Stone tiles are a popular flooring option due to their durability, natural beauty, and versatility. However, one common issue that can arise with stone tile flooring is uneven tiles or lippage. Lippage refers to the unevenness between adjoining tiles, where one tile sits higher or lower than its neighbour.
How Does Lippage Occur?
Lippage in stone tile flooring can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is improper installation. If the tiles are not laid out evenly or if the substrate underneath the tiles is not level, the tiles may not sit flat and can create lippage.
Another common cause of lippage is the variation in the thickness of the tiles. Even when tiles are selected from the same batch or lot, there may be slight variations in thickness, which can result in an uneven surface.
Lippage can also occur when tiles are not properly supported during installation. If the tiles are not fully bonded to the substrate with enough adhesive, they may shift or settle, creating an uneven surface.
How Do You Fix Lippage?
In Brisbane, uneven tiles are pretty common, and they can be frustrating for homeowners. Fortunately, there are ways to fix this issue and achieve a smooth, polished finish on your stone tile flooring.
The first step to fixing lippage is to level the entire floor. This can be done using metal bonds or harder diamond tools, which are designed to remove the high points of the tiles and leave everything flat. The process involves running a floor machine over the entire surface of the floor, flattening the high spots and removing any bumps or ridges that may be present.
Once the stone floor has been levelled, the next step is to polish it to achieve a showroom-quality finish. This is done using diamond polish, which comes in different grades or levels of coarseness. The polishing process involves working through these grades, starting with the coarsest grade and gradually moving to finer grades until the desired level of shine and smoothness is achieved.
Overall, fixing uneven tiles or lippage in stone tile flooring requires a combination of levelling and polishing techniques. While it can be a time-consuming process, the end result is a beautifully polished and even floor that will enhance the look and value of any space.
If you are experiencing lippage or uneven tiles in your stone tile flooring, it is recommended to consult with a professional who specializes in stone tile installation and restoration. They can assess the situation and provide recommendations on the best course of action to achieve the desired results. Contact the team at Marble Everlast today for a free quote on 0401 508 938.
