New Countertop!

So, this last weekend with Heather gone, and for lack of any other good project to work on, I decided to take on the counter top finally. For those that don't remember, the drug-addict former landlord put in a concrete counter that looked like a sidewalk.

Though ugly, this had the advantage of being a natural tile backer-board. We decided to put granite tile over it.


First, I used an angle grinder to scrape up the painted surface so the thin-set could get to the actual concrete.
Then I laid out the full tiles that would sit along the edge of the counter. Because granite tiles come with their edges unfinished, I used the angle grinder with some 50 and then 200 grit polishing pads to smooth out the surface that would be facing out.



Then I spent the first evening laying down the first set of tiles using a 1/2" guide to get them hanging out exactly one tile length from the edge.
The next day I rented a wet tile saw to put in the partial pieces. It was nice to use on a hot day...a little like going to the water park. At first, before I got used to it, I could only cut off a minimum of 1/4" without making the cut all crooked, but by the end I could take off just a little 1/16" sliver. The trick is to hold the tile on the top and the bottom instead of the left and the right. This keeps the blade from moving the tile. It was a little strange using a high powered tool that was covered in water the whole time it was in operation, but you kinda get used to it.
The toughest part of the whole job was getting the front pieces in place. I had to use scrap wood attached with finish nails to get them to stay.


I finished at 1am on Sunday night. I just need to put in the grout when it is all dry. Here it is in its full glory! Better than concrete anyway.