Granite Tile

Tim,
how to make a hole in granit tile?
Thank you.

Sam,
You create a hole in granite with special drill bits and saws that have diamond-cutting tips. Go visit a granite-fabrication shop and they might show you some of these expensive tools.

how do you support granite tile installed on a wall to prevent slipping while the thinset dries?

Neil,
I screw a very straight board to the wall and place the second row on the stick. Hard plastic spacers are then used as you stack one piece on top of another.

I need to make rounded cuts on granite tile. I have a wet saw that is great for the straight cuts.

Any suggestions?

Jim,
You can try a rod saw, but it will take forever. I have made rounded cuts on granite with a wet saw. You make tight parallel cuts at a nearly 90-degree angle into the curved line. Then use the rotating saw blade to clean up the curved line.

Really helpful, thanks for providing answers to questions I haven't asked yet!...lol...

Here is a question though: I am going to granite tile my shower / bath walls. What would you do to the tiles to "finish off" the edge tiles? Thanks! I look forward to your answer.

Al,
A decent granite fabricator can use a diamond-tipped router bit to make bull nosed trim pieces for you.

We're installing large sections of granite cut from a remnant as a mantle around our fireplace. As you can imagine, these are big, heavy pieces. They will be stacked on each other, so most of the weight will be supported by the piece underneath, but I am curious as to if I need to pad between each piece with something like caulk.

The design is a 20"x60" hearth, then a 6" tall strip sitting on that (like the backsplash of a counter top), then two 7" wide strips vertically sitting on the strip (to the sides of the fireplace), and then one final 5" strip across the top. We've also been informed to use Liquid Nails to hold it to the fireplace insert/wall.

Thanks!

Ben,
You do not need a spacer for this so long as the edges of each piece are in full contact with the adjacent piece. No concentrated loading!! I would NEVER use liquid nail....... Either thinset or an approved epoxy.

Thanks again for the info. Liquid Nail is what was holding the old marble on, not sure why it was recommended other than that. Is there a brand of thinset or Epoxy you can recommend that I could pick up at the local Lowes or Home Depot?

My concern on the edges is that the wall is not perfectly square with the floor. The two side pieces will not sit 100% flush on top of the bottom piece. They will need to lean back ever so slightly (like 2 degrees).

Tim,
I got an old style brick fireplace 10' wide floor to ceilng that i would like to install granite tiles on. What would be the best way to install? Can I go directly on to the bricks with the thinset or would I need a cement board first, etc...

Also I guess granite can handle the heat as per Ben's comments

Thanks!

Todd,
You can thinset over the brick.

Can granite tile be installed as a kitchen countertop butted up against each other without grout lines or are grout lines a necessity when using granite tiles for a kitchen countertop?

Christopher,
You can do it if you want to. But if you were asking me if *I* would do it in my home or for a customer, the answer would be NO. That method is very unsanitary.

I am installing 6"x6" granite tile (cut down from 12x12s) on my fireplace. I was wodnering if there was a certain size grout line that would be best to install it at, since its a vertical installation? ( I have cement board installed).

Any other tips you can give for vertical installation? (besides Neil's Post)

Tim,

I know you will think I'm crazy but...

I'm in the process of tiling my shower with 12" x 12" salt and pepper granite. I agree with you that granite is beautiful. However, it looks like the thinset is showing THROUGH the granite. I know that makes no sense. This is real granite. It is not a composite or glass. My eye can follow the groove lines formed by the 1/2" trowel teeth and they match up with the visible thinset grooves between each tile. I know I'm not imaging this. Is it possible this is a temporary condition as the thinset dries? I've only put up 4 or so, so far. Lastly, I know you'd recommend screws for the backerboard. I used 1 3/4 roofing nails (listed by James Hardi as an OK alternative). I did this because I couldn't get the screw heads countersunk correctly. I drove alot of nails in. Am I in trouble? (Read one of your other responses talking about the weight of granite on a wall). Total wall height is about 8' 6". Thanks!

Eric,
I prefer 1/8-inch joints for granite.

John,
You are not crazy. Those lines should disappear in a few days. They are telling you that you purchased VERY porous granite so make sure you seal it well.

We are installing granite floor tiles on a heated floating slab. The slab had carpet glued down. We have removed the carpet, do we need to remove all the glue left on the concrete before installing our granite tiles? And if so, what should we use to remove the glue?

Dave,
Please go read my past columns on Adhesive Removers.

Hi Tim,

I tried looking on the web to answer this question but came up short. Anyway, we have a concrete slab for the subfloor in our home; how would we install granite tiles? Do we use the same method as ceramic tile?

PB,
Yes, you install it with thinset.

