East West Stone

Honey Gold -
Matted Flagstone

Matted Flagstone Flooring

East West Stone’s Matted Flagstone sections are specially engineered with pre-cut edges and angles that fit together like simple puzzle pieces. Please read all instructions prior to beginning installation. A latex modified mortar is recommended.

1. Surface Requirements: Matted Flagstone sections are best installed over a concrete sub-base that is a minimum of 3.5 inches thick. Entire installation surface must be clean and flat, and free of sealants, grease or other oily compounds.

2. "Dry Layout:" For best results, and to ensure a fast, efficient installation, place the mats throughout the DRY installation area (USING NO MORTAR). This will show you how the entire area will be covered, as well as confirm that you have enough Matted Flagstone for your project. Consider numbering each section of Matted Flagstone using chalk or masking tape. This will help you remember exactly where each mat goes and how it fits together with the adjoining mats. Refer to category "14" for the East West Stone installation grid.

3. Spreading Mortar: Once you're ready to begin laying the mats in place, use a masonry trowel to spread an even layer of mortar-approximately 1/2- inch thick. Spread the mortar out in an area that is slightly larger than the size of your first section of Matted Flagstone. Please note that the mortar will begin to set (harden) in five to 10 minutes.

4. Setting the Flagstone: Set the Matted Flagstone (in the same position as your dry layout) and firmly press it into the mortar bed to ensure that the mesh backing is embedded and that there is a bond between the stone and mortar. If you encounter a low stone, simply remove that piece from the mat and add extra mortar to that area. Replace the stone in the same location with the added mortar and the stone will now be the same height as the others. Use a level or other straight edge to confirm a flat and uniform surface from piece of stone to the next. Gentle taps from a large rubber mallet will effectively take down any high points. Repeat steps #3 and #4 until you've covered all surfaces that do not require custom cutting/fitting along borders, walls or edges.

5. Making Templates: Where your Matted Flagstone will butt up against walls or other straight borders, it's helpful to create a template (using light cardboard or butcher paper) to show you the exact shape of the partial mat section needed to fill the void. Simply place a straight edge of your cardboard along the wall and trace the outline of the area to be filled with a partial mat section.

6. Cutting Mat Sections: Identify the section of a full mat that best fits the area to be filled. Use the template to draw the straight line (that corresponds with the wall) onto the section of mat that must be cut. Set the mat on top of a pressed board or plywood. Hold the stone firmly against the cutting surface. Cut the marked Matted Flagstone section using a circular saw fitted with a special masonry saw blade. Spread the 1/2 - inch layer of mortar and set the newly cut mat section firmly in place (as in steps #3 and #4).

7. Installing Grout: Allow the mortar beneath your newly-installed Matted Flagstone to dry for at least 6 hours before installing grout. Prepare your selected grout mixture according to the directions on the packaging. Work the grout into the spaces between each piece of natural stone and remove excess grout with a wet sponge, making sure no grout is left behind on the surface of the stone. Finished grouting should be level with the surface of the stone. Use a standard grout material, and be sure to ask your dealer for recommendations on grout color choices to match your stone.

8. Optional Sealant: To ensure lasting beauty and to protect your stone against spills and stains, we recommend sealing all East West Stone surfaces. Sealants are available at your East West Stone dealer in either matt or gloss finish to meet your desired look.