While I'm certainly no expert, this is my first project, and I'm actually not planning on framing it at all.
I'm going to work it "off the wall," then attach the whole business to my wall (backsplash/window surround in kitchen), and mosaic right up to the edge. I have a perpendicular wall, cabinet or ceiling on every side, so I'm pretty sure I will be ok with not framing it.

Curious to see pix of others' work, though since I'm such a newbie. Oh, btw, a new poster just put up some pix, and one of them was a bathroom counter. Not sure if they used a backerboard or not, but you can see they framed theirs with long tiles on the edges. Looks fabulous. This is the post:

Here is a link that might be useful: Mylalaland's work- NICE!

I have never actually framed that stuff either. I always use glass or tiles on the edges.

Hazie

Hazie-got a pic of it? I am looking at doing a mirror on backer board, but need to figure out how to finish off the edges so it will look nice on the wall. Very thin edges, but now that it's been mentioned, I can see putting glass all the way around it.

Only a couple of times I've used it, and both times, I chipped out the edges to be irregular. Trying to think of a way to frame and what comes to mind is: I'm assuming you're going to make your frame also, so how about making your frame w/thick strips of a nice wood you can either stain or paint, and router the area like when you insert a mirror. Insert the hardibacker, cover it w/a piece of luan on the back, then turn it over and mosaic the front right up to the frame. Or, if you don't want to router it, just attach it to your frame w/glue and screws from the back. On the piece in the picture, in the final last minute additions, I used a metallic gold pen around the edges to dress it up a bit.

One book I have uses glass or tile around the edges and grouts; one grouts or paints only because he says the glass won't stay on! Below is the link to show the molding I put around my countertop (Complete with toothpaste "splashes"). Sorry this pic is before the molding was put on the backsplash. Not a great pic, grout is black and not quite as wavy as pic looks!

Here is a link that might be useful:

Sunshine, I don't have a pic of it...I did call my sister and ask her how it was holding up, and she said all the pieces were still on there.

Diy.......I love your vanity! the glass you used is just beautiful! I ordered some like that last week. I can't wait
for it to get here!

Hazie

Slow-I like the chipped edges on your piece, but I am thinking of doing something a little more formal-Christmas present for other SIL. I like the idea of the wood for an actual frame. I think I may pull DH into this one. (Who am I kiddin', I pull him into everything!) I like the routering idea too and mosaicing all the way to the edge.

Diy-I think something as used as a countertop may not hold the glass or tile, but HOPEFULLY a mirror will be put up on a wall and not abused as much. BTW-LOVE that countertop vanity!! Grout is something I have done before but I am not sure about it on this one.

I need to ponder the ideas you all have given me. Would love to hear more if anyone wants to contribute-especially with pics.

Thanks for your input-as usual you got me thinking it through a little better!

I put glass as an edge on my bathroom counter too. I used mortar to adhere, and equal parts mortar and grout to grout. They're on pretty solidly. I remember when I tried to chip some out of the backsplash, I had to use the hammer/screwdriver technique. Those babies are ON there.
{{!gwi}}

Sunshine, good question because I want to do this too. I think I would use thin strips of glass to cover the edges. Are you going to glue the mirror on the hardibacker or make a cut out for it? Maybe trying a small one would help make the decision.

DIY, LOVE your countertop. I love those tiles.

Slow-I see something new everytime I look at your bathroom counter! LOVE your fearlessness. It's just a fireworks show of color and texture!

Anyway, sounds like thinset would work really well to hold the glass/tile in place with no worries. Still contemplating though.

Deb-not sure about that either. I am wondering how hard it would be to cut out the hardibacker. Haven't discussed with Dh yet but I am sure he has some kind of saw that would do the trick. I may use one of the small mirrors I just bought and attach it to the back of one and do an experiment. Been doing a lot of those lately. Will let you know what I come up with. Hope to get on it this weeend.

SUN: The hardibacker cuts w/a sharp box knife. Have to keep scoring several times. Whichever way you saw/cut it, be sure and wear a mask - remember, it's cement board and those particles you don't want to breath.

Thanks all for your kind comments. Slow, happy to get to see your countertop again. Love it, love it, love it. Isn't this the best thing about mosaics - look at slow's wonderful color and design and my plain grid one with the formal glass - can't ask for more variety than you can dream up with this addiction. (Notice nobody calls it a hobby anymore)

DIY and HAZIE: Where did your purchase your tiles? Those are my MOST favorite!