Installing Granite Tile Countertops

Underlayment

Installing a granite tile countertop begins when either the previous countertop has been removed, revealing the existing cabinet frames, or the new cabinet frames are finished. Double-check to make sure the top is level. Measure and cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood, and keep in mind that your tile will overhang the plywood when you make this calculation. Drill holes and screw the plywood into the top of the cabinet frame.
Next, measure and cut a cement backerboard to go over the plywood. Drill and screw that on. Use leftover cement backerboard scraps to cut pieces to serve as a border for the plywood and backerboard, and drill and screw these onto the sides.

Preparing for Appliances

If you are installing a sink and stove into a position that requires the counter to run around it, cut holes through the underlayment with a jigsaw. This is almost always necessary for the kitchen sink, but only sometimes for the stove.

Cutting Tile

For the counter's backsplash board, the edging to place around the sides of the counter, and to finish off an uneven tile count, you'll need to cut tiles down to size. This is simple but will require a tile saw. It's also advisable to use a hand sander to polish the rough edges of the tiles before installation.

Laying Tile

Spread thin-setting mortar on the underlayment with a notched hand trowel. Start with the outer row, and remember to overlay the tiles beyond the edge of the underlayment by 1/4 inch to help with the edging you will add later. Keep laying your tile in rows, checking with a level as you go.
Lay your edge tiles around the sides in the same way, but secure them while they are drying with masking tape. Apply mortar to the drywall to do your backsplash tiling in the same way.
Now grout the tiles, using a grout float to push the grout into the seams, and then wipe away any excess with a damp sponge. After it has dried, apply a high-quality sealant to the grout to keep it from being stained.