I have an endless supply of granite and marble scraps from a company making countertops. I think it is thicker than the floor tiles you mentioned - perhaps about 5/8 inch. I am using them outside right now as a unique edging in my front landscape and would like to replace my plain concrete pavers with a granite mosaic walkway and eventually - a mosaic patio in the back yard.
I want to make granite mosaic floor tiles using a base of very thin plywood or backer board. Not sure what would work, but I'd finish it with a dark grout, since most of the granite is med to dark. It seems to me that this would be a very lovely and artsy floor treatment and would be in character with the rest of my house. There are hand crafted mosaic walls and painted tile art installations in several places in the house. It is a work in progress.
My main concern is that this house is a double wide manufactured home. Is there any reason that I should stay away from something so heavy on the floors? If the weight is spread out, will it have any negative effect? I'm not worried about having tiles crack. I can always pry them up and put down new ones. Between the base material and the pieces of granite on each tile (probably no larger than 12 x 12), the weight would add up to a real impediment to moving the house to another location, but I am seriously considering this project. My entire house needs new flooring and I have no money for redecorating, but have accumulated a lot of free granite and grout.

Carole,
I think you will be fine. You need to read my past columns about Wood Floors and Ceramic Tile.

Hello: We are installing a backsplash with Chinese granite in a light gray color with black specs. We bought it at Lowe's and they recommended we use mastic. It's been 24 hours since it was installed and the dark stains that initially appeared are still there.I guess it is the humidity that seeps through. Is it true that with mastic these stains will be permanent, or will it eventually disappear?

Thank you!
Paco

i am putting in a granite tile counter but would like the make it look like the solid granite (i saw it on tv ) i can not find a good article on how to do it.. can you help me
Thanks

Trish,
Nope.... and when you find it come back and share it. I can't wait to discover how someone takes granite tiles and makes them butt up against one another so the seams disappear *and* you end up with a sanitary surface where bacteria and other pathogens don't collect in all of the thin seams. Hurry back with the answer!!

We've just completed installing granite tile countertop. However, upon completion, we realized we were 1/4" short for the fridge. Can you please advise the best way to trim 1/4" off the granite tiles without taken out the tiles?
Is a hand saw or a file a viable option?
If yes, what's the type of hand saw or file?

Thanks in advance!

Teresa,
I don't know if it is the best way, but consider renting a grinder. Be prepared for a massive dust storm.

I'm installing 12 inch granite tile for backsplash.My house is old the walls are real plaster.Do i need to install backer board first or will the thinset stick to the wall ok.thanks

I am refinishing my bathroom and am about to install a cream polished marble with a dark granite as accents. This will be applied to the floor and also a large shower wall.

I had heard of a special sort of lathe you can install over your cement board on vertical surfaces to help support heavy natural stone.

I was also told I should seal each tile front and back. Is this necessary if I am using a white thinset?

Robby,
You can put the granite on the plaster.

Ryan,
All of those ideas sound good to me.

Tim,

I have done a few solid granite countertops on some of my investment projects. I have decided to to a solid granite slab tub/shower surround on a standard 5' tub. The raw slab I am using is huge, therefore, I am relying on help from a stone fabricator for help with cutting and bullnosing. Before I move forward on ordering this slab, I want to properly prep my surround. Currently it is down to studs, which I have shimmed to ensure the entire surface is plumb and square. Do you recommend Wonderboard and Thinset for this application? Shall I also install builder paper between wonderboard and framing as well? Trying to get my thickness in mind so I properly plumb my new mixer valve. Thank you for your help, and congrats on a great site!

Jerry,
I agree with your use of felt paper and thinset.

Hello, we have installed granite tiles in our bathroom yesterday but they still look wet in some places (especially the ones that are cut by the wet saw.) Should we wait for them to dry completely before sealing? When will they dry really?

Feto,
Yes, you wait until they look uniform. It could take days for that to happen. Be patient.

I am also going to use granite for my fire place surround. I found some nice black granite 12" by 12" tiles at the home improvement store. I would like to install then without and spaces between the tiles and without grout lines. Before I do so I wanted to make sure that would not cause any issues with the tiles heating and expanding when I build a fire.
Thanks!

Brett,
You will not have any issues. I would not do it that way, but that is just me. Perhaps you will like the look.

Hi, we are looking to install granite or marble tiles over our existing laminate kitchen countertop. Is this a doable idea and what pit falls should we be aware of? Thanks, Joanne

Joanne,
It is doable - well yes and no. It depends upon the style of you tops. You need to think all about edge details. That is where you will have challenges.

I'm thinking of installing granite tile on my new kitchen cabinets. However, I'd like to install them to appear as a solid granite surface. DO you have a how to page on this, or would you even recommend doing this?

