Apply thin-set mortar to the top of the countertop. For the edges and backsplash, apply rustic tile mastic, which is flexible, along the outside edge of the countertop. This will allow for expansion so that your edge tiles do not crack.

Lay the tile in place, then push it firmly into the mortar to adhere it in place. Lay the edge tiles design first, then lay the countertop (field) tiles, using vinyl spacers to account for the grout lines. Keep moving in this pattern — mortar, tile, press, spacers, repeat — until you need to mix more mortar or finish your section.

Clean any excess mortar off the surface of your wall marble tile as you work. Removing grout is much more difficult once it dries, so work to get rid of excess while it’s still soft.

Check for consistency as you work with a straight edge. Use a straight edge to determine that your lines are straight, and place a level on top of the tile countertop to determine that your wood tiles are uniformly set into the grout. If not, you still have some time to adjust the small tiles while the mortar sets.

Cut tiles as you go to fit any problem areas. Use a floor tile cutter to cut any irregular edge and sink pieces if they only require trimming, then set those in place last. For larger cuts, or making many cuts, you should invest or rent a wet saw, which is made to cut marble tile without deforming or cracking it. When done with the counter, set any backsplash tiles using mastic. The process is the exact same.