How to Tile a Kitchen Countertop

Tile Countertop in Kitchen

If you are looking for a new and high quality look for your kitchen but can't afford the price of a granite surface, tiling your countertops is an excellent option. Doing it yourself will also save you time and money and give you a sense of accomplishment. Tiling your own countertops doesn't have to be hard or intimidating. With the right information and guidance, you can tile your way into a more modern look for your kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Tile saw
• Tile
• Tile Spacers
• 1/4 inch Backer Board
• Backer Board Screws - 1 1/4 inch
• Latex Modified Thin Set
• CustomBlend Thin Set
• Thin Set Trowel (size appropriate for tile)
• Power Drill with Phillips Drill Bits
• Level
• Measuring Tape
• Utility Knife or Backer Board Knife
• Grout
• Grout Float
• Grout & Tile Sealer
• Water
• Grout Sponge
• 2 inch Backer Board Tape

Instructions

1. Install new tile directly over the old countertop material in an existing kitchen. Measure out countertops with a tape measure for backer-board. Using a utility knife or backer-board knife and cut the backer-board according to measurements.

2. In a bucket mix CustomBlend Thin Set according to packaging directions. Spread the thin set with a 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/4 trowel over the old countertop. Immediately place measured backer-board on top of thin set. It is best to do this in sections so that the thin set does not dry out.

3. With a power drill and 1 1/4 inch backer-board screws, place every 6 inches on the outer edge of counter top and every 8 inches on the inside.

4. In the seams of the backerbord, spread more thin set. Place backer-board tape over the thin set. Let dry 6 hours.

5. Set up tile saw on a work table. Plug in tile saw but do not turn on. Fill water tray with water. Turn on saw. Use the saw to cut tiles according to the measurements you need.

6. Mix another bucket with Latex Modified Thin Set according to packaging directions. Using a 1/4 x 1/4 x 1/4 trowel, spread thin set onto one section of the countertop, immediately placing tiles over the top. Use tile spacers to space tiles apart. Repeat this process until countertop is covered with tiles. Let dry 24 hours.

7. In another bucket mix grout according to packaging directions. Spread grout with a grout float, focusing on the spaces or cracks between the tiles. Spread out evenly so that grout is flush with the tiles. Let dry 24 hours.

8. Using a grout sponge and warm water, wash the grout haze off the tiles. Allow the grout to cure 72 hours before sealing with a high quality penetrating tile and grout sealer. Let sealer dry for 3 hours and then repeat 2 more times.

Tips & Warnings

• If tiles are natural stone they need to be sealed with a high quality penetrating sealer. Sealer dries within 3 hours and should be repeated 2 to 3 times.