Jessica,
You are asking for the impossible. You will always be able to see the joints between the tiles.

In regards to my recent inquiry about installing the granite tiles to make them look solid. I know they won't look entirely solid and I guess I may have asked the question incorrectly. I'd like to have a very very very small junction grout line. Is there a particular type of grout you would recommend and what kind of sealant do I need to use once I'm finished. I've never layed any tile at all, I'm going to have some help from a cousin who does it for a living, but most of his experience has been in seramic with large lines.

Jessica,
For joints less than 1/8 inch, you can use wall grout.

I would like to use granite tile on my kitchen floor which is currently covered with linolium over a cement pad.
1) Can I put the granite over the current flooring?
2) The kitchen butts up against a dinning room carpet, are they're joiners?

I just want to say thanks for having such a valuable web site. I am installing granite tile, lighter in color, and by reading all the comments you answered every question I had. In particular, that drying to an even color could take days. Having said that, would it be safe to reinstall the kitchen sink over the tile around it before it is completely dry? I could grout up to the sink edge.

Hi, I need to tile a granite floor around a small pillar. I've got a wet tile cutter so can do 2 of the cuts from the edge of the tile, but how do I then break the piece off.

Thanks
Neil

I have received a large quantity of granite scrap pieces that are small but thick like for a countertop. I would love to use these to tile the inside of my shower walls in the cabin we are building. Is that possible or do they have to be thinner like tile?

I want to install a granite tile countertop. Currently I have a laminate countertop, if I rough it up, can I just lay the granite tile on top of the laminate countertop? Should I remove the laminate first and use the wood underneath?

i want to install granite entire ground floor, what's recommended thinkness of subfloor? how do i install without gaps or spaces b/w each tile

I am going to lay Patara 300x300mm granit slabs (supplier B&Q)around a water feature in my garden on a concrete base. Questions (1) Can i lay them using white cement mix (2) Do i seal the bottom face to stop staining on the top surface of the slab if so what with (3)Will it be necessary to seal the top face of the slab to inprove the look if so what with (4) I would like to lay the granit with no joints because i feel they would show the dirt in time would this be possible i have been told not to because they can expand and become unlevel?

Tim,

My wife and I are installing black granite floors on our kitchen, dining and hallway area. The tiles are 18 x 18. We are undecided whether a diamond shape pattern or straight patern will look better? Can you help us?

Joji

We are replacing the old stone wall behind our wood stove with Granite. My brother, who installs counter tops is installing it. It's is going to be over an inch thick and demensions will vary.

There is plywood currently on the wall, as far as I understand we need to put up a durarock. Do we put a thin-set between the durarock and the sheet rock? Also my brother thinks it would be ok to use a silicone to apply the granite. Won't it get too warm and make the silicone slip?

What would be best to secure the granite so it doesn't fall off the wall?

I have an abundance of quite large to small broken slabs of all colors of beautiful granite. We have a recycle center here that lets me get what I want and I've taken tons home. TONS.
My workshop, which is large has a cement floor, not the slickest slab on the block, pitted and bumpy in spots but serviceable.

HOW do I attach these slabs to this floor and what grout do I use?

I'm water grinding the edges so I won't slice off my feet when I am running around barefooted.

We are looking to build a patio next year. We were thinking of doing pavers, but saw some granite and slate tiles at Home Depot for the first time. The granite is about 1" thick, not sure about the slate. They are 1 cubic foot tiles. The instructions above the tiles are to lay them just as pavers, with sand and locking sand. Is this possible, and if we wanted to do steps, how would we do the walls? We have an incline and may have to add dirt to level, but will need to make walls, again, how do we do it?

hi i want to use granite tiles for my house. and i have some doubts. can i know what are the common defects in granite flooring and tiles? and what is it that causes them? and how we can prevent those defects?

Hi,
I installed granite tiles as my countertop in my kitchen. I was doing some reading and I realized i forgot about the 1/4 cement board, which means i installed the tile with thinset mortar on 1 inch oak wood...will this be an issue?? It seems to set well and is still drying, but looks ok?

Ben,
Ben,
Can I use epoxy to clue granite tiles to shower walls?
Thanks,
Joe

Has anyone ever used clear caulk instead of grout? I was thinking of putting a bead of it between my granite tiles and butting them right next to each other, trying to make it look more like a slab. this is for my kitchen countertop.

I have a wood sub floor. I will be using 3/4" 24" X 24" granite for flooring. Which is the best process to install if I was going to do electric radiant heating.Would appreciate if you can email me at udimri@aol.com

Thanks

I have a formica counter top that is fairly new and want to lay granite. Do I have to remove the formica to lay the granite or can I rough the formica with sander or just lay on smooth formica...

