DIY Network

Kitchen: Project Setup, Countertop Demolition and Backerboard Installation From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-104

Host Paul Wilson sets up the project, demolishes the old countertop and installs a wood deck--and then he begins the installation of the cement backerboard.

advertisement

	Paul adds color and splash to this white-on-white kitchen by...
	tiling, of course!
	The countertop backsplash features this glass tile.

Materials:

carpenter's pencils
razor knife
steel tape measure
grout float
notched trowel
margin trowel
hydra sponges
two 5-gal. buckets
tile cutter
wet saw
saw for cutting plywood
backerboard cutter
rubber gloves
dry masonry saw
1/2" drill motor
rod-type mixer
rubber mallet and beating block
carpenter's square
6' level
chalk line and chalk
safety glasses
ear protection
dust mask
heavy gloves
sealant gun

The tiling was extended to the border of the kitchen window.

An eye-catching final touch was this mosaic tile design above the stove.

	Figure A
	Figure B

1. Turn off the power to the kitchen.

2. Remove the electrical switch plates and loosen the electrical receptacles and switches, and then detach the under-sink plumbing and remove the existing sink.

3. Demolish and remove the existing countertop, which was Formica in this case. Remove all screws from underneath countertop. Cut the construction adhesive and lift off the countertops.

   Warning and Tip: Don't pry off the countertops because you might damage the cabinets underneath.

4. Check the cabinets to make sure they are level and square. Also check the walls to make sure they are straight.

5. A spirit level (figure A) will show you if the wall is straight and the counter is level.

6. To tell if the cabinets meet at a 90-degree angle, put a carpenter's square at the apex of the two 90-degree corners (figure B) and if the cabinets are flat against both sides of the square, the cabinets are square to one another.

7. Move and shim the cabinets into as perfect a square and as level as possible.

8. Re-fasten any cabinets that you find are inadequately secure. This is especially important with backerboard since the board and plywood follow any imperfections.

9. Measure the areas where tile will be placed to determine the amount of tile that will be needed.

	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F