How to Build a Tiled Countertop
Countertops should be covered in a hard, moisture-proof material. While this allows for many modern options, tile remains the classic countertop material of choice. Laying tile for the countertop is a similar process to tiling a floor, except you must border the tiles at the edges of the counter, generally with trim tile. Start with a flat, firm counter surface of wood or cement board. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Vibrating hand-sander
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Square
- Thin set (mortar)
- Notched trowel
- Trim tile
- Standard tile
- Spacers
- Tile cutter
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
Instructions
-
-
1
Sand the entire counter surface with your vibrating hand-sander to dull the surface. Wipe off the dust.
-
2
Measure the front edge of the counter. Mark the middle. Draw a line from front to the back at the middle with a pencil and square.
-
-
3
Use a notched trowel to spread thin set over half the counter surface, from the center line to the end.
-
4
Press ceramic trim tiles along the forward edge of the surface, starting at the center and working to the sides. Set the tiles with the finished, rounded sides facing outward. Set spacers between the tiles as you lay them. Use a tile cutter to cut the last tile to fit.
-
5
Set standard ceramic tiles behind the row of trim tiles, starting at the center line and working to the side. Cut the last tile as needed. Repeat the process, setting each course of standard tiles in place behind the previous one, starting at the middle and working to the side. Add spacers between all tiles.
-
6
Repeat the whole process on the other half of the counter surface, spreading thin set over the surface, setting in a front row of trim tiles, then laying standard tiles in courses building back. Cover the whole surface with tiles.
-
7
Let the thin set dry for 12 hours. Pull out the spacers.
-
8
Spread grout over the surface with your grout float, forcing the grout into the spaces between the tiles and squeezing it off the surface. Wipe up the excess grout with a damp sponge.
-
1
