Grouting Marble Tile Kitchen Countertop
by Steve
QUESTION:We are installing carrea marble tiles on our kitchen counter top. They are 1/2 inch thick and are cut very straight with no bevel on the top edge. With this in mind, butting them up next together gives an appearence that I would like (as small of grout oine as possible)but I question if any grout is going to be able to remain between the tiles since it is such a fine, thin line. Would you please suggest what is the best way to install this for both beauty and the assurance of not having my counter tops leaking through and causing a problem later.Will a sandless grout sufficiently get in the crack? This is our first time to install marble and would love to keep the look of as slight of grout lines as possible. Thank you. Steve ANSWER:You should never butt joint stone tile on countertop. You absolutely must leave space between tiles. A minimum grout line of 1/16 inch is required or you'll have problems.You'll want to use un-sanded grout which will seat better with a narrow joint. Sanded grout is used for wider joints with more rough/rustic surface finishes since it will scratch the marble tiles. But before you install a marble tile kitchen countertop I highly recommend educating yourself regarding etching and marble polishing. Many people before you have asked about installing marble kitchen countertops and you can find plenty of information on the topic of etching and marble countertops by using the search box on the Questions page. But the long and short is that marble countertops are not recommended for the kitchen. You will get etch marks on a regular basis. Marble cleaning and maintenance for a kitchen countertop is much more involved and a pain than granite or quartz. Marble tile is great for any other area of the home and doesn't present a marble cleaning problem... just not the kitchen countertop unless you are willing to let it age naturally without fussing over etch marks, etc. Sealing won't stop etching. I suggest you go with granite tile. Many people regret installing a marble kitchen countertop. Good Luck, Ryan P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions for any issue, problem or question with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals. |
