field. I know a few things about it, but not enough to feel comfortable with a precise answer.

 

“ 4. This is important: do you put anything in between the tiles, or just lay tight with nothing between the tiles? Or do you use a combination of nothing and clear epoxy if there is an area, which could get some moisture on them .....like near the shower or toilet? ”

 

Never – never – for any reason install stone tiles butt-joint! You must leave a grout gap of 1/16” and make sure that the grout is pushed in between the tiles as deep as possible. Inside the shower I recommend to grout with color-matching caulk: it is stain-less and water-proof and much less likely to become loose and/or crack.

 

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