Replacing Tile Countertops

A tile countertop that’s worn or outdated doesn’t necessarily have to be replaced. If the base structure of the countertop is in good shape, it’s often possible to replace the current tile with new tile, putting it right over the existing structure. Getting the old tile off can be difficult, but once you do, you know you’ll have a suitable base for the new tile, since it held tile before.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Belt sander with heavy sandpaper
• Tape measure
• Square
• Tile adhesive
• Notched trowel
• Self-spacing tiles (standard and bullnose)
• Tile spacers
• Tile cutter
• Grout
• Grout trowel
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Remove the existing tile from the countertop using your hammer and pry bar, chipping at the base of the tiles until they come off. Chip off any remaining mortar and grout.

2. Sand the whole surface with your belt sander, getting it smooth and flat. Wipe off the dust.

3. Measure the countertop's length and find the middle. Set a square at the mark and draw a line along it with your pencil, going from front to back.

4. Spread tile adhesive over the whole surface of the countertop using a notched trowel, which will allow you to still see the center line.

5. Press the front row of bullnose tiles in place along the front of the surface, starting at the middle line and building out toward the sides. The finished edges of the tiles should be lined up right along the edge of the countertop, facing out. The self-spacing tabs on the sides of the tiles will keep them properly spaced.

6. Cut the tiles at the ends of the countertop on your tile cutter, as needed, so they fit.

7. Install the second row of tiles just behind the first, again starting at the middle line and working toward the sides. Cut the end tiles as needed. Continue building toward the back of the countertop, row by row, cutting the edge tiles as needed.

8. Let the tiles set overnight. Grout the tiles using your grout trowel, pressing the grout into the lines and scraping it off the surface. Use a sponge to wipe up the excess grout. Let it set for 48 hours.

References

• Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls: How to Tile a Kitchen Countertop