I'm buying some used grade school chalkboards to use as counter tops in our kitchen. I know this is done, as there are plenty of photos online, but the actual info as to how to install is scarce.
Is there any standard process for installing thin stone products as a counter top? What I've found out (and would appreciate having verified) is:
- slate is fairly soft and we can cut it with a radial saw with a diamond blade (and a shop vac, natch)
- we can smooth out blemishes with a hand sander
- can be sealed with mineral and tung oils.
And I assume:
– I need a wood substrate (MDF?)
– possible topped with something like hardibacker
– thinset slate on top of that.
Questions:
- do I gain much with hardibacker + thinset vs. just adding more MDF and construction adhesive?
- is there a good technique for laying the slate down on top of the counters without snapping them in half as they are tipped down? (These aren't HUGE sheets…will mostly be 2'x4' sections–maybe not a big worry?)
- any clever ideas for edge finishing? I was thinking maybe strips of stainless steel.
Best Answer
I would handle this as a tile countertop. Instead of small 4x4 tiles you will be working with the larger slate sheets. This means, 3/4 plywood down as a base. Cement board on top of that and then thin set to attach the tiles.
You can then trim the outsides in whatever you want. It can be wood, tile or metal. You can also use the slate cut into smaller pieces to trim as well.
Once everything is set, you should then use grout to fill the gaps between the slate sheets.
Remember, just like tile you need a good solid base; so skip the MDF and use plywood.