Installing a granite backsplash can add beautiful style and elegance to any kitchen. Granite is a natural stone that is heatproof, stain resistant, and incredibly durable, making it a fantastic choice for a backsplash. However, proper installation is key to ensuring your granite backsplash stays securely attached to the wall long-term. There are several effective methods for attaching granite tile or slabs to the wall securely.
Choose the Right Granite and Supplies
The first step is selecting your granite backsplash materials. When choosing granite, consider the color, finish, thickness, and cut. Polished granite has a smooth, shiny look that works well for a sleek, contemporary design. Honed or textured finishes offer more of a matte appearance and can help disguise marks or scratches better. A granite backsplash is typically 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inches thick. The thicker the granite, the more durable it will be. Granite can come as 12 x 12 inch tile squares or in larger slabs that can be cut to customized sizes.
You’ll also need to purchase the supplies to attach the granite properly:
- Granite backsplash tile adhesive or thinset mortar
- Grout
- Grout sealer
- Granite sealer
- Tile spacers
- Notched trowel
- Mixing bucket
- Rubber grout float
- Grout sponge
Make sure to use high-quality, granite-specific thinset mortar as the adhesive. Regular thinsets for ceramic tile are not strong enough to support natural stone. Using the wrong adhesive can lead to the granite cracking or becoming detached from the wall. A white polymer-modified thinset is ideal for most granite backsplash installations.
For the wide grout lines in a slate-style pattern, an unsanded grout is best. For narrow grout lines, use sanded grout. A grout sealer is essential for sealing the grout to prevent staining. It’s also a good idea to seal the granite prior to installation to protect it from stains and etching.
Prepare the Wall Surface
Proper preparation of the wall surface is key to a long-lasting granite backsplash installation. Here are the steps for prepping the wall:
- Make sure the wall is clean of any dust, oils, or debris first. Wipe it down with a damp sponge. Allow it to fully dry.
- Remove any old backsplash tile, grout, or adhesive still on the wall with a putty knife or chisel. Scrape and sand the area smooth.
- Fill any cracks, holes, or uneven spots in the wall with spackle or joint compound. Allow filler to dry completely.
- The wall surface should be smooth. Sand any bumps or rough patches. Wipe away dust with a wet sponge and allow to dry.
- Apply painter’s tape to the edges of the wall around the backsplash area. This helps keep the granite tidy during installation and prevents getting thinset or grout on the surrounding walls.
- Prime the surface using a tile bonding primer or a primer designed for natural stone. This helps the thinset adhere tightly. Allow the primer to completely dry.
The wall should now have a smooth, even, clean surface ready for granite backsplash installation.
How to Attach Granite Backsplash Tile
For a granite backsplash made of tile, follow these steps:
Step 1: Plan the Layout
- Measure the backsplash area and determine the tile layout. Mark the center point of the backsplash.
- Dry lay the granite backsplash tiles on a flat surface to arrange the layout and test the fit.
- Mix up a small amount of thinset mortar just to use for the bottom row of tiles during the dry layout.
Step 2: Apply the Thinset
- Mix the thinset mortar according to package directions. Let it slake or sit 5-10 minutes.
- Use a notched trowel to spread on a thin layer of thinset where the first row of granite tile will go.
Step 3: Set the First Row
- Set the first row of granite tile in place, pressing firmly to adhere it. Use spacers between each tile.
- Check the tiles are level and aligned. Adjust as needed. Allow thinset to cure per package directions.
Step 4: Apply Thinset and Set Remaining Tiles
- Apply thinset to the area where the next row will be set using the notched trowel.
- Place the next row of granite tile. Twist each tile back and forth to collapse the trowel lines and flatten.
- Check for evenness and alignment as you go. Continue setting additional rows of tile.
Step 5: Cut Custom Pieces as Needed
- Measure and cut any custom pieces needed to fit around outlets, corners, or edges.
- Set custom cut tiles in place with thinset. Be sure to allow room for grout lines.
Step 6: Let Thinset Cure
- Allow thinset to fully cure for at least 24-48 hours before grouting.
Step 7: Grout and Seal
- Grout the granite backsplash according to package directions. Wipe away excess.
- Seal the grout and granite tiles with quality sealers to protect from stains.
And that’s it! Properly installing a granite backsplash tile allows you to enjoy this luxurious and durable accent for years to come.
How to Attach Granite Backsplash Slabs
For a sleek, contemporary look, you can opt for larger slabs of granite for the backsplash rather than tile. Here are some tips for installing full granite slabs:
Select Thickness
Granite slabs should be at least 3/4 inches thick and ideally 1 – 1 1⁄4 inches thick to provide enough strength for a backsplash. Go with the thickest slab possible your budget allows.
