How do you install granite tile?
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You should be as experienced with installing tile as possible before attempting to tackle granite.Everything is butt joint so you really have to know how to float first for the best level then know how to and have the feel for placing the granite and buttering it if needed.You must use a marble mate mortar and no special wet saw or blade is needed.You must also have a polisher for any exposed factory edge or cut .I have installed the pre bullnosed granite counters and do not like them.They call for half inch plywood with quarter inch backer board it does not allow a lot of room for adjusting for level in the case of old or inproperly installed cabinets.Also the outside prebullnosed pieces are heavy on the outside and tend to want to peak on the inside edge because of the weight of the bullnose overhanging the cabinet edge.I used nails angled up to hide the holes to prop the bullnose up to remedy this problem.After all that grout with non sanded grout if done right they look awesum.I recomend installing on a mudded deck for the highest quality.Two sheets of 3/4 plywood and a 1/4 inch of backer board will raise the bullnose to high to cover the plywood it is difficult to make an adjustment in level with the 1/2 inch plywood and backer board without running into this problem of plywood showing.
similar to ceramic but use unsanded grout and 3/4 concrete backer board
This is a major undertaking if you do not have a little know how and the right equipment. Granite it awesome because it is so durable, but that makes it extremely difficult to cut. You will need a special saw. Other than that, you will simply install it as you would ceramic tile. You will need to glue, and then grout 24 hours later.
It is beautiful and expensive!
It's alot like installing ceramic. Make sure you have a sturdy base - I usually use 2 sheets of 3/4in plywood covered by 1/4in hardiboard. You can cut it with any decent tile saw and as someone said before use 1/16 joints or smaller. Often I just butt them together and fill the reliefed edges with unsanded grout when I'm done. Use a product like Custom's Marble and Granite Set and you'll be good to go. One thing to keep in mind though is you will have to get the granite for the front edges of the countertop "bullnosed" and this needs to be done by a professional. Your local granite shop will usually do this for you at an additional charge. Good luck.
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