Granite and Glass

[Tricks13]

Hi,
I am about to embark on my first granite floor and a wall with some glass tiles.
Can somebody offer me the correct procedure for cutting, when to seal and with what for the granite and any other potential hazards.
Also, any similar info relating to glass tiles would be helpful.
Many thanks

 

[Gazzer]

More info required about the glass tiles. Do they have a backing or are they coloured glass?

 

[MICK the Tiler]

You'll need to invest in a wet saw for the granite and as far as the glass goes you might need some specialist tools also. You are embarking on a project that involves 2 of the hardess to fix mediums there are.

 

[Deleted member 1779]

Agree with Mick. The granite will be the least difficult of the two materials to cut with a diamond blade on a wetsaw. I've known glass tiles turn out to be an absolute pig to cut. We had a well known tile company approach us tearing their hair out because nothing would put a clean line through glass tiles.

In fact this is one of the pieces they sent to us to look at.....

Every attempt to cut the glass with a diamond wheel caused it to shatter.

It may be your glass tiles work out better than this particular brand but if yours do give you grief at least you are in good company!

Oh and as we always say on porcelain and granite posts... Dont forget your drill bits!

Diamond drilling of granite.

 

[Tricks13]

The glass tiles have a painted back. I realise the need to be careful with regard to scratching especially when grouting.

I have a wet cutter for the granite and agian realise the weight of this natural stone so know the floor prep. My main concern was what I have read about staining and dis-colouring, so was trying to find out about sealants.

Thanks for your help

 

[MICK the Tiler]

If the granite is polished It is a very hard stone and would not need sealing, glass is also a non-porous material and sealing it would not be required. Your wet saw will need to have plenty of grunt to cope.:yes:

What size are the glass tiles?

 

[Max_Damage]

You will need an oil filled glass cutter(£15-20) for the glass tiles.
Don't try to cut glass with a tile cutter. Score the line along a straight edge with the wheel, Then use normal tile combination cutter to snap the glass tile.
Put normal cloth plasters(used for cuts)over the metal parts of the snapper so it doesn't crumble the glass or scratch the backing.Here's the trick, as you grab the glass with the snappers slightly pull on the snappers as you squeeze.This minimizes the glass burring as it breaks.
If you have to use a diamond wheel or hole cutter, use plenty of water and cut very slowly.
minimum cut for 6mm is about 10mm.
minimum cut for 8mm is about 20mm.
Use a diamond pad and water to round the cut edges off.(£8 set of 3, DIY shops))
WEAR GOGGLES WHEN CUTTING
the snappers (+ plasters or masking tape)

The cutter