Granite is often used for kitchen countertops. If a granite slab countertop, made of large sections of stone, is too expensive, and if the grout lines left by granite tiles are undesirable, homeowners may install modular granite tile countertops instead. Rather than thin, 12-inch tiles, modular granite tiles are 25 1/2 inches square and as thick as a granite counter. They are ordered to fit your kitchen's measurements and come in a kit for do-it-yourselfers.

1
Screw sheets of plywood directly into the stiles of the cabinets with a drill to provide support for the granite tiles on the top of your cabinets. These sheets should be sized to fit inside the stiles or rails.

2
Lay out the modular tiles directly on top of the plywood without any adhesive. The tiles should be made to fit the dimensions of your counter; piece them together like a puzzle to cover the counter. Start with the sink cutout and place the other tiles next to one another over the entire counter.

3
Remove the tiles and stack them in the order you will install them. Squeeze some adhesive from the modular tile kit onto the front and back edges of the cabinet and set the first tile in place.

4
Apply adhesive to the edge of the tile that will be meeting the next tile, and the front and back edges of the cabinets. Set the next tile in place, butting it up against the first tile. Continue to apply adhesive and tiles one by one until the counter is covered.

5
Spread a thin layer of adhesive and press backsplashes, front edges or other decorative pieces into place. Let the adhesive dry overnight before using the counter or hooking up the plumbing.