I have a client that saw a countertop in a Bed & Breakfast bathroom made with 12 x 12 marble tile, butted tight with no grout. He really liked the monolithic look of it compared to 1/8″ or 1/4″ groutlines. He does not want a single slab. He thought they must have calked the seams. Anyone ever do this type of install? I was thinking about doing the seams with clear epoxy or something. Caulk seems kind of Wal Mart to me. Any ideas?
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Replies
It's known as a "butt-jointed" or "hairline joint" job. You do it by butting the pieces (and making sure they are PERFECTLY level with one another), and use un-sanded grout to fill in any small irregularities.
Bob
So what's the point of using grout? Is it to hide the irregular size and shape of the tiles?
I thought you had to use it. I did my countertop last year in porcelain tiles and I sure wish I had butted them together and not left grout lines.
Most tile isn't regular enough to be butted tight, so you're right- it helps fill the voids. It also seals the joints between the tiles to prevent water infiltration.
"Caulk seems kind of Wal Mart to me."
Clef,
Why? Depending on the color you're not going to see it anyway.
View Image
Edited 7/2/2004 4:27 pm ET by WorkshopJon
all the mable and granite counters I did I butted tight.
The edges came with a slight bevel that I grouted with non sanded grout.
Better than getting filled with dust.
You want a non grout look than go with a slab.
No grout ever came loose.
IMO caulking is a horrible choice because its too soft.
Be well
andyThe secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Edited 7/5/2004 12:54 pm ET by Andy Clifford(Andybuildz)
I'd be afraid grout wouldn't stick to the small beveled portion if the granite tiles were butted. You don't have a problem with this?
not when I use a liquid latex mortar additive instead of water in the grout.
....Its seriously sticky....but be sure not to use grout that "only" allows water.
Try a test piece first so you sleep more soundly....lol
Be well
andyThe secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Great that's good info. I wasn't looking forward to finding a caulk with a color to match the granite I'm getting. Grout's quite a bit easier.
Thanks,
Andy