[OldMagicfloat]

Due to the porosityof natural stone, it is often recommended to use a mastic rather than thinset depending on the tile. Buy a wetsaw, not necessarily an expensive one, but the $100 one from Lowe's, Home Depot or Menards works well. You will have to seal the marble. Here is my first marble project. The fireplace was originally a brick opening and no mantle with a ugly tile hearth. I faced the brick, wall and hearth and built a mantle using marble

And I can see someone in the photo reading you the instructions :laugher: :laugher:

All kidding aside,very nice !! Looks great

 

[OldMagicfloat]

The granite you have in the photo is called blue pearl the absolute most expesive. Nice though . galaxy is a nice option too. Don,t use marble if this is aworking kitchen,(too soft stain,s easy ) best deal,s are on the 826 miami .name your price and walk out .most advise your getting is correct ,HOWEVER I would use epoxy thinset on black or green granite CORNER CURL AFTER A FEW YEAR,s. I agree mapei stink,s MICHAEL stone mason 27 yr,s

 

[OldMagicfloat]

P.S. probable cause COOL ENTRY nice work

 

[OldMagicfloat]

they all give it generic name,s However it is blue pearl .Anyway ,you cado this , dry lay the whole top first, meaning do not glue any piece,s untill they are all cut and in place . Flat toothpick,s as spacer,s work great. (old school for sure ) And yes granite is much denser and excellant for working top,s Take a knife and scratch both and that will make up your mind real quick .Marble has more vein,s (prettier) but not as practical ,dry grout ,yes .Epoxy grout is not neccasary ,as you most likely will be using adark or silver grout When you get ready ,e mail me i,ll help ya over site. MICHAEL

 

[OldMagicfloat]

OK...this looks pretty good...I am in the process of doing some countertops myself...in the bathroom I am going to use some type of stone tile I got a killer deal on. The kitchen is a whole different story.

I was toying with the idea of concrete...too expensive to consider having a pro do it, I think I can handle it, have done some research but still can't get it down enough to actually tear into my kitchen and start the project. I am considering using slate tile, but keep hearing about the stuff delaminating. I think concrete would be the nicest looking and would avoid the grout which will stain and or hold germs. (any ideas on how to keep this problem to a minimum?) Would like to learn more about the concrete and or actually tiling (slating in my case) over formice counters. Any help is appreciated.

 

[OldMagicfloat]

DUC HUNTER Look,s nice .Good job on the the lead edge !