What Every Stone Owner Should Know .04 De-Lippage

De-Lippage

De-Lippage is the process by which the surface is aggressively sanded to remove large stocks of the stone. This process is usually recommended when the stone is first install and the stone tiles are uneven. Lippage is the term given to uneven tiles that are set higher than one another. De-Lippage/ground in place is recommended when the lippage exceeds 1/8 inch or if one desires to have a completely flat floor.

There are some very good reasons for De-Lipping a stone floor. A flat floor is easier to maintain; since there will be no lips where dirt can accumulate. The grinding process, if performed correctly, will also eliminate depressed grout joints—the grout will be even with the tile's surface so that dirt and grime can't accumulate. A completely flat floor eliminates all unevenness, giving the floor the illusion of being monolithic.

	grinding This is the second stage in securing a flawless surface. This stage will remove all scratches from any de-lipped surface.

	grout GROUT The material used to fill in the joints between stone tile. Grout can be cement or plastic resins.