Pat and Jodi replace a laminate kitchen countertop with tile. Because tiling the top will raise the height, they have to first remove the sink. They turn off the water and begin disconnecting the plumbing. The sink is removed by breaking the seal around the sink and lifting it out. With the sink removed, they begin setting the trim pieces in place. They put down plywood and cement board.
Pat and Jodi double-check their measurements by dry-fitting tiles. Then, they spread out the thin-set adhesive and begin setting the field tiles (the tiles that cover the main surface of the countertop). They tile the backsplash next, and then they deal with special cuts around outlets and switches.
Pat and Jodi mix and apply the grout. Then, they install a new sink, caulk around the perimeter and attach the new plumbing.
Equipment list:
Measuring tape
Pry bar
Drill with magnetic Phillips head bit and countersink bit
Hammer
Chisel
1/8-inch notched trowel
Spade trowel
Grout float
Grout sponge
Tile cutter
Safety goggles
Tile nippers
Tile cutting saw
Circular saw
Latex mastic adhesive/grout material
All-purpose screws
Remove the existing countertop
- Remove any trim from around the countertop area. Be sure not to damage any wall surfaces.
- Disconnect and remove any plumbing fixtures from the countertop.
- Remove the screws from the countertop supports, and lift off the countertop.
Install the new countertop base
- Do a "dry run" with the tiles to determine measurements for your countertop that will minimize the amount of tiles you need to cut.
- Transfer the measurements to 3/4" plywood. You'll need to add a poplar "lip" on the edges to provide a stable base for your edge tiles, so be sure to allow for the thickness of the poplar pieces when making your measurements on the plywood.
- Cut the plywood to size with a circular saw.
- Screw the new base onto the existing supports.
- Create a lip for your edge tiles by cutting pieces of 1x2 poplar to length, drilling pilot holes, and securing the lip to the base with screws.
Tile the countertop
- Begin by installing the corner and edge pieces first. Use the notched-edge trowel to apply mastic to the backs of the corner tiles (known as "back-buttering" the tiles) and apply them to the corners. Then back-butter the edge tiles and apply them to the edges. Your tiles may come with built-in spacers, known as lugs. If not, you'll need to place plastic spacers between the tiles.
- After the edge pieces are in place, apply mastic to the countertop base and comb it with the notched edge trowel. Apply the tiles by pressing them firmly into place and then twisting them slightly. If you need to cut any tiles, use a tile cutting tool to score the top of the tile and then press down on the lever to snap the tile in two. You can use tile nippers or a tile-cutting saw if you need to cut any curves or odd shapes.
- Allow the tile to set for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
- Remove the spacers and begin applying the grout. First, scoop a portion of the grout material and smear it around over the tiles with the grout float. Then, holding the float at a 45-degree angle, begin working the grout into all the joints.
- As the grout begins drying to a haze, use a grout sponge to begin removing excess grout material. Dampen the sponge and wipe the grout from the tile. Be sure to rinse the sponge frequently. After the grout dries completely, you can remove the remaining film with a damp cloth.
- Finally, replace any trim pieces that were removed earlier.
