Basalt tips?

[TThomas19]

Hi all... I just read thru the many postings on basalt here. A couple of questions I still need answered and/or reinforced...

1st off... I am a DIYer in the states. I've laid tile quite a bit so I'm a bit better than a beginner. BUT I fear I'm in the that zone of knowing just enough to get into trouble!

I'm looking at putting honed basalt tiles in the bathroom for the countertop. it's not big (24"D by 54"L). I've read the warnings of using basalt in water areas so I'm thinking use a penetrating waterbased sealer, such as Aquamix Sealer's Choice Gold, before laying it, then once it's grouted, doing one more final application. I've just used this on the white octagon and dot I laid on the floor with bright white grout and it was quite easy to use. Anyone have an opinion on this plan of attack?

Am I completely insane for wanting to use basalt in the bathroom by the sink? It's a low vessel sink but men can be pigs (no offense! :smilewinkgrin🙂 so I'm sure there will be plenty of water, et al that sits on the counter.

Since basalt is softer than porcelain, can I assume that a new diamond blade on my tile saw should cut this fine?

Lastly... I was intending to use that epoxy type grout that installers use when putting in granite, etc. It seems to hold up very well in my kitchen and appeared a heck of a lot easier to use than regular grout. BUT am I asking for trouble, especially with the porosity of the basalt tile?

Appreciate your input in advance!

Tracy

 

[Dan]

I'll answer just a couple of your questions to get the ball rolling.

Yes your cutter should cut the tile fine. If you've got a blade/cutter that will cut porcelain easily then you can almost guarantee it'll cut ANY other tile even easier.

And yes, you're probably heading for trouble even if you use a sealer before you tried to use epoxy as a grout. Most tilers agree over here and Ireland that epoxy grout is harder to use than normal cement-based grout however they are improving. I'd like to hear about an epoxy grout that's easier to use if you can give us any info on that.

If it is that your epoxy is really easy, then maybe you could do it. You'd need to protect the tile so do anything that does that while you grout, use the right tool or even mask up the edge of the tile. Ensure you seal them if they need sealing before you start.

I apologise for the lack of replies I'm sure plenty will give their view pretty soon. 😀

Cheers for posting. Please fill in your profile so we know where you come from! We have quite a few members 'overseas'.

 

[TThomas19]

Hi Dan...

Thanks for your input! No, I am sure you are correct about the epoxy grout. Seeing the counters go in the kitchen, the guys made it look easy so that was my assumption. If regular grout is the way to go then there is no argument from me!


FYI... I put a pic up of me putting a roof on my house up north and said a bit about myself... not that it's that interesting!

:lol: