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installation of granite countertops & island top

What is the correct way of installing granite countertops? Do you need a water barrer under granite? Do you glue tops onto plywood or float on a thinset? Can you lay island top on plywood without gluing or thinset?
 

Dear Diana:

 

Do you need a water barrer under granite?

 

No.

 

Do you glue tops onto plywood or float on a thinset?

 

I prefer to glue it, but just with a few dabs of glue here and there (and the right glue: 100% silicone or epoxy). Be cause of the difference in expansion value between the two materials I don't like full contact bonding.

 

Can you lay island top on plywood without gluing or thinset?

 

By all means.

 

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