DIY Granite tile countertops

I recently had a question relating to granite tile and counter tops. "Could granite tiles be used for a counter top instead of slab granite?" The answer is yes. The other question was ,can the tiles be butted next to each other so there is no grout line? The answer to that is no. A small amount of space is needed for expansion, even if it is a 32nd of an inch. Now, most granite tiles have a thikness of anywhere from 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch, so some planning on how the layout of the tiles will be placed and what will be the design for the face ,or edge to make sure the draws will open. What I mean by this is that there is no finished edge on a piece of granite tile and to have a counter top that is only at best 1/2 inch thick is not a stable counter top, thus a stable frame should be built in place of the old counter top.
I do not suggest adhearing the granite right to the old counter top, unless you make modifications to the overhang at the front of the counter top but still I prefer to use a tile underlayment such as Durock or Hardibacker or a material made for tile installation. Plywood is not a suitable substrate.