We are installing granite tiles on our countertops. They have a tiny beveled edge around each piece. Do we need to space them to allow for a grout line or can they be placed side by side and then have a tiny line at the top for grout?

The last comment from Ben sounds similar to what I'm about to do with my fireplace. I'll be standing an 8 inch wide granite piece on either side of the fireplace with a 12 inch piece across the top. My plan is to use thinset as recommended, but will I also need (or should I also use) clips/fasteners around the outside edges? I'd prefer not to, but can easily cover them up with the mantel I'll be custom building if they are needed. Last thing I want is to have these very heavy pieces ever fall off the wall.

Thanks much for the help!

i have granite tiles for my bath room do i need a special grout not to scratch my tiles

Well,

This may be a duplicate e-mail - I wrote one and it mysteriously disappeared!

Help - I put down black granite - 12 x 12' floor - used SpectraLOCK grout, cleaned it as directed (water and white vinegar), thought I was good to go, but there it is, an adhesive-like film. I'm afraid to try anything on it - I know so little about what will damage granite. I haven't sealed it yet and won't until I hear something.

Thanks in advance!

Fran

1. What is the recommended thickness for granite tiles with these dimesions:
12"x12" ???
18"x18" ???

2. What material is recommended to be put under the granite tile if it being laid on interior ply wood subfloor?

Thanks

Hi,

I'm having a builder lay a granite floor in my kitchen. The floor is fibreboard and he is proposing to install ply over the top of this prior to laying the granite. Will this provide a losid enough surface for the granite ?

Thanks

I have a tall granite backsplash behind my stove and want to hang a couple of heavy decorative tiles on it. What do I use as the hanger and how do I get it into the granite?
Thanks

I am installing granite tiles on a new countertop. I want to butt the tiles together with no spacing between them. How do I seal the joint to prevent liquid penetration?

Hi-

Greatly appreciate your informations and tips.

I installed granite tile on my kitchen counter, using white thinset made for granite, over cement board. The tile abosrbed the thinset moisture and is now blotchy. I've put fans on it and have let it set for a month now. While some of the tiles have lightened, others have not. How do I remidy the situation? Keep on waiting?

Thank you for your advice!

Joyce

What features should I be looking for in a wet tile saw that will be used for efficiently cutting granite tile?

Do you have to seal a granite floor? Will it stain if you don't, or even if you do? What do you use to seal it with?

Im installing a 20" x 52" slab of granite as a hearth for a fire place. Is hardi board along with thin set an acceptable method of installation for granite?

What materials & methods do you recommend for attaching granite slab to a wall? I've seen them in offices & stone warehouses, but have found no info on proper installation.

We would like to do slab as fireplace surround in a new construction home.

We're installing granite tiles on top of brick that is currently inside our mantle. I also want to put them on the 2" piece along the inside edge which butts up to the firebox of the fireplace. The fireplace is gas logs, and isn't used very often. Will the thinset hold if it is exposed to heat?

Tim,
I have installed a gold granite on my kithchen counter and it looks great. But, I made a mistake in putting plumbers putty arounf my China sink when I reinstalled it. To my suprise the granite absorbed the oilly base of the putty and is leaching out around the edges. Know I will have to tare ou my sink and the tile effected and relay them. I did but the bullnose grinder and it was not hard at all.

Also, I will be installing granite in my shower. After sealing the granite several times will I have to seal it every 6 months because of the constant water.

To whom it may concern....
My name is Reverend Mark Kim,and i would like to know if you have Absolute Black Granite Tile,and yes if you do,i would like you to look at the specifications of this one and let me know if you can get me the price for this,or you can special order some for me.Or if you have something similar you can send it to me or send me your website to choose from.Also let me know the types of payment you accept.And approximately how many days does it take for orders to get ready for pick-up...

May the Good Almighty God bless you and yours business and i hope to see your reply back as soon as possible and have a nice day.......


305x152x10mm (30.5x15.2x1cm)

Thanks
Mark Kim
@stonetiledepot.com

My husband and I are thinking of putting granite tile in our entryway, we have a 13" Brutus tile cutter that we bought from Homedepot a while back. Just wondering if it would be suitable to cut the 12 x 12 tile with that, or is a Diamond blade wet saw be the way to go?

I am looking to attach some 1 inch thick pieces of granite to an exterior concrete wall. Tempurature range is from 15F to 95F and the slabs will be resting on a concrete pad. They will be touching each other but not stacked. Will thinset be OK or should I consider something else? Any special prep to be done to the concrete beyond cleaning?
Thanks
Chris

We would like to use granite tile for the bar top in a tavern we just bought. How well will it stand up to beer bottles etc? Thank you, Mindy

Kitchen flooring in granite. I am thinking about installing granite in my kitchen It has a very hard 3/4 inch subfloor. In a double wide manufactured cavo durango model home, The subfloor is a very hard fine manufactured wood product, 2 by 6 inch joists 16 inch on center with crawlspace pilings 6 ft by 6ft Do you think I can install directly on top of this? If not what would you do? THANK YOU William Bliss

My installer glued our undermount sink to the granite. He used no supports to hold the sink in place. Also, we installed a new dishwasher, but there is nothing to anchor the top of the appliance. What can be done?

