How to Tile a Large Kitchen Island

Tiled Kitchen Island

Islands are the workhorse of a kitchen. Whether you are doing meal preparation, eating dinner, or helping your kids with their homework, your kitchen island will see a lot of use. Because they see so much wear and tear, it is important that your kitchen island is topped with a sturdy material. Tiling over chipped and broken laminate is a great way to dress up your large kitchen island, and prepare it for years of use.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Hand sander
• Clean cloth
• Water
• Permanent marker
• Measuring tape
• Tile
• Tile spacers
• Notched trowel
• Mastic
• Tile saw
• Clamps
• Grout
• Rubber float
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Use sandpaper, or a hand sander, to roughen up the surface of the laminate counter top. This helps to remove the gloss of the laminate and prepare the surface for adhesion.

2. With a damp cloth, wipe down the laminate counter top so that it is free from dirt and debris.

3. With a measuring tape, measure the length and the width of the island to find the center. Once you have found the center use the permanent marker to mark a large "+", or plus sign, in the middle of the island.

4. Lay the tile out for a dry run, starting at the direct center of the island. This will help you see what the tiles will look like and how much tile needs to be cut. Remember to include spacers in the dry run.

5. Spread the mastic on the island with the flat side of the notched trowel. Once smooth, go over the mastic with the notched side of the trowel at a 45 degree angle. Spread only a small area at a time.

6. Place the tiles, starting with the center of the island and working out. Use spacers as you go.

7. Cut the tiles along the ledge of the island. Use a tile saw if necessary. The tiles along the outside edges of the island should hang over the edge of the island enough to cover the top of the tile that will be applied to the side of the island. Allow the mastic to dry overnight.

8. Cut and adhere tiles to the unfinished edges on the side of the island. If necessary, use clamps to hold the tile in place while it dries overnight.

9. Mix and apply grout to the joints of the tiles with a rubber float. Remove the excess with a damp sponge. Allow to dry completely before use.

References

• MichaelHoligan.com: Tiling a Kitchen Island