How to Tile a Countertop

Replacing those old countertops has been on your to-do list forever, but it's now time to take action and stop delaying the inevitable. The whole project can be completed in a day or two and, using the right tools, can be fairly easy to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grout
• Rubber float
• Paper towels

Tiling

1. Lay out your tile, so you can see how it will look, before you begin your project. This can give you a good idea of how the pieces will fit together.

2. Begin with the edges. Use mastic tape to adhere L-shaped pieces to the sides of the counter and mortar, applied with the notched edge of a trowel, to adhere them to the countertop.

3. Create high ridges of mortar using your trowel to adhere the rest of the tiles to the countertop. The high ridges ensure that the tiles are laid flush and flat.

4. Insert vinyl spacers between the tiles to keep joints the same width. Check them often to make sure they're straight.

5. Mark where the tiles need to be cut to fit into non-conforming spaces.

6. Line up the scoring wheel cutter with the mark, and press down on its handle. Rund the wheel across the tile. Pressing down the handle again can give you a clean cut.

7. Apply mortar to the backs of the cut tiles and set them in place.

Grouting

8. Wait 24 hours to apply grout, unless you use quick-setting mortar, which dries in a few hours.

9. Use a rubber float to distribute the grout across the surface of the tiles, and press the grout firmly between the pieces of tile.

10. Rake off excess grout by holding the rubber float at a steep angle and moving it diagonally from one corner of the countertop to the other.

11. Wash the face of the tile with a damp sponge. Rinse often.

12. Remove the powdery residue of the grout by polishing the surface with a paper towel.