I am making a hearth using granite tiles. Do you have to space the tiles? They have a precision cut and fit very nicely side by side.

We're installing granite tiles on the floor of our bathroom, how far apart should the tiles be 1/8 apart? and we are using a lighter coloured granite...should we use white grout?

I HAVE INSTALLED GRANITE TILES 12X12 ON THE FLOOR IN THE BATH ROOM IS THERE A SPECIAL CLEANER OR POLISH I NEED TO CLEAN THEM WITH THEY ARE SO NICE AN I LOVE GRANITE ANYWAY I JUST WANT IT TO LOOK IT BEST THANK YOU

I just had granote tile put down about 24 hours ago. The color of the tile is much darker in areas thanthe tiles natural color. Theu used white cemnet based latex adhesive.Will the natural color return once it cures?

I'm using 12"x12" tiles for a countertop but the spacing is off. How do I determine the right spacing so it looks as professional as possible and flows well?

Thanks!

I paid a nationally known home remodeler to remodel my kitchen. We had an undermount sink installed. Rather than using the clips supplied by the sink manufacturer to support the sink, he epoxied 2 inchx 2 inch pieces of granite to support it. Is this secure enough or is my sink going to come crashing down one day?

I have 8 in by 8in ceramic tiles throughout my kitchen, hallway and foyer. I want to replace them with granite tiles. Is it possible to place the granite on top of the ceramic? If so can I do it myself? Do you know how long it will take to just put down the granite all together it will be about 430 sq ft. Thanks so much.

You had a question about putting a bull-nose on granite tile. That can be a problem with do-it-yourself granite tile counters also. I'm writing because a friend of mine has just started an internet business that supplies custom granite tile, with custom edging, that can be ordered on the internet. They just went online. Their web site provides a calculator that will determine the number of tiles needed, as well as the amount of edging. People can place an order and receive the tile they need, via Federal Express Freight, to install their own granite tile counter tops. The web site is at http://www.easygranitetile.com/

The tile calculator on this web site can also be used just to calculate the amount of tile that is needed. People do not need to place an order.

thanks for this web site! i'm about to install a granite floor and i want to know do i need to add a space for a grout line or can i butt them together without grout line? thanku denise

What granite flooring transitions exist and do you recommend? The granite will be the flooring outside of a carpeted elevator. What needs to be there between the metal base of the elevator? Currently the floor is carpet tiles.

I just installed a granit tile countertop. They are very smooth and glossy on one side. Lowe's told me I was to "seal" the tile before I grout. The sealer that I used just seperated and stayed in puddles on the tile. AM I using the right product? How can I get a high gloss on the cut edges?

Can I use large 2CM granite slabs on my kitchen floor instead of tiles? The sub floor is pretty level, it was prepped for hardwoods. Would I need thinset underneath or can we just lay them down and grout the seams?
Many thanks!

Is there a water-proofing product that I should place between the fabricated board and hardibacker on my countertop?

Tim,
I need to lay 3x3 wall pattern of granite tiles - they are 1 sq. in and 3/8" thick. The weight of lower layer of 3 tiles will be supported by subfloor, next 3 will reside on these three, etc. The wall is regular sheetrock.
1. Do I need to take sheetrock out and replace it by cement board?
2. What is better - an epoxy or mortar and can yo recommend a grade?
Thanks! Alex.

A piece of my granite tile fell off the edge of my kitchen counter. Can we glue it back on or do we have to use mortar and take out the old mortar? The piece is approximately 2 inches by 8 inches.
We are not very "handy" so need a simple solution.

Thanks you.

I recently bought a house that has Quartz Tile in the kitchen.

I would like to know how to clean this tile.

Is there a polish that I should put on it from time to time?

Tim,
I have extremely solid ceramic tile walls in my bathroom...looks like a mud job...very thick. Can I install granite on top of these 4"x4" tiles? Please advise best bonding agent for such an install. Thanks
Jeff

What do I use to smooth the edges of the tile after I have cut it with a tile saw?

why not use liquid nails?

I'm interested in placing Granite tile in tight fit (essentially no grout line). Is this advisable and what would you use to seal the joints?

Thanks in advance!

