Granite Tile Installation Methods
- 1). Measure the area where you will install the tile. Write the measurements down and transfer them to cement backer board sheets with a pencil.
- 2). Score the marked measurements on the cement backer board with a utility knife. Snap the backer board by hitting it from the opposite side.
- 3). Spread mixed thin-set mortar on the floor or countertop with a notched trowel. Place the cement backer board on top of the thin set mortar. Screw it in place with a screwdriver and screws.
- 4). Cover the seams between pieces of cement backer board with fiberglass mesh tape. Spread thin set mortar over the fiberglass mesh tape with the flat edge of the notched trowel. Let the mortar dry overnight.
- 5). Dry fit the granite tiles. Place the tiles on top of the cement backer board. Arrange the tiles and place tile spacers between them. Find a layout that you like and mark the layout on the backer board with a pencil. Remove the tiles and tile spacers from the floor.
- 6). Apply thin set mortar to the cement backer board with a notched trowel. Set the granite tiles into the thin set mortar. Place tile spacers between the tiles. Make necessary cuts to the granite tiles with a diamond blade tile saw. Install all tiles and let the thin set mortar dry overnight.
- 7). Grout the tiles. Apply grout to the grout joints between the granite tiles with a grout float. Squeeze the grout into the joints and then use the float to remove as much grout from the top of the tiles as possible.
- 8). Clean the remaining grout from the granite tiles with a damp grout sponge. Do not dig the grout from tile joints as you clean the tiles. Allow the grout to dry overnight.
