Countertop Installation

Transform your old countertops with tile. Try more half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It!

Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-108 -- More Projects »

Before: Peeling Laminate

After: Gorgeous Tile

Materials:

plywood
nails
tiles
mortar
grout
sealant

Tools:

hammer
circular saw
pneumatic nail gun (optional)
tile cutter
trowel
sponge
wet tile saw

Figure A

Figure B

Steps:

1. Before beginning, decide on the tile pattern for the finished countertop (figure A). If desired, sketch the dimensions and layout of the space to determine the best pattern.
2. Remove the sink by turning off all the water supply lines and then bleeding the faucet lines. Remove the sink fasteners
holding the sink in place and lift the sink out. Remove the old countertops by striking with a hammer in an upward motion
on the underside of the countertop. Then pull the entire piece out by hand (figure B).

Figure C

Figure D

3. Trace the countertops onto plywood (figure C), including the correct space for the sink. Cut out the traced shape using a circular saw (figure D). Be sure to go slowly and make a nice smooth cut.
4. Nail the new countertops into place.

Figure E

5. Cut all the tile pieces needed with the wet tile saw (figure E).

Figure F

6. Spread the mortar over the countertops, moving the trowel at 45 degree angles (figure F).

Figure G

7. Place the tiles on the countertops using the desired pattern, working on the border first and then filling in the middle (figure G).
8. Allow tiles to set.

Figure H

9. Mix the grout in a bucket, according to the manufacturer's instructions, and pour it onto countertops.
10. Using the trowel, pull the grout at 45 degree angles and make sure to fill in all the crevices (figure H).
11. Use a damp sponge to wipe off all of excess grout before it dries completely.

Figure I

12. If installing a sink into the countertop, place sealant around the opening (figure I) and put the sink back in place. Connect the water lines back up and turn on the water.

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Also in this Episode

Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-108
•	Build a Wine Storage Unit
•	Countertop Installation
•	Expanding a Window to a Door

Shows A - Z

Countertop Installation

Transform your old countertops with tile. Try more half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It!

Tools

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Shows A - Z

Countertop Installation

Transform your old countertops with tile. Try more half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It!

Tools

Related Articles

MOST POPULAR

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