Easy Tips on How to Install Natural Stone Tile Countertops

If you want to have the look of natural stone in your kitchen, you should learn how to install natural stone tile countertops. Stone tiles are much less expensive than stone slab. These tiles offer the same visual interest as stone but they are not as massive in appearance. With good installation, the tiles will appear to be as smooth as stone. Using this short guide you will learn how to install natural stone tile countertops with ease.

Granite tile is very strong and stain-resistant. It is a very popular choice for kitchen countertops. Any type of stone can be used for countertops, even that made for floors, but you should inquire about the stain-resistance of these types of stone and find out whether you should use a sealer on them.

A kitchen countertop is usually 25 inches deep with an overhang of at least ½ inch. Using 12 inch square tiles is a good choice for kitchen cabinets. A wider backsplash can be used if you want a wider overhang.

There are a number of options for the front edge of the countertop. One-inch wide pieces of the tile that have been cut can be tucked under the edge of the surface tile and this gives the appearance of a thick slab. Several coats of clear lacquer can be applied to the tile edges if they are not polished. These edges can also be polished by a fabricator.

If you use decorative wood trim, you will need to install it beneath the surface of the tiles and it should be around 1/16 inch below the tile surface You don't want the fastener heads to show so you should be sure to use a biscuit joiner to avoid this. You also need to ensure that enough fastening space is available to do this.

When learning how to install natural stone tile countertops, you will need to be sure to have a good subsurface on which to work. This subsurface must be smooth, level and straight. Plywood or plywood which is topped with concrete backer board can be used for this purpose.

When installing these tiles, you can use thin set mortar which is the same material that you would use with ceramic tile. Plastic spacers need to be used between the tiles to keep them even. Once the spacers are in place, you can begin to fill joints with grout. If you are using a polished surface material for your countertops, the spaces between the joints should only be 1/8 inch so that you can use un-sanded grout. Sanded grout will scratch a polished surface.

If you want your countertops to appear nearly seamless, you should cut all of your pieces. Once the pieces are cut they should be put in place butted up against each other with no gaps. Once you achieve the look that you want, you can apply these tiles by using a caulk gun for the purpose of applying a silicone sealant/adhesive using a closely placed "squiggle" pattern. You should then set your tiles onto the adhesive being sure to press them gently into place. You should be sure to remove any excess adhesive with a solvent-dampened cloth. In order to keep a flat and smooth surface, a beater board should be used. After you have waited for about 24 hours you should apply a granite sealer to the joints between the tiles.

Learning how to install natural stone tile countertops does not have to be an overwhelming process. By using some instructions and being patient during the process to ensure that it is done properly, you should end up with beautiful countertops.