| Granite Kitchen Counter |
| Student Randall Simon tiles a countertop. |
From "Trade School"
episode DTRS-208 |
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(Continued from page )
Randall sets the next tile right up against the first (figure G). He omits plastic spacers and creates a butt-joint. With the tiles set so closely together, it's extremely important that they lay completely flat and even with their neighbors. Randall checks closely with a level, but he also feels along the joint with his fingers (figure H). By relying on his sense of touch, he can better identify uneven tiles.Air pockets in the thin-set tend to skew the tiles, so Randall presses down lightly to even things up. Just when he thinks the tile is flat enough, Remo shows him another foolproof trick. Using a small piece of granite, Remo runs it over the joints (figure I). If Randall hears a clicking sound as the piece passes over, the tiles still needs finessing. As he continues along, Randall fine-tunes his senses to make sure the countertop is perfect.
With a flat and even deck, Randall battles gravity as he sets the skirt and backsplash. Beginning with the skirt, Randall cuts full tiles down to 1 1/2" pieces. He trowels the back with glue (figure J), making sure to leave a small gap on one edge. If he applies too much glue, it will squeeze out in a sticky mess when he installs the piece. Randall matches up the skirt with the joints on the deck ensuring each piece is plumb. Randall uses low tack tape to hold the tile in place (figure K) while he adjusts the position.
When the skirt is complete, Randall moves on to the backsplash. He tops off each piece with thin-set, and then uses the same techniques to keep the tiles flat and even. Randall makes sure the tiles create an even line all the way across the wall with a six foot level (figure L). If he needs to adjust the height on a tile, he places tiny, plastic wedges underneath (figure M).
When it comes to a tough cut for an outlet, Remo shows him how to measure and cut the hole. Remo marks both sides of the tile, and then scores the backside with the wet saw. He watches the depth of the saw blade, being careful not to cut outside the marks (figure N). After he's scored each side, he turns the tile over and knocks out the centerpiece to fit over the outlet (figure O).Randall's hard work is almost over as he nears the home stretch of this project. With the tiles set, Randall fills in the joints with black, non-sanded grout (figure P).
RESOURCES :
Apache Stoneworks
P.O. Box 364
Broomfield, CO 80038
Phone: 303-464-8828
Website: www.apachestoneworks.com
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