Granite is one of the highest-end materials you can use in your kitchen. Adding granite to the top of a cabinet, creating a new counter, will instantly add value to your kitchen. Granite comes in both slab and tile form. Granite slabs are best left to professionals. Granite tiles, on the other hand, can be tackled by the typical homeowner. Granite tiles give the look of granite without the expense and hassle of hiring a contractor.
1
Set the plywood to the top of the cabinet with construction adhesive. Spread the adhesive across the top of the cabinet and press the plywood firmly into place. Weight the plywood down with bricks until the adhesive is dry.

2
Screw the plywood onto the cabinet base around the edge of the cabinet. Use one screw every 6 to 8 inches to firmly attach the plywood.

3
Cut the tiles that will be installed on the front and side edges of the plywood top. Measure the area to be covered. Mark the tiles with a permanent marker where they will be cut. Cut the tiles on a 45-degree angle at the top edge, using a tile saw. This will create a better finished edge for the counter.

4
Spread tile adhesive onto the counter with a trowel. Press the cut granite into the adhesive. Set another cut tile adjacent to the first. Granite tiles are typically spaced as close together as possible to minimize grout lines. Use the smallest spacers you can find to keep the tiles evenly spaced.

5
Dry-set all of the top tiles. Make sure the tiles are properly arranged and even. Use the front tiles as a guide. The tiles should run in a straight line from the front edge tile back to the wall.

6
Cut tiles to that require special cuts. Mark each tile with a permanent marker where it will be cut. Cut the tiles with a tile cutter. Spread adhesive directly onto the back of the cut granite tile and press it into place. Allow the adhesive to dry.

7
Mix the grout. Choose a grout that closely matches the color of the granite you have chosen. Spread grout between the tiles. Slide the grout float in a back-and-forth motion over the granite, spreading the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Go back over the same spot multiple times to eliminate air pockets.

8
Wet a sponge and completely clean the counter. Wipe away all excess grout from the countertop. Clean the sponge often as you work.