January 5th, 2011

If you are interested in installing granite countertops, you might want to check out our EZ Tops. They are large format granite tiles that are 18″ x 26″ in dimension, therefore reducing grout lines.  EZ Tops are simple to install if you have basic carpentry skills. Below you will find a list of hints and tips to make your EZ Top installation a breeze.

SUBSTRATES
  • 3/4″ X 3/4″ EXTERIOR GRADE PLYWOOD
  • 1/4″ BACKER BOARD – DENSHIELD OR DUROCK
ADHESIVES
  • LATEX MODIFIED THINSET SUCH AS TWO-PART FLEXTILE 061-50G OR 061-50W.
  • WHITE THINSET FOR LIGHTER STONE
  • UNSANDED GROUT COLOR OF CHOICE
TOOLS RECOMMENDED
  • WET SAW WITH DIAMOND BLADE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMODATE 26” LENGTH OF TILE.
  • 1/4“ x 1/2” NOTCHED TROWEL
  • DRILL WITH SCREWDRIVER BIT
  • DUROCK KNIFE OR UTILITY KNIFE
  • GROUT FLOAT
  • GROUT SPONGE
  • MARGIN TROWEL
  • LEVEL
  • RUBBING STONE: 60 – 90 GRIT
EDGE DETAIL
  • POLISHED EDGES – WITH THREE PRE-POLISHED EDGES, THERE IS NO NEED FOR A POLISHING WHEEL
  • SAND AND LIGHTLY BEVEL CUT EDGES THAT WILL BUTT TO FACTORY
  • POLISHED EDGES (SEE CUTS AROUND SINK DETAIL)
  • JOINT SIZE – CREDIT CARD SIZE IS ALL YOU NEED,  USE UNSANDED GROUT
INSTALLATION
  • CAREFULLY PLAN LAYOUT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION.
  • USE LATEX MODIFIED THINSET TO ADHERE BACKER BOARD TO PLYWOOD, USE DUROCK OR ROOFING SCREWS TO ATTACH BOTH LAYERS TO CABINETS.
  • TAPE JOINTS WITH DUROCK TAPE.
  • USING SAME MODIFIED THINSET, SPREAD ADHESIVE USING
  • 1/4” X 1/2” NOTCHED TROWEL. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE TO BUTTER THE BACK OF THE EZ TOP TILES TO ENSURE A LEVEL SURFACE.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
  • WE ALSO STOCK COORDINATING 12”X12” TILES TO USE AS BACKSPLASH OR IF YOU NEED MORE TILE TO CUT ADDITIONAL 1” STRIPS

For an installtion guide showing layout suggestions, see the PDF file below.

https://www.katelotile.com/resources/pdf/eztop-installation.pdf