How to Make Slate-Like Countertops

Slate is a durable stone that looks clean and crisp, making it an ideal building material for countertops. However, installing real slate tiles is very costly and may not fit into your budget. One option is to make countertops look like they are covered in real slate by installing inexpensive faux-slate tiles. You can install faux-slate tiles using materials purchased from any hardware or home improvement store.

Electric sander
Medium-grit sanding belt
Vacuum with brush attachment
Mortar
Trowel
Mortar rake
1/4-inch-thick faux-slate tiles
Medium grout
Sponge
Face mask
Clear latex sealant
2-inch flat paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the surface of the existing counertop using an electric sander with a medium-grit sanding belt.
- 2
  Clean the sanded surface using a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any dust caused by the sanding.
- 3
  Spread a 1/2-inch-thick layer of mortar over the surface of the countertop using a trowel.
- 4
  Scratch the surface of the mortar using a mortar rake to create grooves in the mortar.
- 5
  Press faux-slate tiles halfway into the mortar, spacing each tile 1/4 inch apart. Arrange the faux-slate tiles so they are lined up evenly across the countertop. Let the mortar dry for 10 to 12 hours.
- 6
  Spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer of medium grout over the faux-slate surface using a trowel, then scrape off the grout to spread it in between the tiles and to remove any excess grout.
- 7
  Wipe off the surface of each slate-like tile using a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry for 10 to 12 hours.
- 8
  Put on a protective face mask. Paint a layer of clear latex sealant over the entire surface of the faux-slate countertop using a 2-inch flat paintbrush, then allow the sealant to dry for six to eight hours.

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