How to Tile Kitchen Countertops

Covering a kitchen counter in ceramic tile is one way to give the kitchen a look all its own. The process is not a difficult one, and as with most projects, using the right tools can make the difference between a good job and a great one. Preparation is the key ingredient in this type of project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ceramic tiles
• Sink rail
• Outside corners
• Wax pencil
• Wet saw
• Tile chippers
• Mastic
• Mastic trowel
• Non-sanded grout
• Grout trowel
• Grout sealer

Prepping and Sink Rail

1. Prepare the surface for the tile by cleaning it of all oils or dirt. While it dries, take a measurement of the length and the width of the countertop. If the tile is to be installed over a laminate, rough up the surface with a belt sander or very coarse sandpaper.

2. Apply the sink rail to the front edge of the countertop with mastic, starting with an outside corner. Allow the sink rail to dry before applying the tile to the top surface of the countertop.

3. Lay out tile on the counter top to determine the cuts that need to be made against the back splash wall. Mark the tiles that need to be cut with the wax pencil and cut them with the wet saw. Take care not to force the tile through the saw, as this can cause breakage.

4. Carefully measure the tile around the sink area and mark with the wax pencil. Cut as needed. The corners may require the use of the chippers to make them as precise as possible.

5. Once all the tiles are laid to fit, carefully remove them, so as to remember where they need to be laid.

Laying the Tile and Grout

6. With the mastic trowel, spread only the amount of mastic that can be covered with the tile before it dries. Lay the tiles by bumping the edges where the built-in spacers are located.

7. Continue this process until all the tiles have been laid on the countertop. Allow your work to set for 24 hours before grouting.

8. Grout the tile with the grouting trowel, using cross patterns to force grout into the grout line created by the built-in spacers. Only grout an area that can be cleaned before the grout dries.

9. Clean the grout with a damp sponge, wringing the sponge often to ensure a clean wipe. Cleaning with a circular motion will help keep the grout in the grout line while cleaning the surface of the tile.

10. Once grout has been installed and cleaned, a hazy film will form on it as it dries. Use a soft cloth to buff this haze off and polish the tile to a shine. Using circular motions brings the best results. After three days, apply grout sealer to protect the grout from stains.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.
• Keep a steady supply of water in the wet saw.
• Sand cut edges to remove jagged pieces.
• Use caution when cutting corners around the sink, as this will compromise the integrity of the tile and may cause it to break.
• The addition of a back splash can be as simple as one row of bull nose tile.
• Use caution when using water around electricity, as with the wet saw.

Resources

• Installing Countertop Tile