How to Install Granite Tile Over Formica Countertops

Granite countertops can boost an average kitchen into a high-end kitchen and add value to your home. If you have Formica countertops, you can eliminate a few steps and re-create your kitchen more quickly. Installing granite is a labor-intensive job but well worth the investment.

Things You'll Need

• Deglazer or etching compound
• Mortar
• Spacers
• Granite tile
• Mortar trowel
• Putty knife
• Grout
• Wet saw
• Safety gloves and eyewear

Instructions

Laying Granite Tile Over Laminate Countertops

1. Apply deglazer or etching compound to your Formica countertop according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can also sand down the countertop if you wish; however, the compound will do all the work for you.

2. Apply the mortar to the etched countertop in a semicircle pattern using your mortar trowel. Work in sections no more than five tiles wide to avoid the mortar drying out as you work. Work from the area closest to the backsplash out to the edge of the countertop.

3. Lay the tiles gently, with a spacer in between each tile. Be careful not to rest on the tiles, as this could cause the mortar underneath to shift. If you reach an area that requires the tiles to be cut, use your wet saw to cut them to size. Exercise caution when using the wet saw, and wear protective gloves and eyewear. Allow the mortar 24 to 28 hours to dry completely.

4. Remove the spacers and apply the grout liberally in the cracks with a putty knife. Work in small sections, and wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge. If the grout dries on the tiles, it will be very difficult to remove. Allow 24 to 28 hours for the grout to dry completely; then start enjoying your new countertop.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain your tile with proper cleaning. Removing oily and abrasive substances from your granite tile will help maintain it both functionally and aesthetically. While most commercial cleaners will keep your counters germ free, your local hardware store carries special granite cleaners that will help both restore and clean the tiles. Periodically use one of these granite-specific cleaners, adhering to the manufacturer's instructions, to help your counters look their best.

• Always use safety gear when working on a renovation project.