Granite in the bus!

[grantgoold]

I just picked up about 100 square feet of beautiful black granite (finished) for the bus. Those who have placed granite in their buses, care to share any lessons learned

Good, bad,.....

I was thinking taking the leftover and placing them in the stepwell.


Thanks

Grant

[donnreeves]

Grant,
We used granite for the counter tops and table. Decided against using thinset to glue it down. Went with polyurethane const. adhesive instead. Used black silicone for grout because the black grout turns gray with use. So far so good.
Donn

[Dave Siegel]

Hi Grant, sounds like a beautiful addition is about to happen. There is a way to do it right, and a way to do it. From experience, Lay 3/4" plywood (as level and stable as you can get it.) I used sub-floor adhesive (pro-grade) and then screwed the plywood down. Then you need at least a 1/4" to 3/8" layer of Hardy Board. (Use the correct screws) Then, there is a flexible thin-set that is available use that but also add some flex-bond to the mix.  Don's idea of using silicone caulk for grout is a great idea, as well.
(The above is the correct way)
(Below is a way)
Thin set or  adhesive applied to plywood. Put the tile down and hope for the best. It will move, and it will crack in time.

Hope this helps.

Dave Siegel, Naples , Florida PD3571 "Silversides"

[grantgoold]

Dave, thanks for the info. I understand your directions. I do however have one piece granite for the kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity, lounge table and misc. Each piece will be one solid piece of granite. No tile involved.

Thanks

Grant

[DrivingMissLazy]

I personally do not care for the appearance of any silicone after a few years. Seems like it always tends to pull away and/or curl up at the edges.

What about using black grout and then using a sealer and resealing every couple of years if it needs it?

Richard

[Dave Siegel]

Sorry for the long winded directions. My mind went directly to the flooring when you said 100 feet.

Granite is great for counter tops. Will you be able to undermount sinks and things? What about the edges? are they finished, or is that part of the project? Do you have to do any seaming? Can you cut back splashes?

I would have some ideas for you with those answers. (I am a retired Kitchen and Bath designer for more than 20 years experience.)

Dave Siegel

[FloridaCliff]

Grant,

Did you buy it all precut?

What did you end up paying per sqft?

Cliff

[grantgoold]

I was able to find the granite from the 'craigslist' and the owner had it from a Federal auction when it was removed from an ex U.S. Senator's home once he was convicted of several felonies... (I think you know who I am talking about)

I got about 20 pieces, most with backsplashes and two sinks (kitchen and bath) already built in. I know that the kitchen and bath will fit directly into the bus, once I get some cabinets. I will have to have a hole cut for the electric stove. All the major pieces came with the bull nose edge. Some of the miscellaneous pieces will require cutting. This sound to me like an excuse to find a good used tile cutter

I would be interested in the continued conversation on grout. Done it before, not a professional by any means, but willing to try!

Oh, my son in law went to pick up the granite and the two hit it off so much, the guy offered him a job once he is out of the Marines and eventually just gave us the granite for:

FREE, NADA!!

Grant

[Tom Y]

I looked at a new 06 or 07 Newel with it in the bath and it had all ready cracked. So don't let it flex.  Tom Y

[prevost82]

We didn't put grantie in but ceramic tile in our bathroom. We put down new 3/4" plywood as a base, then 3/8 plywood subfloor that's glue and screw to the 3/4" plywood. Then we layed down this material that looks like bubble wrap, orange in color (don't what it's called) then used flexable thin-set and epoxy grout. Haven't had any problems in the 3 yrs it been installed and we have traveled way down into Mexico and foresty roads at home that have been very rough roads. I think the 3 way leveling system in the bus helps as the frame don't twist. I wouldn't use silicone for grout on the floor, that would be hell to keep clean.
Ron

[rip]

Grant;I used solid granite in my bus.When I bought mine it comes in two thickness.I went
for the thicker,I think 3mm.I used an undermount sink and after over 4 yrs. of fulltiming,no problems.When they installed it they put it down with car bondo.They used silicone for the joint between top and backsplash.
    Don

[niles500]

Latex Grout - it will move!

Then use a grout sealer - HTH