Just like the ceramic tile, laying granite tile countertop is quite easy, except for the edges.  That is why the first decision that you have to make is to decide how the countertop will be finished.  There are several options for the edges while laying granite tile countertop.  They are the custom made bullnose edge, a polished square edge, wood trim, a complementary ceramic rail or cap or a manufactured metal profile made for tile installations.

Edges

The bullnose edge is normally made by a company which specializes in polishing stone.  The tile is first rounded over and then polished, so that it matches the finished side of the tile.  A face piece is fixed on the front of the countertop and the countertop looks thick with a polished edge and rounded at the corners.

Another option for the edges before laying granite tile countertop is to use the square polish.  The result is similar to the bullnose option, but the edges are square.  To finish the countertop edge sometimes wood moldings can be used.  You could also have ceramic tiles and have granite tiles installed inside the ceramic pieces.  Metal edges are often used to develop to finish tile edges.

Setting Pattern

After the edges have been decided, the actual laying granite tile countertop is considered.  Kitchen countertops have a standard depth and all granite tiles are exactly 12 inches by 12 inches and are butted together with a very fine grout seam.

For laying granite tile countertop in a very good kitchen, the tiles will either have a diagonal or a diamond pattern. The cuts at the back are generally small, if the kitchen cabinets are a standard size. If you have the right wood molding or a ceramic rail on the front edge, you do not need the small remainder cut at the back.  You could make any other design, by using your imagination and creativity, so that the cut at the back can be spared and yet the beauty of the stone remains.

Underlayment

Once the seal is grouted, you have to look at the underlayment while laying granite tile countertop.  This should be made of a quarter-inch cement board which is attached with adhesive and screws to fabricated wood base countertops. The seams in the board should be taped and filled with setting mortar.

Bedding the Tiles

Bedding the tiles is an important part of laying granite tile countertop.  Applying the thinset, then creating the mortar bed for the tiles have to be done carefully. Each tile has to be carefully bedded and the alignment has to be perfect.

The calculation of the number of tiles that you need is according to the footage and the width of the tiles.  If you have wide peninsulas or islands in the kitchen, they too have to be calculated.  Besides, you have to subtract the areas for cook tops, stoves, sinks or other built-ins.  Keep some extra tiles on hand, because there may always be some breakage and miscuts during laying granite tile countertop.

Tags: Laying Granite Tile Countertop

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