Dry Fit the Slabs
Dry lay the slabs on a flat surface to determine how they will fit together. Measure and mark where any custom cuts are needed.
Clean and Prep the Wall
Clean and prep the wall surface as outlined in the previous section. Ensure the wall provides a smooth, even base for the granite slabs.
Apply Thinset and Adhere Granite
Use a notched trowel to spread a layer of thinset mortar on the wall where the backsplash will be installed. Carefully lift and press the granite slabs into place against the thinset.
Let Cure
Allow the thinset adhesive to fully cure for 48-72 hours before grouting or sealing the granite slabs. The long cure time ensures a rock-solid bond.
Seal and Finish
Apply a penetrating sealer to protect the granite slabs from stains and etching. Finish with polished edges for a seamless, upscale appearance.
Tips for Installing Granite Backsplash
Follow these tips for a successful granite backsplash installation:
- Take time to ensure the wall surface is as smooth and flat as possible before installing granite. Any unevenness in the wall will transfer to the granite, making it look uneven.
- Thinset coverage is key—be sure to use the proper trowel size to apply a thick enough layer of adhesive to fully support the weight of the granite. Spread thinset evenly.
- When setting granite tiles, use tile spacers consistently to keep grout line width uniform. Remove spacers before grouting.
- To cut granite cleanly, score along a straight edge with a carbide scoring tool. Snap pieces apart where scored. Smooth cut edges with sandpaper.
- For a polished edge along cut seams in slabs, use an angle grinder with a diamond polishing pad. Take safety precautions against flying debris.
- Allow extra time for adhesive and grout to cure thoroughly before sealing or using the backsplash. Rushing the curing process can weaken bonds.
- Use high-quality sealers made specifically for granite on both the tile/slabs and the grout. Reseal yearly to maintain protection.
- Consider applying a penetrating sealer before installing to help prevent staining from thinset or grout during the process.
- For slate or mosaic tile patterns, pay close attention to the layout and orienting tiles consistently during installation.
With proper planning, patience, and care taken during installation, a granite backsplash can provide stunning elegance and durable functionality that lasts for decades.
FAQs About Installing Granite Backsplash
What kind of thinset do I use for a granite backsplash?
Use a white polymer-modified thinset mortar designed specifically for natural stone tile. This provides a stronger bond than standard thinset. Make sure it is suitable for the granite material and thickness.
How long does thinset take to cure before grouting a granite backsplash?
Allow the thinset adhesive to fully cure for 24-48 hours before grouting granite tiles. For larger slabs, allow even more time – up to 72 hours. This ensures the bond has reached full strength before grouting.
What color grout should I use with a granite backsplash?
For polished granite, white or light grey grout is best to provide contrast and make the granite shine. With honed or textured granite, you can use darker grout colors like charcoal grey, brown, or black.
Can I use sanded grout with small granite backsplash tile?
No, for granite tiles under 2 x 2 inches, only use unsanded grout. The sand particles in sanded grout are too large and get trapped, causing cracking or weak spots.
What kind of sealer should I use on granite backsplash?
Use a penetrating impregnating sealer made specifically for sealing natural stone and granite. Test sealer first on spare pieces to ensure it does not affect the color or finish. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.
How soon can I get the backsplash wet or use it after installing?
Wait a full 72 hours after grouting and sealing to allow all adhesives, grout, and sealers to fully cure before exposing them to moisture. Taking shortcuts risks weakening bonds.
Can I install a granite backsplash directly over drywall?
No—drywall alone does not provide a strong enough foundation for natural stone. Ensure the wall has appropriate backing like cement board or tile backer for support.
What’s the best way to cut granite backsplash tile or slabs?
Mark cutting lines and score using a carbide scoring tool. Use an angle grinder to cut through thicker slabs. Make multiple shallow passes. Sand edges smooth after cutting.
How do I attach a thick granite slab backsplash securely?
Thicker slabs require robust support. Use tile mastic in addition to thinset mortar. Consider adding brackets, ledgers, or supports attached to wall studs behind the slab for reinforcement.
Conclusion
Adding a granite backsplash can take your kitchen or bathroom from basic to beautiful. With a rich array of granite varieties to choose from and endless possibilities for cutting custom sized slabs or laying creative tile patterns, you’re sure to find a look that suits your unique style. Mastering how to properly attach granite to the wall will ensure this natural stone accent remains securely in place for decades. Pay close attention to properly preparing the wall surface, use robust adhesives and grouts suited for granite, allow thorough curing time, and properly seal both the granite and grout. With the right techniques and care taken during installation, you’ll be able to enjoy your stunning new granite backsplash for a lifetime.