Prepare Your Countertops for Marble Tile

• 1). Measure the top of your cabinets and cut a piece of 3/4 inch plywood to fit completely over top the cabinets. Leave a 1/8 inch gap between the plywood and the wall, and ensure the plywood is large enough to encompass any overhangs for your new countertop.
  
  
• 2). Screw the plywood to the cabinets using 1-3/4 inch wood screws every 8 inches.
  
  
• 3). Cut a piece of cement board so it is the same size as the plywood. Mix thin-set mortar in a bucket, then spread it over the entire sheet of plywood using a trowel. Place the cement board firmly on top of the thin-set. Add cement board screws every 8 inches to ensure the cement board is firmly bonded to the plywood.
  
  
• 4). Cut a hole for your sink, if desired, using a jigsaw. Install the sink according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.
  
  

Mount Your Marble Countertops

• 1). Layout your marble tiles on the countertop. Without using any mortar or adhesive, determine the placement of each tile, including borders and designs. Stack the tiles by row so you'll know where to install them.
  
  
• 2). Cut marble tiles as needed using a tile cutter. Rent or buy this tool from your local home improvement store. Wear safety glasses when cutting tile.
  
  
• 3). Mix thin-set mortar with water according to the instructions on the package. Only mix about 1 quart of mortar at a time, or it will get too dry before you can use it. Spread the mortar over a 6- to 8-foot-square area using a notched trowel.
  
  
• 4). Place your tiles firmly into the mortar bed without sliding them around. Add plastic spacers to maintain the desired grout lines.
  
  
• 5). Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to complete the rest of the countertop.
  
  
• 6). Use clamps and a 2-by-4 to build a ledge along the front edge of your countertop. Spread mortar over the edges and add marble tiles to fit this edge. Leave the support ledge in place until the mortar dries completely.
  
  
• 7). Remove the plastic spacers and seal your marble tiles using a penetrating stone sealer. Brush or roll this sealer on, making sure it penetrates all parts of the tiles. Allow the sealer to dry overnight before proceeding.
  
  
• 8). Mix grout with water according to the directions on the package. Properly mixed grout has a consistency similar to toothpaste. Pour the grout onto a small section of the countertop and use a grout float to force it into the joints between the tiles.
  
  
• 9). Wipe away excess grout as you work using a damp rag or sponge. After the entire countertop is grouted, clean the tile once more to prevent staining.