Granite tile counter tops will upgrade any kitchen or bathroom. Few home improvement projects have the look and feel of granite counter tops. Granite counter tops are not only beautiful, they are very practical too. You can spend a lot of money to have granite tile installed or you can do it yourself. In this article see the steps to install a granite tile counter top.

First choose your tile. You'll have a large number of choices. Granite comes from different parts of the world. The color and patterns vary a great deal.

Part of the art to installing granite tile counter tops is deciding how to arrange tiles. Where do you start? Where will the cuts be? Which layout looks most attractive? After your base is installed, try laying some tiles, without adhesive, on the counter and see what looks best. Try different arrangements to see what you like. Move the dry tile around and save yourself a lot of grief later. If you are remodeling, the sink must come up and your range top if it is installed in the counter top. Sometimes these can just be propped up without removing them.

The base for the tile is important. Granite tile counter top can be installed over many materials. Formica is a good base. Just check with your dealer to choose the adhesive suited for your surface. A favorite base is Hardi-Backer cement board.

When you're ready to lay your granite tile, it's much like laying a floor. Spread the adhesive over an area with your tile trowel. Spread the adhesive with the notched side of your trowel. The right amount of adhesive is enough to stick the tile, but not so much that it oozes out of the joints. The size of the trowel notches and the angle of the trowel determines how much adhesive you apply.

Lay your tile using regular tile spacers to get the gaps between tiles consistent. Cut tile at edges and around any obstacles.

Cut using a wet saw. Finish trimming with tile nippers.

Install edge trim before grouting. An excellent trim is a stained hardwood piece nailed to the edge of the cabinet to cover the tile ends. After the tile adhesive is set, prepare to grout. Choose sanded grout if the joints are 1/8 inch or larger. Another alternative is epoxy grout, which is excellent for kitchens. Epoxy grout doesn't stain and is completely waterproof.

There you have the basic steps to completely update your home with granite tile counter tops. You'll have a beautiful, practical surface that can last for decades with minimum maintenance!

Have other questions? I know how it is.

Visit InstallingCeramicTile.Net to get answers to your questions and get some great resources to speed you to success with your project.

Al Bullington admires the beauty of granite tile from his home in the country.

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