If you’re looking for a sleek, polished look for your kitchen or bathroom countertops, look no further than marble tile.
Marble tile is a classic material that can give any space an elegant makeover. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to install marble tile for countertops yourself!
In this blog post, we’ll show you everything you need to know about using marble tile for countertops, from what tools you’ll need to what preparations you should make. So let’s get started!
Should You Use Marble Tile For Countertops?
Installing marble tile countertops can be a great DIY project. Not only are marble tiles more budget-friendly than marble slabs, but they also offer a wide range of color options. When it comes to marble tile countertops, the sky’s the limit! However, a few things to keep in mind before starting your project.
Marble is an excellent choice for countertops. It is durable and heat resistant. However, you have to take care to protect it from stains and scratches.
Marble is a natural stone that is very durable and heat resistant, making it a great choice for those who love to cook. As with most natural stones, marble is heat and water-resistant. This means that you can put hot pots on it without worrying about damage. The colors are heat resistant and won’t change, and water that spills across the countertop won’t cause any damage.
Problems To Look Out For
- Marble is a beautiful but porous material. If you spill something on it and don’t clean it up immediately, the marble will become stained. You can prevent this by sealing the tile before grouting.
- Marble is a soft stone that can be scratched or chipped easily. With proper preparation, care, and maintenance, though, marble tile countertops can last for years to come.
Annual Sealing
Overcoming the porous nature of marble tile can be easily accomplished by the annual sealing of the marble. Applying a sealer annually will help protect your marble countertops from staining.
Add An Extra Layer Of Protection
To prevent scratches and knife marks, one option is to lay a glass cutting board in the space where you do most of the food preparation. This will give the marble an extra layer of protection from stains and create a smooth surface for cutting. Glass cutting boards are also easy to clean and can be found at most home stores.
Tip: For a more DIY approach, you can use a piece of acrylic or plexiglass that is at least 1/8-inch thick. Cut it to size with a utility knife and sand the edges to create a smooth surface.
What Tools Do You Need To Use Marble Tile For Countertops?
Before you begin your project, it’s important to do your research and make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand.
To put marble tile on a countertop, you will need chalk, a caulking gun, grout, level, rubber grout float, mortar, and a measuring tape.
The first thing you’ll need is a measuring tape so that you can determine how many tiles you’ll need to purchase. You’ll also need a level so that your tiles are evenly spaced and level with each other. A saw may be necessary to cut the tiles to size if they don’t fit perfectly in your space. And finally, you’ll need grout and caulk so that your new countertop is sealed and protected from moisture.
Full list of things you will need:
- Backer board
- Caulking gun
- Chalk
- Damp sponge
- Grout
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Mortar
- Rubber float
- Tile saw (only if you need to trim the marble tiles)
- Utility knife
- Optional: Acrylic or plexiglass to protect the marble from scratching
What Preparations Do You Need To Use Marble Tile For Countertops?
Before you begin installing your new countertop, there are a few preparations you’ll need to make.
Remove the previous countertop and clean it thoroughly. Then check that the surface is level and mark where each tile will go. Finally, put down a backer board to support the weight of the tiles.
- Remove your old countertop to have a clean surface (usually plywood)to work with. This will make the marble tiles adhere better.
- Let the clean counter dry completely to avoid trapping moisture under the new surface.
- Make sure that the counters are level from side to side and front to back.
- Use the level and measuring tape to mark where each tile will go to ensure they’re evenly spaced.
- Install a ¼ – or ½-inch cement backer board to stabilize the surface and prevent any warping. (You can skip this step if there is already a backer board from the previous counter surface.)
How To Use Marble Tiles For Countertops
Installing marble tile countertops is easier than you might think! Once you have all of your tools and materials ready, simply follow the steps below.
Create a marble tile countertop by spreading mortar over the backer board and pressing each tile into place. After it dries, apply grout and chalk.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 26, 2022.
1. Begin by spreading mortar on the surface where the first tile will go. Then, set the tile in place and press down firmly.
2. Continue spreading mortar and setting tiles until the entire countertop is covered.
3. Allow the mortar to dry completely overnight before grouting the next day.
4. To grout, mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s directions and spread it over the surface of the tiles using a rubber float.
5. Use a damp sponge to remove any excess grout before drying completely.
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 26, 2022.
6 Finally, apply caulk around the edges of the countertop where it meets the backsplash or wall to create a watertight seal.