I would really like to know where to get instruction on HOW TO install granite tile on my kitchen counters. This is new construction, so, no existing countertop.

For the proper buildup of the substrate under the granite tiles go to www.creativeceramicandmarble.com Scroll down to countertops and backsplashes and click on it. There will be pictures along with a description of substrate requirements. After you read that you can post back here and get more details.

I must admit, it's scary how vague the first link was, as well as the statement to use an adhesive under the backer as opposed to thinset and to butt the tiles instead of leaving a 1/16" or so space. Please follow Bill's instructions on the link Bob provided.

I know this is an old thread, but I thought it a good idea to add that although that first link is pretty vague with reference as to how to put the subsurface together, it DOES contain some good information and shouldn't be discounted totally.

If you go to Lowe's floor department there is a brochure about installing this tile. Also they do siminars every few months on subjects such as this. Also when you order the tile there is an instruction sheet included most of the time.

I would not trust ANY installation instructions from either Lowes OR Home Depot. I can't even tell you do get their instructions and do the opposite, because some of the instructions they give are correct, and others are a surefire way to make your installation fail.

Question:
I installed baltic brown granite tile on my counter as well as the first 6 inches of backsplash (accent strip and travertine above that, all the way to the cabinets). I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I'm not sure where, but I remember hearing that I should use a silicone caulk/grout where the wall meets the counter. A local tile shop where I got the travertine seemed to support this plan.

Is this actually necessary? Can I instead just use the same unsanded grout that I used everywhere else? Is the caulk intended to address expansion/contraction due to temperature variance? Is it a water barrier thing?

If it IS something I must do, where can I get BLACK silicone grout? The tile shop gave me a tube of Spectrum 2000 Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk, which I tried. The label says "sanded - black." It came out a silvery gray, and it dried...a silvery gray. It looked TERRIBLE next to the baltic brown. Fortunately I was suspicous and only had to remove it on a small test area. (I tried to buy the same brand as the black grout - Custom Building Products Polyblend, but Home Depot seems to carry all of the colors EXCEPT for black...)

I have seen many photos of black or dark granite counter with granite tile backsplash, including the often cited creativeceramicandmarble.com. I just can't tell what was used between counter and backsplash.

I will of course be applying a quality sealer to the entire project upon completion.

Any insight will be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

Hey Eric-- what I use is indeed, caulking (and what SHOULD be used). The reason for it is that there is so much movement at that point, just from leaning against the counters, as well as placing things on it, that grout will crack out almost immediately. However, instead of silicone, what I use is latex caulking from the same manufacturer as the grout, made to look like the grout you used on the granite. That way, once dry, it LOOKS like the grout, but will hold up much better.

As for the caulking I used on the ubatuba countertops you see on the website, it was Mapei's charcoal grout and caulk. One thing you might think about-- you don't need sanded caulking. You want to MATCH the grout exactly, so in your case, you'd want the UNsanded caulk.

Bill,
Thanks for the quick reply. I pretty much figured that would be the answer. I have since checked the Custom Building Products web site, and found that they not only do not sell charcoal color in the sanded caulk, in unsanded they only sell "snow white" color!

I will apparently be using a different brand. I'll look for Mapei's or something else.

Thanks again!

Eric