12 inch granite tiles

[carlb23]

I am planning to re-do my kitchen countertop using 12x12" granite tiles. I would like to butt the tiles together to get a more seamless look rather than grouting.  I have been looking into this and have found several schools of thought. 

In all cases i will make sure the tile edges are square before starting and that the fit is tight.

I would like to apply the tile directly over my existing Formica countertop which is not that old and in very good shape. I see that there are adhesives now that are designed for use on marble and granite and that ghosting is not a problem with them.   


Although more time consuming,I would prefer to butter the back of each tile as I go in a effort to keep the mastic slightly away from the edges.

What would be the best method to do this

1 should I install the tiles and apply an epoxy or other adhesive to the edge of each tile as i install them?

2. Install all of the tiles then tape all of the seams and use a water thin epoxy or other adhesive to fill the seams after the tiles have set?

3. None of the above?


Thanks

Carl

[Mark D.]

Carl,
None of the above.
Use a latex modified thinset and butter the entire back of each piece of granite.
If you apply over formica (which is probably NOT what you have) make sure the formica has been roughed up so the thinset bonds better.
Use a poly resin that you color to match the granite.
By the way, this job will probably be a nightmare for you. I think you would be much happier with the end result if you used a 1/16" grout line and then filled it with either a nonsanded grout or an epoxy grout.
Glad to be of service,
Mark

[carlb23]

Mark,

thanks for your reply and suggestions.  I think i will do some experimenting on a small powder room counter top and see how i make out.  I will update the forum when i am done and let you know how i make out.

carl

[creativemarbleandgranite]

just dont do it

[dweiums]

I'm interested in the answer to this since I was on this site looking for supplies for the same type of project - but with 24" x 24" tiles.

What's the nightmare?
The buttering of the tiles? Avoiding lips? Aligning joints?

[Mark D.]

The problem is that since there is no standardization in the stone industry when you start putting these tiles in you will find out that some of them are a diferent size ( a littlew bigger, a little thicker, etc.). That's what makes this job difficult.
If you want it to look like slab buy a slab. If you wnt to use tiles you should use a grout joint even if it is a very small one.

Mark

[dweiums]

thanks Mark,

that was exactly the case - each tile ended up being just a 'smidgen' off in size.

Great advice. thanks again,

diane