"We only got along for how many hundred years without epoxy grout?" We only got along for how many thousand years without indoor plumbing of any kind? Do you want to go back? We only got along for how many million years without electricity? Do you want to go back? In 2010, we have epoxy grout; the materials cost is commensurate with the materials cost for cementious grout, but epoxy grout does require more care to install than cementious grout does. In damp environments, epoxy grout is hands-down superior to cementious grout; it is much less hospitable to mold and mildew than cementious grout, and is easier than cementious grout to clean when mold or mildew does gain a foothold. There are lazy tile installers who just want to get in and get out, to charge the customer to install the tile; but they do not want to be bothered to use superior materials that would make for a superior finished product if it requires more effort on their part. Those lazy contractors should not be encouraged or humored.

Yes seal the tile before the grout being careful to keep the sealant from the grout lines. Be sure the thin set is nice and dry before grouting. I work at a snails pace so I never am waiting for anything. The project is always waiting for me :) I did the grouting myself. To do the grouting with the epoxy I have taken a tablespoon or 2 and placed it in a baggie right after I get it mixed and place it in the freezer. Then the next day or later the same day I can fix a void that I missed. It seems to work right on top of the installed grout without problem. This frozen grout will last a couple of days only. I use what I need within 24 hours to fix my missed places. If I only have time to do a small portion of tile, or give it a trial on a sample board, I measure equal portions of epoxy A & B to mix up. I clip the corner of the part A and squeeze out a measured amount in a paper cup and then do the same with part B, in another paper cup. Then I carefully roll the bags back up to seal the contents and clip and rubber band the bags. They will stay until I am ready for the next batch. I mix these 2 measured amounts in a small bucket like the one it comes with or a gallon ice cream bucket. Then in goes the part C to the consistency I want. The instructions say that up to 10% of the C mix can be left out for a looser grout for narrow grout spaces. I just add a little at a time until I like the consistency. Not runny and not crumbly. When I did the wall, I had a lot of grout fall to the floor. So I put down plastic so I could retrieve the grout and get it in the spaces as it fell off my tools. My DH was there helping me pick up the valuable grout so we could get it in place. With a floor that is not a problem. If you have the capability to do things, then you should be fine doing the grout. just that fact that you are thinking about it, says the you probably can do this. Did you get the small mini grout sets from Lowes, or buy a gallon set from a tile dealer? If you buy one of the Lowes mini sets you could practice with a tile board first if you are nervous about the job.

Two things-- First, have him caulk first. Residue from the solvent based sealers that are usually recommended for this might keep the caulking from bonding to the tile later. Second, there's no big deal with sealing the grout. All you have to do is make sure you wipe it off before it dries on the tile.

I will definitely post some pictures. I spoke with the manager yesterday at Great Lakes, and he was very helpful, and concerned- I'm hoping that he follows through and my granite is finished perfectly next week! You went to all of the places that I have been. I found PMP to be very expensive, but I have heard good things about them (actually from someone at another granite store). I had the same problem with the sq. footage. The biggest difference between the companies was the island overhang. To compute the square footage, you take the length*width and divide by 144-a 27 inch cabinet that is 36 inches high would be (27*36)/144=6.75 sq ft (at least that's the formula that the granite stores gave me! LOL!!)