How to Lay a Slate Tile Bar Top

Measure the center points of the bar's length and width. Draw lines across the surface of the bar at these points. This divides the bar top into four equal sections, with the center marked by the point where the lines intersect.

Examine the slate tiles for signs of damage and remove any tiles that are chipped. If the tiles vary greatly in color, organize them in the order in which you want to lay them.

Brush any debris off the surface of the bar top.

Mix thinset mortar, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Spread the thinset on the bar top in the corner of one quadrant in the center of the bar. Cover about 1 square foot with the thinset, and create ridges in the mortar with the notched edge of the trowel.

Lay the first slate tile into the thinset, aligning the edges of the tile with the lines on the bar top. Press the tile firmly down into the thinset. Place tile spacers around the edges of the tile if you want the grout lines to be clearly visible. If you want the edges of the tiles to butt against each other, do not use tile spacers.

Add more thinset to the mortar next to the first tile, moving away from the center of the bar top, and place another tile. Continue laying tiles until you reach the end of the bar. If you cannot fit a full tile onto the outer edge, leave that bare for now.

Lay tiles perpendicular to the first row, forming an L. Continue laying tiles onto the first quadrant of the bar top, using this alternating method.

Lay the slate tiles onto the other three quadrants, just as you did for the first quadrant.

Measure any spaces left uncovered by the tiles. Cut tiles with a wet saw to fit those spaces.

Lay the tiles on the edges of the bar top with the thinset mortar. Allow the tiles to set for the time specified on the packaging.

Mix a batch of sanded grout, following the instructions on the packaging. Pour 1 pint of grout on the tiles in one corner of the bar top, and spread the grout into the joints between the tiles with a sponge float. Make several passes over the tiles to completely fill the joints. If you used tile spacers, remove them with needle-nose pliers. Allow the grout to set for the time specified on the packaging.