How to Cut and Install a Granite Tile

There has been a trend in installation of granite tile and you will see it in many homes today. It looks great and the hardness of the granite will withstand a lot of traffic and abuse in normal everyday situations. If you plan on putting in you’re the tile you need to know how to cut and install it.

Items you will require:

• Water and a sponge


• Notched trowel


• Diamond wet saw


• Pencil


• Grout float


• Crack isolation fabric


• Cement based thinset mortar


• Spacers


• Grout


• Granite tiles

1. Prepare the surface you are tiling y making certain it is perfectly flat and free from debris.


2. Place the tiles on the surface being covered and try to see how much will have to be cut or trimmed. If this is easily done mark those pieces with your pencil for cutting later.


3. Put the isolation fabric over the flooring to prevent future cracks from spreading to other tiles. (Crack isolation fabric allows movement of up to 3/8-inch to help prevent cracking in the future).


4. Use the notched trowel and spread the cement based thinset mortar mix over the fabric and the flooring. This application is what will hold the tiles to the flooring so be certain it is complete in coverage.


5. Begin laying the tiles starting from the center outward. Use the plastic spacers to keep your distances the same and the tiles straight. The spacers will provide about 1/8-inch spacing between the tiles and keep them uniform looking.


6. Cut tiles as needed when you reach obstacles or corners or the wall edge. Use your diamond wet saw to do this. Be careful with the saw and take good measurements prior to cutting.


7. Use the grout float and spread grout on the tiles. Force the grout into the tile spaces completely. Do in sections if the area is large and before moving to the next section wipe the surface down with a wet sponge to remove any excess grout. Let dry overnight and you should be done.