Tim,

We are installing granite tile in our kitchen and the little lady want the tiles butted up against each other. I was told if I have a good solid surface underneath and a 1/2" troweled mortar, this should not be a problem. I was then going to seal the bevel crack with a grout sealer or something similar. Would this be acceptable?

grout removal

I know people use diamond hole saws to make holes. Carbide MIGHT work as well. A simple way that I know works is to use a silicon carbide or diamond abrasive grit and a piece of copper tube. You mount the copper tube on a drill press,which either requires some fabrication skill (to make a tool that will mount in the press) or a very large drill press,a metal lathe lathe would help here). You then build a dam around the area your cutting with some clay or putty to retain some water and let the abrasive ,kept wet by the water and trapped between the copper pipe end (which needs to be nice and flat) grind its way through. Another example of this technique is the way the Egyptians used to cut granite. They used a smooth copper "saw" with sand and water. The sand would embed in the copper and grind away the granite. I certainly would not want to cut a slab of granite that way though.

I am about to install granite brick on a large wall and was looking for advice. Each brick is about 3/8 thick and comes in 12'' x 12'' sections consisting of about 12 to 14 bricks. The wall is about 20 feet wide and about 14 feet high at it's peak. My concern is weight. All that granite on the wall will pull the drywall down I would suspect. I was wondering the bet course of measure to apply. Is it best to install a wire mesh to the wall first and then use long screws and screw the wire to the studs creating a mesh to have the tile adhere to? Is there a certain type of mortar that is recommended to use in this type of install. Any advice would be great.
Thanks in advance

Dear Manager,
We are Xiamen Hintech Linestones Co.Ltd. in China. Would you please kindly let me know the granite and marble product you are importing ? We will supply the competitive price list for you to refer. Maybe they are helpful for you.We sincerely hope that we can establish long business with you. We have been in stone line of business for Over 20 years and have exported lots of stone products for Europe, American, Mid-east. Our website: http://www.china-stone-arts.com/en/index.asp .
Promotion Products: G655 tiles 60cm * 30cm *2cm 2000m2 in stock. USD 7.98\m2. G655 tiles 60cm * 60cm *2cm 8000m2 .
Hope they are useful for you

Any inquiry you need ,just feel free to let me know. I will answer you as soon as possible.

Looking forward to hear from you soon .

Thanks a lot and best Regards.

Andrew Wu

Xiamen Hintech Linestones Co.Ltd.
RoomC, 3/F Mingfa International New City No.101 Huizhan Road ,Xiamen,China P.C:361009

Fax : 86-592-5919888
Tel : 86-592-5023056
Moible : 8613859936788
Msn : andrew638@hotmail.com

I am looking to purchase a home in which almost every room has been updated with granite tile, how can I ensure that the subflooring is study enough to support its weight (its a bank owned home sold as is with limited to no records)? Part of the flooring is exposed but I am a novice at granite and not sure what to look for. Thanks!

hello,

i need method statement for flooring of marble & granite

plz sent to my email plz


thanks

We are having a 2 cm granite counter installed. There is going to be about 25% waste of the material. I would like to turn some of the left over granite into tiles for a decorative backsplash. How is it possible to cut the 2 cm thinner so that it be cut into wall tile.

what kind of polish do i need for my granite tile

how do i maintain my granite tile before and after installation

We have 5/8" plywood under our laminate countertops - do I have to replace it with 3/4" before putting on the backer board?

Hello Builder, your comments have been great so far, hopefully you still look at this thread as I have a question.

We're going to be redoing our bathroom in a month or so and planned to put 12" granite tiles on the walls in the shower area, on top of a bathtub.

I understand that cementboard + proper granite epoxy is needed. Should I be asking my contractor to examine the actual joists to determine if the weight is acceptable? Also, once it is in place, what maintenance does this tile require? Thank you so much for you time,

I am installing 12x12 granite floor tile on my living room floor. The room is to be used as a sunroom with lots (100's) of plants, Aquarium, water fountains etc. I assume the room will get wet wen I water the plants, clean the aquarium etc. The subfloor is 3/4 inch plywood. I am thinking of putting down Hardiebacker board on plywood and install the granite. My question is because of the possibility of water getting on the granite, do I need to use some kind of waterproofing compund on the subfloor or the backerbard? They seem very expensive, I would rather not buy it if I don't have to. Thanks for your help.

I hunted forever for info about clear grout for butting up granite. I found a product and did it myself 10 years ago and recently did it again. I have pics of the final product.

