Stone Floor Installation in Kansas City, MO

We start with a thorough site evaluation to assess the current conditions of your floor. Our experts check for moisture issues, structural concerns, and floor levelness. A level base is crucial for stone flooring - even slight irregularities can lead to cracked tiles and uneven surfaces.

If we detect uneven areas, we use specialized leveling compounds to create a perfectly flat surface. For concrete subfloors, we may need to grind down high spots or fill low areas. Wood subfloors might require reinforcement to handle stone's weight.

We also measure humidity levels in your space. Stone is sensitive to moisture, so we ensure environmental conditions are optimal before installation begins. This evaluation process typically takes 1-2 hours but saves days of potential problems later.

Underlayment is the hidden hero of successful stone floor installations. We help you select the appropriate material based on your specific needs and stone type.

For natural stone like marble or granite, we often recommend cement backer board which provides a rigid, stable base. In moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, we install waterproof membrane underlayments to prevent water damage.

Some situations benefit from uncoupling membranes that allow slight independent movement between the subfloor and stone, preventing cracks during seasonal expansion and contraction.

We also consider sound dampening properties, especially for upper-floor installations. The right underlayment can significantly reduce noise transfer between floors.

Layout planning is where artistry meets precision. We create detailed diagrams showing exactly how each stone tile will be positioned in your space. We carefully consider:

• Traffic patterns
• Room focal points
• Natural light sources
• Transitions between rooms

The starting point is crucial - we typically begin from the center of the room and work outward to ensure balanced borders and minimal cutting around edges.

For patterned installations like herringbone or basket weave, we create mock-ups so you can visualize the final result. We also pre-sort stone tiles by color variation, ensuring a harmonious blend throughout your space.

Our planning process eliminates surprises and ensures your stone flooring displays the natural beauty and character you expect.

Before installing stone tiles, we thoroughly inspect and prepare your subfloor. This critical step ensures your new stone floor will remain stable and crack-free for years to come.

First, we remove any existing flooring and clean the subfloor completely. We check for uneven areas using specialized leveling tools and correct any issues with leveling compounds. Uneven surfaces can cause stone tiles to crack over time.

For concrete subfloors, we repair any cracks and apply a moisture barrier if needed. Wood subfloors typically require reinforcement with cement backer board to provide a solid foundation.

We also check for proper subflooring thickness and structural support. Stone is heavy, and your floor joists must be able to handle the additional weight without sagging.

Our skilled technicians use specialized equipment to cut stone tiles with precision and minimal waste. This ensures proper fitting and beautiful patterns in your finished floor.

We use wet saws with diamond blades specifically designed for stone cutting. These tools allow us to make clean, precise cuts without damaging the stone. For intricate cuts around fixtures or edges, we use nippers and hand tools.

Before permanent installation, we perform a dry layout of your stone tiles. This allows us to:

• Verify pattern alignment
• Ensure consistent spacing
• Adjust tile placement for optimal visual appeal
• Minimize small cut pieces in visible areas

We also plan the layout to avoid narrow strips of tile along walls and ensure the most attractive pieces are prominently featured in your space.

Proper adhesive selection and application are essential for a successful stone floor installation. We use only premium-grade thinset mortars formulated specifically for natural stone.

The troweling technique varies based on your specific stone type. We typically use a 1/2" notched trowel for most natural stone installations, creating ridges in the adhesive that compress when the tile is set, ensuring full coverage.

For porous stones like limestone or travertine, we apply a stone sealer to the back of each tile before setting. This prevents moisture from the thinset from staining your beautiful stone.

We use spacers to maintain consistent grout lines between tiles. After setting, we allow proper curing time before grouting - usually 24-48 hours depending on environmental conditions. This patience ensures your new stone floor will remain stable and beautiful for years.

We carefully apply grout between your newly installed stone tiles to create a seamless, finished look. Our professional installers use color-matched grout that complements your stone selection rather than competing with it.

The grouting process typically takes 24-48 hours to fully cure. During this time, it's important to limit foot traffic on your new floor. After the grout has cured, we apply a high-quality stone sealer to protect your investment.

Our sealing process penetrates deep into the stone, creating an invisible barrier against stains, moisture, and everyday wear. Most natural stone is porous, making this step crucial for longevity. We use only premium sealers appropriate for your specific stone type - whether it's marble, travertine, slate, or granite.

Once grouting and sealing are complete, we conduct a thorough inspection of your stone floor installation. Our team checks for:

• Consistent grout lines and proper coverage
• Even tile placement and alignment
• Complete sealer application
• Proper stone tile cleaning

We meticulously clean your new stone floor using specialized stone-safe cleaning products. This removes any haze from the grouting process and reveals the natural beauty of your stone.

We don't consider the job complete until you're fully satisfied with the appearance and quality of your new stone floor. Our team leader will walk through the space with you to ensure every detail meets our high standards.