Granite tiles countertop - installation

Hi M. .... I have seen many of your comments and posts on the 'net, but after viewing threads and opinions, I still need a professional definitive answer concerning granite counter tiles, namely - to butt or not to butt. I really don't want a noticeable grout line if possible. I am using a Crystal Azul tile and feel a light or dark grout will be too evident. It seems that there are as many proponents as dissuaders about butting the joints. I am considering using a very tight (1/16th max) spacing. After applying the tiles to the mortared surface, I would clean out any material that squeezes through the joint with a thin tool. After the mortar sets, I would use a clear silicone adhesive caulk forced into the joint, then the beveled v-joint will be tooled just slightly below the surface ( or scraped even with the tile??). This would seem to satisfy the crowd that claims it would not anchor enough if it doesn't get between the tiles. What do you think? Appreciate any help here. TOM T

 

Dear Tom:

Very much like a natural stone floor, a natural stone tile countertop must be sealed. And I'm not talking about some stone sealer in a bottle, here: I'm talking that no water should ever be able to find its way under the tiles. One of the most important features of grout is to accomplish that. If you butt-joint, the grout (or whatever) that's filling the “v” grooves where the two beveled edges of the tiles meet will represent only a pretty afterthought; it wouldn't have any “root” and it will come out quickly allowing water (and other liquids) to find their way under the tiles.

So, here's the scoop: leave a 1/16” grout gap and then use color-matching latex-based caulking to fill the gaps. Make sure that you push the stuff deep between the tiles by using a flexible 3” putty knife, working a small section (3 to 4 tiles max). Before it has a chance to harden, “shave” it flush to the surface of the stone with a 3' razor blade. Clean any possible film still sitting on the stone surface with a finger wrapped around a damp piece of terry cloth and then you move on to the next small section. Done!

Now remember, it's never too early to think about the proper maintenance of your stone. The issue of what you'll be doing day in and day out to your stone is – as it should be intuitive – vastly more important than its sealing (if and when possible and/or advisable) and it's all too often neglected. As you can tell by reading many of this site's postings, you're not likely to get good information about it from your dealer or installer. Don't become another statistic! By logging into the Helpful Hints section of our website at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/helpful-hints.htm , you will be able to get the short version of our maintenance guidelines at no charge. The full version of it – a 7-page document considered by many as an industry benchmark – is available in pay-per-download format in our Educational Literature section at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/literature.htm .  

And remember, every single penny of the cost of the literature will be used to support this site and its cause: your cause.

While you are in the “Helpful Hints” section, do spend some time reading all of the interesting FREE articles you'll find in there!

Finally, keep in mind that we need your support to help us helping you!

Will you please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?    

By spreading the word about this valuable site among your friend & family and the stone trades' people you've been dealing with, you will be rendering everybody a valuable service!

Thank you  

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri z io Bertoli

 

www.marblecleaning.org – The only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!