Granite countertops and backsplashes are a sure-fire way to spruce up your kitchen and give it that natural look that you've been dreaming of. And contrary to popular belief, installing a granite backsplash is not necessarily something that will break the bank or your back. After you install a granite backsplash, your kitchen will have a new look and feel that will have you bursting with pride for years to come.
Instructions
Layout
1. Lay out five to six of the granite tiles on the floor, edge-to-edge. Granite tile is meant to be installed tight, with the beveled edges creating a 1/8-inch grout joint look on the surface.
2. Measure the length of your backsplash.
3. Check your measurements against your granite on the floor. The key is to have a full tile on the outside edge and a good-sized cut in the corners.
4. Ensure all electrical boxes are removed from the wall and all electricity turned off. Nothing is worse than getting zapped while trying to measure a cut around the box.
5. Make sure all debris is removed from the surface of the backsplash (drywall chunks, etc.).
Installation
6. Using your 3/8-inch trowel, spread mastic on the backsplash. Only do a large enough area to do three to four tiles a time until you get the hang of it. Make sure you apply the mastic evenly.
7. Start at the outside edge and place the granite tile on the wall. Apply pressure and move slightly side to side until you hear the air being pressed out from behind the tile. This is how you know the bond is good.
8. Repeat step 2 until you have a few pieces stuck to the wall in a row. Use the wedgies if you need to, as sometimes granite will be slightly different sizes. Only use them as much as you need to in order to make the granite pieces stack up nicely against each other.
9. Use your grease pencil to mark out the electrical boxes, then use your wet-saw to cut the granite.
10. Continue down the wall to the corner, as well as upward to the bottom of the cabinet. Use the wet saw to cut the pieces to fit into the corners as well as against the bottom of the cabinet.
11. Let dry for a minimum of 24 hours before grouting.
Grouting
12. Using your margin trowel, mix the grout according to the directions on the package. You want the consistency of putty.
13. Using your grout float, force the grout into the joints between the granite tiles. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then repeat. Granite is a natural stone and porous, and sometimes the grout will shrink as the moisture is pulled from the grout. Check it again after the second application, and if need be, repeat again.
14. After 15 to 20 minutes, use a damp sponge to wipe the excess grout from the surface of the tile and smooth the grout joints. Wipe diagonally, and wring your sponge out frequently.
15. Leave 20 to 30 minutes, long enough for a haze to appear. Then, using a damp sponge, wipe gently across the grout joints in a diagonal motion, removing the haze.
16. Wait an hour, then use a dry towel or rag to gently remove any additional haze from the surface. Let dry for a minimum of 24 hours before allowing any moisture to come into contact with the grout.
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