How to Trim Tile for Countertops With Wood Instead of Bullnose
Tile kitchen counter tops have been popular for years because they're durable and easy to clean. Tile is also a flexible choice that offers home owners a wide variety of colors, shapes and patterns. One way to make your tile counter top special is by using a bullnose wood edge instead of tile. The wood can be stained to match the cabinets. A wood counter top edge is also easier to install. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plywood
- Construction adhesive
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Concrete board
- Roofing screws
- Tile sample
- Hardwood bullnose trim
- Primer
- Paint
- Stain
- Sealer
- 2-inch paint brush
- Drill
- Nail gun
- Nail set
- Wood fill
- Thin set mortar
- Tiles
- Spacers
- V-notch trowel
- Wet saw
- Nippers
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
- Bucket and water
- Clear silicone
Instructions
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Measure the length of your base cabinets. Add 1/2 inch to the length if the cabinet ends with an exposed edge. Measure the width and add 1/2 inch for your front overhang. Cut 3/4-inch plywood with a table saw to fit. Attach the plywood to the cabinets using construction adhesive, screws and a screwdriver.
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Cut cement board the same size as the plywood and attach the cement board to the plywood using roofing screws. Cut out your sink hole using a drill and jig saw.
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Place a piece of your tile on the cement board and measure from the bottom of the plywood to the top of the tile. Add 1/4 inch for thin set mortar. Select a hardwood (like cherry) bullnose trim that is slightly more than this depth. A good hardwood will not absorb moisture from counter top spills. Measure the length of your counter top sections and cut your trim to length. For exposed outside corners where the trim will wrap around the corner, use a 45-degree miter cut and a miter saw. Interior sides such as counter tops adjacent to walls, stoves or refrigerators will not use trim molding.
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Drill pilot holes every 12 inches along the trim molding. Apply carpenter's glue along 1 inch of the bottom back side of the molding. Place the molding so that it is flush along the bottom edge of the plywood. Attach the molding using finish nails inside the pilot holes. Allow the glue 24 hours to dry.
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Prime, paint, stain or seal the inside and outside of the wood trim using a 2-inch paint brush. It is very important to protect the wood from future moisture. Use a kitchen grade paint or sealer and allow 48 hours for the final coat to dry.
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Position 1/4-inch tile spacers along the back side of the wood to create a gap between the tile and the wood. Trowel thin set mortar onto the cement board using a V-notched trowel. Drag the trowel at a 45-degree angle to maintain a consistent thickness of mortar. Install your tiles by placing them in the pattern you desire. The finish height of your tile should be even with the top finish height of your wood trim. Add or reduce your thin set to create a perfect fit. Tile away from the front edge toward the back of the counter. Make cuts with a wet saw, nippers or a tile cutter. Use spacers between each tile. Allow the thin set 24 to 48 hours to set up completely.
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Mix your grout to the consistency of frosting. Spread the grout with a rubber grout float. Remove the spacers between the tiles. Press the grout between the tiles to fill up the gaps. Do not grout the gap between the wood trim and the first row of tiles. Begin cleaning excess grout off the tiles after 15 minutes. Wipe and clean with a sponge. Keep cleaning until the grout has firmed between the tiles and all grout haze is removed from the tiles. Allow the grout 24 hours to cure before using the counter top.
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Caulk along the edge between the wood and the first row of tiles with a silicone caulk. Fill the gap completely and smooth to a nice finish. The flexibility of the caulk will protect the tiles from cracking when the wood expands and contracts. Refinish the wood trim every 3 to 4 years to keep the wood moisture protected.
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Tips & Warnings
Stain the wood trim to match the cabinets or floor in your kitchen. You may need to custom blend a few stains to find the right color. Use a finish that has good water seal properties.
References
- Photo Credit Vegetables on kitchen counter image by Olena Talberg from Fotolia.com
