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Step 1
Measure the size of the countertop you plan to make and add a 1/4"- 1/2" overhang factor. Cut a piece of 3/4" plywood to this dimension for your ceramic tile countertop base.
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Step 2
Make any needed holes in the plywood for sinks or other fixtures.
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Step 3
Remove any current countertop and place the plywood over the cabinets. Attach it to the cabinets using Screws into the corner brackets from underneath. Make sure to get short enough screws so they don't go through the plywood.
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Step 4
Add a layer of plastic moisture barrier over the plywood. Staple this in place.
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Step 5
Cut cementboard and overlay them on the plywood. Leave 1/4 inch gap to the edge of the plywood and a 1/8 inch gap between the sheets of cementboard.
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Step 6
Lay the cement board rough side up and use pilot holes to put in 1 1/4" deck screws every 6 inches to hold it to the plywood, and form a solid base for your ceramic tile countertop.
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Step 7
Fill in any gaps in the cementboard with drywall tape and mortar applied with a drywall knife.
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Step 8
Use a square to lay out the ceramic tiles and keep them perpendicular to the edges. Use a pencil to layout the tiles. If the tiles don't fit evenly make it so complete tiles line up with the front edge, and the sides have equal size tiles.
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Step 9
Begin installing the tiles on the lines you layed out using a thin layer of mortar. If the tiles aren't self spacing use plastic spacers.
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Step 10
Use bullnose ceramic tiles on the edges to complete the look.
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Step 11
Apply the grout to the ceramic tile countertop per manufacturers instructions.