In case anyone is interested, I thought I'd share. I used a penetrating epoxy and penetrating curing agent (1:1 ratio by volume). The maker is Touchstone. I used free flow as opposed to knife grade. I measured equal amounts into a small medicine cup. I used a syringe I got from a drug store to slowly inject between the tiles. It sets up very quickly so for any deeper parts, keep layering. I even used it on my backsplash. Once full, I took a popsicle stick to scrape out any excess. After 24 hours, I took a razor blade to scrape off extra. Product is food safe and as clear as glass. Hope you find this usefull!

hi
do i need to put wire mesh on the floor before i put granite tiles down ?? at the moment the floor is plywood.....


thanks gary

Hello
How to install laser cut granite slabs on floor(2 cm). Not one piece, complete floor going to be laser cut in China and instal heare. Pieces apr 36 inch x 36 inch whit matching design. Any sugestions. Thank you
Vlado

My husband and I are installing a granite tile countertop. We have the plywood ready, but my husband starting putting the tiles on without using a cement board backer. He has only installed 8 tiles so far. Should we start over?

We are doing a fireplace surround with 18 x 18 granite tiles. We were doing the hearth area and wall tiles with no grout lines (the pieces would be butted up against each other). Would this be OK or are the grout lines necessary for some reason? Thanks, Greg

Hi!
We are using synthetic granite tiles as the flooring on the first level of our new house. Do these synthetic granite tiles need to be soaked in water before installation?
Thanks!

does the grout seep into and stain the granite like the glue can? Say I have a lighter granite and want to use black grout...

Tim,
I am attempting to install a counter-thick granite "donut" on top of my exterior concrete firepit. I have purchased flex-bond to adhere the granite to the concrete but the instructions say to use a use a notched trowel when applying it. Unfortunately, the piece of granite is TOO large for me to lift (it is currently set over the pit and shimmed up approimately 1/2 inch). Is it possible to fill the void between the concrete and the granite with the flex-bond the same as you would mortar and have the granite adhere properly? What would you suggest?

Thanks!

I just installed brown 12" granet tiles on my fireplace wall. I used a white granet adhesive and all the edges are showing a cloudy color. Could the adhesive still be wet after a week? I put the adhesive on fairly thick as I had to even out the surface. Help? My wife wants me to tear it all off!

I purchased 12X12 pebble stone tiles with a mesh backing. I started to install it and it's not as easy as applying thinset, pushing tile into it and nailing the 4 corners. It is slipping down and not secure. It is for a smaller area as abacksplsh on the one kitchen wall and that one kitchen wall. So not a big area to cover- about 20 sq. feet. How do I get it to stay since it is so very heavy?

I have a small 4x4 standard tile foyer. Can I install granite tiles over the top of the existing tile?

I was told by Home Depot it could be done and does not need grout or finish. I should lay it side by side with no spacers.

What do you think?

I would like to put granite tile over my old formica countertop. Would that be okay?

I want to secure a 30x20 inch granite to gypsum board kitchen wall. What is the best way to secure it?

hi..

i'm planning to put granite tile for my bilyard room. could you please let me know if the granite tile will withstand or not crack just incase the bilyard ball is fallen. do you know how much weight the granite tile can withstand - under hard pressure ? thank you.

I am worried about using granite in the shower walls because it is porous and will absorb water and soap. In the long run do you know if this is a problem?

I've been planning to use an idea you don't like - butting 12x12 granite tiles on kitchen countertops. The idea is to cut, round over and polish 3" strips for the edging, use luan to fill the cavity then repeat with a second layer of all granite. Saving the dust, mix with a 2 part epoxy, forcing it into the taped joint, let dry and polish. This should create a stable bond similar to the granite and impermiable to those pathogens. Sound like a plan? Would rather have single piece, not in the budget with everything else we're doing. Thanks.

I hate to ask this, seeing how you love granite so much, but I actually need to know how to remove granite tiles from around our fireplace. They are 12" x 12" with very small spacing. I have read a lot about removing ceramic tile-breaking it-which doesn't seem to be an option for granite.

We are going to be putting up new ceramic tile so we need to keep the wall in tack behind it (it looks like it is attached directly to the wall-no backer board).

Thanks,
Mary

I recently had a granite tile countertop put in my kitchen. Several times I questioned the unevenness of the tiles and the bull nose edging. I know tile can not be perfect like a mirror, but there are enough off that a plate would hit on several places. And, there are about 5 edge pieces that don't come together smoothly due to misattachment. I was told the epoxy grout would take care of that, or they coudl be buffed. Now the contractor says nothing can be done. Any advice?

I am using granite for a kitchen countertop and would like to use granite rail pieces to finish off the edging. How should these vertical rail pieces be supported since they are quite heavy and will receive contact during the life of the countertop?

I NEED A SHOULDER TO CRY ON
WE INSTALLED A POLISHED BLACK GRANITE FLOOR IN OUR KITCHEN
(12 X 12 TILES) .IT LOOKS GREAT POLISHED, BUT AS SOON AS YOU WALK ON IT (WITH SHOES OR SOCKS ,BARE FEET ) IT SHOWS. IS THERE ANY KIND OF COATING THAT WILL REDUCE/IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE.

