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installation instructions for countertops and tiles
Our general installation recommendations are only a guide. Each situation will vary. Please consult a tile or countertop installation professional for more detailed specifications and carefully follow installation instructions for each product.
Suitability
Eleek Recycled Aluminum Countertops and Tiles may be used on countertops, walls or floors in interior or exterior installations (a special non-skid finish is applied for floor tiles). Because aluminum contracts and expands minutely when subjected to heat and cold, we do not recommend it for installations where the tiles will be subjected to freezing temperatures and/or temperatures over 120 °F. Eleek Recycled Aluminum Countertops and Tiles are highly durable, stain-proof, non-reactive and non-toxic. They are resistant to heat (up to 300 °F), fingerprinting and scratching. They are not, however, designed to be used as a cutting surface or a shop work surface as the powercoat finish will scratch under certain conditions.
Substrates
Eleek Countertops and Tiles may be installed on any stable substrate such as plywood, rock board or tile backer.
Setting Materials
Use mastic (thinset) to apply to rock board or tile backer. Use construction adhesive to apply to wood. Spread the setting material on the substrate with a notched trowel following the manufacturer’s directions.
Spacing
Net installation (without spaces between) is recommended for countertop sections. For tiles, net installation or close spacing is recommended (see below). Eleek, Inc. does not recommend net installation for exteriors where temperature extremes may cause significant expansion and contraction.
Close Spacing for Tiles
Leave even spacing between tiles when installing (we recommend 1/16"–1/8"). Tiles may be aligned with spacers to show uniform joints and then allowed to set until firm (see manufacturer’s instructions for the specific setting material you are using). Excess setting material must be cleaned from the top surface of the tile while it is still wet and per manufacturer’s directions.
Remove excess setting material from the edges. Install expansion joints where tile abuts restraining surfaces and at the perimeter of the installation.
net installation for tiles
First lay out tiles to check how all tile edges will come together. Shim as needed to correct any seams that come together unevenly. As you lay each tile with setting material, run a bead of clear silicone along each edge that will contact another tile. Make sure the seal is complete. Install expansion joints as noted in the Spacing section above.
net installation for countertops
First lay out countertop sections to check how all edges will come together. Shim as needed to correct any seams that come together unevenly. As you lay each section with setting material, run a bead of clear silicone along each edge that will contact another section. Make sure the seal is complete. Install expansion joints as noted in the Spacing section above.
Cutting
All Eleek Recycled Aluminum Countertops and Tiles are cut to order before they are finished to insure that each edge is smooth and that the aluminum is completely sealed within the powdercoating. If you need an additional cut to the tile, please contact Eleek or your Eleek dealer.
Grouting closely spaced tile
Make sure the setting material has become firmly set before grouting. There are many products that will work for grouting. We recommend using a color-matched siliconized grout. A sanded caulk that we like is TEC® Textured Caulk "Accucolor Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk" in Light Pewter or Standard Gray. An unsanded caulk we like is DAP® Dynaflex 230 "Premium Elastomeric Latex Sealant" in Aluminum Gray. Note that the sanded caulk looks a little more like standard grout. After lots of testing, we’ve determined that we like how sanded caulk looks and performs over time. The DAP® Dynaflex looks more like a standard caulk. Whatever you use, be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions.
We highly recommend that you use a siliconized product for the best stain resistance and lifelong flexibility (to accomodate expansion and contraction over time). Many manufacturers make a siliconized caulk in colors that are a close match to our aluminum (“pewter,” “aluminum,”etc.). Test carefully for color matching before committing to a particular brand and color. If you use a sanded grout, be careful not to over-apply the grout such that you have to rub it over the tiles extensively in order to remove the excess. This could cause surface scratching on the tiles. When you wash the grout from the tiles, use a light touch and lots of clean water.
The day after grouting, wash tiles again with clean water if needed in order to remove any remaining grout film or haze. Allow the grout to cure per manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning. If you did not use a siliconized grout, we suggest you apply a silicone grout sealant at this point.
Cleaning
Clean with any gentle, non-abrasive cleanser (Bon Ami or dish soap, for instance) and a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. If it’s a scrubbie sponge, make sure it says it is safe for non-stick surfaces. Rinse well with clean water. (Note that the Eleek Recycled Aluminum material is much more resilient than the grout—be gentle with your grout!)
Recycling
We have been assured by local recyclers that our aluminum products are fully recyclable even with powdercoated finishes. Remove as much adhesive and grout as possible. Take to your local metal recycler or call for pick up. Let them know about the powdercoat finish (it may require a different recycling process that filters “burn off”). Most recyclers will pay you for the aluminum. If you prefer, you can always return any product we make to us for recycling.
