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Annapolis, MD on Jul 31, 2011

(Annapolis, MD)I have friends who made beautiful countertops out of 12 x 12 blue pearl granite tiles (they look black

with sparkly grey mica-type chips inside them). I know granite slab is preferred, but the tiles look great and I just found a source for the them at only $7.95/per, total with shipping for our kitchen is about $450. Question:, how hard is it to cut granite tile? Should I give up trying to do it myself and get estimates to have it installed, and what are my chances of having a tile man agree to install tile I already purchased?

5 Comments

Imagery Littleton, CO

Hi Sue,
Blue pearl is a great choice. I love the way it changes at every angle! A decent wet tile saw should yield you the desired results, but if you are less inclined to tackle this scale of a project, a pro tile setter is a good option. I personally haven't ever had an issue using product that the homeowner purchased. I think you won't have any trouble finding someone to set the tile you have ...»
already purchased. Your situation is pretty common. Good luck either way! Be sure to share some before and after pics too!

on Aug 01, 2011 · Like 0
Culpepper Carpets and Int... Atlanta, GA

Sue, I agree with Imagery. All of the tile installers that I use install the tile that I select & purchase for the client. I had 12 " tile counter tops installed in one of my homes & loved it. It is definitely a good option & savings. It is important to have it done correctly or it can loosen if the tiles are not even that is a real issue to me. Also I recommend sealing the grout.

on Aug 01, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

Blue Pearl is a sweet tile...it is only quarried from one area in Norway. How are you planning to do the edges? I have trimmed some with wood but my preferred newer method is to use special bull-nosed tiles. I have a source for these larger 18 x 21" tile that have "matching" 24" long polished bull-nosed pieces. Or you can use the EZ tile version which are large tiles complete with the bullnose. These have no grout lines front to back. ...»

If your not planing to do a lot of future tile work renting a large wet diamond saw with a sliding bed would be better than a cheaper bench top saw.
http://www.bathandgranite4less.com/stone-til...
on Aug 01, 2011 · Like 0
Hewitt Remodeling Service... Virginia Beach, VA

Sue,
Only the tilers that you don't want in your kitchen anyway would object to installing material you provided. The pros won't object at all. Having said that, you may get some balking from those same pros if you selected a low quality material, in which case they will be concerned since they are not only proud of their work but want to be able to warranty it as well. The less than professional ...»
tilers will "slap in" whatever you provide them, as long as they get paid. Tim

on Aug 01, 2011 · Like 1
Imagery Littleton, CO

For the bull-nosed edges, I use a tile company called "Tile for less"...they professionally edge the tiles you need for $10.00 a lineal foot. The edges are perfect, and well worth the price. You may have a company locally that will do this for you too. The shortest edge they will do is 3", so it works well for marble 3 X 6 subway tiles too! Good luck if you hire out the work, check references!

on Aug 01, 2011 · Like 0