THANK YOU
JOE

I have read conflicting information about the spacing that is appropriate for granite tiles. Many sites say that they should be tight-butted - and the only apparent space on the surface will be due to the 1/16 bevel edges that come from the factory.

Second question: I have used an unsanded grout in the past, but would like something that will look more like a solid surface. Traditional ground is always a bit recessed at each grout line. What are your thoughts on using epoxy instead?

Thanks...

hi
im installing dark colour granite 16x16x1/2 tile on floor i need to know what kind of best subfloor would be for that kind of stone(cement board)i have wooden subfloor and what kind of thinset(cement)to install dark colour granite and how to maintain the level of tiles when installing tiles and in last what would be the ratio of water and thinset to install these tiles

We are thinking of using granite tiles for the kitchen countertop. I do not like the grout lines showing. Can I use an epoxy between each tile for a smooth finish?

Thanks!

Hi, I need help ! We recently did some remodeling, and replaced an old wood burning fireplace with a gas burning ( gas log set only ) model. The fireplace is in and working fine, but I need a surround or mantle I guess it's called. The Hearth is a Verde Ubabuta granite slab, and I'd like to do the mantle in the same material. My problem is how do I secure the granite to the wall / Fireplace ? There's a setback above the fireplace (no drywall can touch the fireplace) of about 4 inches. The granite can touch the fireplace but if the mantle is say 6 inches tall, that only leaves about 2 inches of drywall to secure it to, can I "Bond" it directly to the metal face of the fireplace, is there epoxy that will sustain the heat ? H E L P !
Thanks, Rich...

I have absolute black granite flooring in my kitchen. What a job trying to keep the floor clean. What is a good product to buy to clean my granite floors. At the moment, I only use water. When i clean them, they are beautiful, but in about an hour after walking ont them, it doesn't look like I have clean them at all.

HELP!

Do you have any product recomendations for securing granite tile to walls of a shower?

Thank you
Harly

Dear Sir,,,
I saw some where very nice wall finishing i think its made of broken granite, so i want you to help me to know how i can prepare it, i have sources of broken granite, but i don't know which kind of materials i should add, please i need your help

thanks
Raed

We installed granite tile on our bathroom floor. Within an hour we noticed the tile turned dark (we assume from the thinset) is this normal and is there anything we can do to speed up the curing process and get the tile back to their original color?

We would like to install granite tile on our countertop instead of a new countertop. What type of cement do we use so it will be food safe and the tile will be sealed so water does not get between the tiles.

Thanks,

The two granite dealers in town say silicone works best as adhesive for a fireplace installation. what are your thoughts?

Is is possible for a cast iron to tub to hold up a slab of stone/granite on the end to create a temporary bench? 32" long x 12" wide and 2.5 - 3" thick? It would not be glued down, just resting on the edges of the tub (about 3-5" along back and sides.

it is okey using portland cement as a grout for granite tile?...and how to prepare it? hope u can give me clear explaination on this..thnks.

Hello. I wonder why the answer of "never use liquid nail? There's a special LN for Marble; wouldn't this work? I am going to install marble tiles as backsplash in our kitchen, and thought that liquid nails would be much easier.

Thanks!!

Which thin set is best used for hanging granite in a shower area.

Hello,
Our new home has nearly the entire first floor done in granite tile. Unfortunately, it's an awful colour and we would like to tile over it with some nice new travertine tile. Rather than sledgehammer the entire floor, which will be an absolute nightmare, is there any possible way to tile over this? I imagine it's awfully tricky given the granite has a very smooth surface.
Cheers
Jason

My builder has instaled light grey granite in the shower but after 5 days you can still see where the cement has been applied as it shows through. will this eventually dry out?? Can the wrong cement have been used? ie with additives that leave a mark?
Thanks

Our granite fire place hearth is cemented down but will need moving due to building work happening. It is 4'7" by 2'8" is there an easy way to take up this big piece and will it break if we do so? many thanks.

Hi - we have a large area of granite tiled floor. Working upwards we have a concrete base, insulation with underfloor heating snaked around it, then there is a self levelling concrete layer put ontop, and then tile adhesive specifically for granite. The granite tiles then went on the top and were sealed then grouted. The problem is a number of tiles - not all are starting to crack, only after 1yr of being layed. The grout around them is fine. Could this be inferior tiles or a problem with the sublayers? Seems there is a pattern to the cracking tiles, such as a bad batch. Underfloor heating has been tested and is fully functional. An ideas would be great to stop this issue re-occuring once we replace the tiles. Regards.