Granite Tile Install Question...

lacyj

I have some 12" granite tiles that I want to use for my kitchen counters. Is there something I should use instead of grout between them? I was going to use hardi-board/wonder board and thin-set under them. These are granite samples from the local tile guy and have a slight bevel on the edges. What is the best way to seal the seams? There will be lots of them... ;-}
Thanks,
lacyj

Jason Whipple

There are people more qualified to answer this than me, but I can say that you have a tough job on your hands! I've done one or two granite tile tops like you've described and they have to be perfectly level at the surface or it looks like hell!

Good luck Man!

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Jason E Whipple, General Manager
Historic House Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Norrrrrrrrrrrrm

Use a non-sanded grout for your lines and you can use a high quality sealer.

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Norman Sharp
http://www.sharpimprovements.com

Splinter

epoxy grout.. a bit hard to work with, but it wont stain like a cement grout... Try Spectralock available at Lowes...

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- Alex

Long Island Remodeling Contractor

72chevy4x4

I've used the Spectralock and for a small job like your countertop, it shouldn't be too bad. Follow instructions though and wear the gloves!

Are you sure about the beveled edges looking ok on your surface? A more open joint may be better as a tight joint with a bevel after grout may not look as nice.

OneCall

Actually not that big of a deal, the more pertinent question is what you will do on the edges? If you did not buy bullnose, you have a cut edge when your wrap the edges. You can use diamond pads to polish it. I use 3/4" plywood, then 1/4 hardi and then tile to that. Makes ure you use nonsanded grout, and you can seal the grout lines and tile all at the same time.

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Cy Megnin
One Call Property Services
"Fixing the world one house at a time"

Kgmz

I have used Benissimo granite tiles with the bullnose.

Use epoxy grout or non sanded grout and seal when you seal the whole thing like mentioned before.

Also since these tiles have a beveled edge, lay the tiles tight to each other.

Here is the link to the Benissimo installation instructions.
http://www.benissimosystems.com/Gran...n/default.aspx

OneCall

I would agree with that Benissimo has an awesome product, they even have the bullnose corners. Most granite tile manufacturers just sell two foot sections that are about 4" wide for bullnose. The downfall is the price. The last job we did, looked like a slab but was only 20% cheaper than actual slab because it had so many corners. The field tiles were $13 the Bullnose (one edge) were $22 and the corner pieces were $31! It looked awesome though.

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Cy Megnin
One Call Property Services
"Fixing the world one house at a time"

Precisiongrout

It has been my experience that the epoxy grout in the counter top environment is the best choice hands down. With that said I would pay close attention to the cleaning and inspection of the grout before it sets up. Look for voids using a portable lamp it will make the lows stand out. The cost is more initially, but the staining or re grouting that might be needed in the future will catch up in the end.

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Precsion Grout & Caulk Spokane Couer D' Alene

StoneHorseTile

Butt tight tiling with sealed high quality QuartzLoc or epoxy grout would be best. Epoxy is better and impregnable, but as PrecisionGrout says, slick finishing the grout is way -important- or you'll have pits and voids.
Jason is right....every tile must be absolute flat and level or it's a botched job. Chevy 4x4? Sorry, but wide joint is never an option for granite, and if ever it was an option, never on a counter.
Interesting, no one mentions polishing edges, but instead, utilizes wood trim or pre-manufactured bullnose pieces.

Other than OneCall, Am I the last person on earth who still polishes granite edges with water-fed diamond pads?

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greg24k

Lacy, best thing you can do is hire a tile contractor, who knows what they doing... if you lose control working with epoxy grout that the guys here telling you to use, you will end up with a huge headache.
If you still wish to go ahead and DIY, ask this question on DIY chat, this site is for professional contractors only.

Good luck

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angus242

Just so everyone's aware, the OP is 2 years old.

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Angus
L+M+O+P=C
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Kyras

Happy Birthday !!!!

StoneHorseTile

Based on many of the post's I see, I'd say ^^^that's true for about 75%. Either that or they think they can come here and get step-by-step instructions for work they're not willing to pay a professional to do.

It's laughable in most cases.

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www.StonehorseTile.com Providing World Class Tile, Marble and Stone Installations 404.543.3210
"The bitterness of poor quality last far longer than the sweetness of a cheap price". (anonymous)

Frank P

Don't they sell pre-fab granite countertops out where you guys are at? 8' long bullnosed edge left or right, with a 6" splash? $375-$550.

So many granite guys out here I can get tiles BN for $8-10 per foot. I still have the pads somewhere in the garage.