Getting Started
Before you can begin your project make sure you got the right materials and tools required to do the job. Here are just some essential items that you will need to start your stone installation. Depending on your project you may or may not utilize all materials and tools listed.

Safety First
Remember when working with tile to wear protective working clothes and protective eyewear when cutting stone. Wear comfortable clothes that will protect you and also allow free range of motion. Do not continue to work if you have an existing injury. Be conscience of others and do not make a nuisance that will cause injury or accidents to others around your workspace. A lot of accidents can be avoided, so plan ahead before you start any project.

Right Place At The Wrong Time
One of the most essential items that you will need for any remodeling project is time! Make sure you plan and set aside enough time before you dive into a project that is more than you can tackle. If you plan to redo the bathroom or kitchen, let everyone in your household know that the area will be inaccessible for the next few weeks. Find an alternative room for the displaced furniture items. If a bathroom is out of commission plan a schedule to share a bathroom. And set a daily work schedule so that mortar mixing does not coincide with dinner time. It will reduce the shock!

Cutting Tools
Here are just a few examples of cutting tools that will be handy for a tile installation: Wet saw, tile nippers, diamond tip cutter, rubbing stone, heavy-duty electric drill, hack saw with rod saw blade, masonry chisel, Hand Tools and Supplies protective eye wear, latex gloves, working gloves, pencil, paper, conversion ruler, level, masking tape, tape measure, framing square, caulk line, 1/4¡± notched trowel, 1/8¡± notched trowel, V-notched trowel, mortar mixer, rubber mallet, mixing bucket, tile spacers, sponges, putty knife, grout bag, mason¡¯s trowel, margin trowel, grouting float, cheesecloth, terrycloth, squeegee, caulking gun, small brush, paint roller, hammer, mallet baby sledge hammer, steel finishing trowel,

Adhesives
Latex-modified thin-set mortar for most installations. Epoxy thin-set may also be required. Ready mix organic mastics. Water-mixed mortar also referred to as dry-set mortar. This is a blend of Portland cement, sand, additives, and mixed with water.

Grout
There are a number of grouts to choose from. Grout is usually sold dry with all of the ingredients mixed together. The installer just needs to mix with water. Grout is also available in a premixed form. Use unsanded grout for marble and slate tiles. Choose a grout color that will match your tile color.

Caulk
The best choice for long lasting protection against mildew is by using is silicone caulk. Squeeze tubes and Caulk tubes used with a caulk gun are the most easiest and cleanest methods to applied caulk on edges and gaps. Clear Sealants: sealing the tile can improve the appearance of your stone and protect it from dirt, water and stains. Choose a low-sheen penetrating sealer for floors. Always test on a scrap piece before applying on the finished area to make sure it won¡¯t discolor your tiles. Granite and other hybrid stones do not need a sealer.

Setting bed and substrate materials
Installing a setting bed before you lay your tiles is important as the tile itself. Tile floors require a strong and stiff bed. Any imperfection in the floor can cause the tile to crack. Choose from a number of different substrate materials: Moisture-resistant drywall, cement base backer board, gypsum based backer board, concrete slab, drywall and plywood. Tile can also be applied over a mud set or mortar bed. This not only requires some skill but, lots of cement about 1-2 inched thick and reinforced wire mesh. Make sure you have a strong sub floor to hold the extra weight. In addition to using backer boards, some installations require the use of a membrane layer. A membrane is a waterproofing material used to prevent moisture from penetrating through the surface down to the foundation. Expansion joints are also installed to prevent the tiles from cracking and allow tiles to expand and contract during the changing temperature conditions. If you plan to install radiant heating in your floor, install the system first before laying the membrane.