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Granite Tile Countertops
The Benefits of Granite Tile and How to
Install Granite Tile Kitchen Countertops
By Mark J.
Donovan
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Today almost everyone would like to incorporate
granite kitchen countertops into their kitchen designs. However, solid granite
countertops are very expensive and not all homeowners can afford them. There is
a lower cost alternative though that can enable more homeowners to incorporate
granite into their kitchens. Granite tile countertops offer nearly the same look
as solid granite countertops but at much more affordable material and
installation costs.
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In addition, granite tile
countertops also offer the same beautiful aesthetics and
functionality as solid granite countertops. Like solid
granite countertops, granite tile countertops are nearly
impervious to heat and are ideal for rolling out pie crusts
and other baking activities.
Granite Tile Countertop Advantages
Granite tile for countertops use the same quarried granite
material as solid granite countertops, however in smaller
and thinner pieces. When granite is quarried not all
material is large enough for fabricating solid granite
kitchen countertops. However the smaller granite slabs can
be used for other applications such as tiles. Granite tiles
are commonly sliced into thin square tiles of various
dimensions and used in flooring and wall applications,
custom showers, and kitchen countertops.
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Granite tiles come in a few standard dimensions including 12, 24 and 36 inch
square dimensions. Since granite is a natural stone there’s nearly an unlimited
variety of colors and tones to choose from, enabling a kitchen countertop color
design scheme for any kitchen remodel. Moreover, granite tiles can be purchased
with different finishes. In addition, due to the myriad of color choices,
granite title countertops can work with any type of wood or cabinet style. Also,
granite backsplashes can be included in the granite tile countertop design.
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Grout Lines
Some people may be concerned with the grout lines associated with granite tile
countertops, however the grout lines can be minimized in thickness and are
sealed to prevent any staining. Also, by picking grout colors that closely match
the granite tiles, the grout lines can blend in with the granite. Many
homeowners also elect to mix different size granite tiles, as well as colors, to
create unique patterns in their granite tile countertops.
How to Install Granite Tile Countertops
To install granite tile on a countertop a ¾ inch plywood substrate is first
installed and screwed down over the lower kitchen cabinets. Note that it’s
important to make sure that the cabinets are perfectly level before installing
the plywood substrate. Cement backer board, either ¼ or ½ inch thick, is then
screwed down to the plywood substrate. A thinset adhesive is then applied onto
the cement backer board with a notched trowel and the granite tiles are placed
into the thinset adhesive. A wet tile saw is used to cut the tiles.
If wrap-around tiles are to be installed around the kitchen countertop edge, a
thin furring strip is attached along the perimeter underside of the plywood
substrate. A cement backer board strip is then attached around the perimeter of
the plywood substrate. The granite tiles that are placed around the outer-edge
of the top surface of the countertop are positioned such that they overhang the
edge of the countertop to a width equal to the width of the small tile edge
pieces. The small tile edge pieces are then placed into the thinset adhesive and
held in place with tape.
So if you’re determined to have granite countertops in your kitchen, and you’re
on a tight kitchen remodeling budget, granite tile for countertops is a great
solution. By keeping grout seams at a minimum and applying a high quality grout
sealer to the seams on a periodic basis, you can have the look and durability of
solid granite countertops at a fraction of the cost.
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