When beginning my installation along a wall, do I need to leave an expansion gap?
Yes. A ¼" expansion gap should be left to leave room for expansion and contraction. In higher moisture environments, a color-matched caulk should be used to fill this gap.
What tools and materials are needed to install SnapStone® tile?
The following items are recommended to install SnapStone tile: Safety goggles, ear protection, rubber mallet*, tapping block*, pull bar*, tape measure, speed square, straight edge, wet saw, undercut saw, utility knife, rubber gloves, margin trowel*, hard rubber-edged grout float*, 5-gallon bucket of water, sponge*. *Included in SnapStone Installation Toolkit
How do I assemble SnapStone tile?
SnapStone tile can be installed using a white-headed rubber mallet and tapping block. Be sure to place the tapping block squarely against the tile, never against the plastic tray.
What if I have trouble snapping two tiles together?
If tiles are difficult to snap together, mix water and dish soap in a spray bottle, and moisten tabs.
Should an expansion gap be left along the perimeter of the installation?
Yes. A ¼" expansion gap should be left to leave room for expansion and contraction. In higher moisture environments, a quality silicon should be used to fill this gap.
Is there an easy way to remove the tabs of the SnapStone tile if installing along the perimeter?
Yes. The tabs can be removed by carefully using tin snips or a wet saw. However, most of the time, tiles used around the perimeter will be cut, and tabs will already be removed.
How long do I have to stay off the tile before I can grout?
You can start grouting immediately.
One area of my SnapStone floor requires very small cuts (about 1"). Will I be able to connect the tabs?
A minimum of two tabs per side is needed to interlock any two SnapStone tile pieces together. However, if the layout of the floor requires a smaller piece be used, use a construction adhesive under the small pieces to make sure they remain secured.
Do I have to install each tile in the same direction?
No. The tabs of a SnapStone tile will interlock with another tile from any side.
What if an interlocking tab is damaged?
The patented SnapSys Interloc® tray is engineered to lock and function properly with as few as 4 connected tabs. If 4 or more tabs are damaged, use this piece as a cut tile along the perimeter.
How do I connect SnapStone tile along the perimeter?
Leaving a ¼" gap along the perimeter, a coated pull bar should be used to gently apply pressure until tabs interlock completely.
What is a dye lot, and does it matter?
A tile's dye lot refers to the coloration and reflectivity of a tile. Tiles from the same lot will have a more consistent finish, color and sheen. It is important to purchase all your tile from the same dye lot to ensure a pleasing aesthetic appearance. SnapStone Tile's lot numbers are provided by the UPC code on each package.
