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I have been playing with the idea of installing granite counter tops in my kitchen. I have asked several professionals about this idea and have received responses that seem to oppose the other. First, one said that I could install the tile with an epoxy and butt the tiles up with no spacing, while others say I should include spacing to allow for expansion. Personally I think spacing is a good idea, but would like to keep it to a minimum. What would you recommend? Also, what about the type of grout/epoxy? While I cant afford the granite counter top, I would like my granite tile counter top to resemble one as much as possible. Any other info/advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Replies
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Kevin,
Go ahead and but them tight. Expansion is not a problem
John
*Granite tile? Just how much expansion/contraction is taking place across 12"? This can get really technical.
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Currently installing granite tile floor. I agree that expansion/contraction shouldn't be a problem. You'll probably need a really stiff base so that flex/deflection doesn't cause you trouble. We're using thinset with pretty tight joints. Be aware that there are slight variations in the thickness of the tiles, even though they look identical. You gotta be careful when laying it if you want a smooth surface from one tile to the next, especially w/ tight joints.
*I'm getting ready to install a Granite Tile Counter top as well. Need to round over the edges. I was told to use a cup wheel on my tile saw. Is this the way to go? Any other suggestions?
*"Gotta be careful when laying it if you want a smooth surface"Can you add some advice here? Do you lay a few and then tamp them down with a strait edge? Do you need to use a relatively dry mix of thinset to keep them from slumping after you set the tiles?Man, it seems that one poorly laid tile would irritate you for the rest of your days. Would be nice not to have grout lines, though.
*The Granite tiles that I have seen are not squared off. They have a small cut off edge. It looks to me that a 1/16 grout line is neccasary or you will have a small gap between each tile.
*The granite tiles I've seen do have a micro-bevel. I believe it's there for the same reason as micro-bevels on T&G flooring--to mask slight variations in installed height, and the sharp corners that would result.Sorry I don't have any real suggestions for achieving perfectly consistent levels. Mine has turned out pretty nice for a floor, but isn't as good as I'd want for a countertop. I don't pretend to be a pro tile setter; I'll defer to their opinion on how to do this. I'm an amateur who can recognize a potential problem. It might take a pro to offer the solution.From doing it, I'd guess it's impossible to avoid grout on a horizontal surface. No matter how good a job you did, there'd always be crevices to catch spilled liquids and such. You could avoid grout on walls though.
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I have been playing with the idea of installing granite counter tops in my kitchen. I have asked several professionals about this idea and have received responses that seem to oppose the other. First, one said that I could install the tile with an epoxy and butt the tiles up with no spacing, while others say I should include spacing to allow for expansion. Personally I think spacing is a good idea, but would like to keep it to a minimum. What would you recommend? Also, what about the type of grout/epoxy? While I cant afford the granite counter top, I would like my granite tile counter top to resemble one as much as possible. Any other info/advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks