In a message dated 2/1/00 12:41:56 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> For a lobby restoration in an 1880's apartment building, my wife the
designer
>  is perplexed.  She is retro-installing some marble pavers (original
flooring
>  not clear) - the contractor wants 3/8" thick pavers, but she thinks 3/4"
>  thick is more like it.  She  thinks 3/8" pavers will crack - don't you?
>  They're about 9 x 18", and will be laid on a poured concrete floor.

Sharpshooter,

The 3/8" is a thinset application (a mastic layer similar to laying floor
tile) and if properly constructed is serviceable. You have to make sure the
substrate will not bend (like in plywood) or crack. The 3/4" is more
appropriate for a mud set application (1-1/2 to 2" of mortar). The mud set is
a more difficult process and requires skill, and therefore more expensive.
The thin set is as difficult as setting tile on a bathroom floor. If I had a
choice I'd go w/ the 3/4" for durability.

][<en