Granite Choice; Benissimo Granite System
Hello Tom; I enjoy reading your articles and your advise and coments. I would like to know if you know about a Granite tile system from Benissimo Granite? I plan on having it installed by a tile installer with a very good history in tile. I will be using the “Fiama Rialto” color. Your advise and oppinion; please on this product and the need to seal this granite. Would the granite tile need to be sealed prior to the “epoxy grout” between tile; or after the tiles are grouted? What type of prep work should be used for the underlayment? The installer has said that he can remove the Laminate counter tops presently in place.. cut off the back splashes.. rough up the laminate surface in to use a certain motar mix to install the Benissimo Granite Tile. Thank you for your time and keep up the fantastic work.
Hello Thomas,
I have watched the evolution of the Benissimo Granite System for some time. They are very good promotions. They should be commended on providing a alternative system to the conventional tile or slab installations. However, I do have some esthetic and technical comments for you to think about. First, you will still have grout joints. I can not see why anyone would upgrade to granite, and still settle for grout joints. This is like buying a luxury car with cloth interior.
Secondly, the Benissimo product is most likely assembled in China for cost saving purposes. All of their granite colors are either domestic to China or imported into China on a regular basis. The granite name you mentioned, ‘Fiama Rialto’, is commonly known as ‘Tan Brown’. It is granite from India. It is inexpensive granite but does have good technical soundness. My greatest concern is the epoxy application at the bullnose edge. This ‘glue’ application requires proper skill and attention and even certain climate conditions to produce high strength results. I have made over a dozen inspection trips to China and conclude the any product with a two-part epoxy application is suspect. If the epoxy work is not properly mixed and applied, the bullnose will fall off….in time. This goes for any pre-fabricated granite products from China.
Lastly, the installation instructions mention setting the tile over laminate with Quick Set Mortar. I believe they mention Quick Set Mortar because it has a Hydraulic binding agent with increases the strength. The other concern would be if the granite is pumped during the final curing process it will permanently de-bond from the laminate. In my professional opinion this is not only, “putting perfume over a smelly body”, this is a very substandard installation and no installer should ever warranty it. This installation will not last, period. Normal thermal and dynamic stresses will cause the mortar to eventually break free from the laminate, scuffing up the laminate just helps it stick a little longer.
So, that is that. I truly recommend getting a slab installation quote for Tan Brown Granite from your local qualified fabricator. You could try www.HomeGranite.com if you don’t already have an installer. You may be surprised at how little more it costs to get the luxury car with leather!
Best wishes,
Tom Cordova
