| Installing Tile Over Laminate Countertops: Prep Work |
From "Weekend Remodeling"
episode WKR-111 |
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Prep Work, Remove Sink and Stove, Remove Backsplash and Sand Counters = 4 hours
Applying Mortar and Setting Tile on Countertops = 5 hours
Finish Setting Tile and Setting the Backsplash = 5 hours
Applying Grout and Adding New Sink = 4 hours
Total Time on Project = 18 hours over 2-1/2 days
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the hardest, this project rates a 4. We spent $1,000 on supplies for this project. If you hired a professional tile setter, you would pay approximately $2,500. Materials: level
clamp
palm sander
50-grit sandpaper
wet saw (rented)
circular saw
reciprocating saw
tiles
spacers
2" shims
utility knife
screw gun
latex modified thin-set adhesive
grout
square-notched trowel
hard rubber float
caulk - The first step in any remodeling project is to plan your layout. Sketching the dimensions and the layout of the countertop will help you determine what tile or patterns work best for your situation. Computer programs are available that will provide 3-D images to give you a good idea of what your countertop will look like.
- Gather all your tools and supplies before you begin the project.
- Square off the end of the counter by marking 3-1/4 inches back and clamp a level down to use as a guide (figure A).
- Cut the end of the counter off with a circular saw (figure B).
- Build up a square end you can set tile on (figure C).
- Remove the stove from the kitchen by taking out the bottom drawer and placing the feet on top of a blanket so you will not scratch the floor.
- To remove the kitchen sink, turn off all the water supply lines and then bleed the faucet lines.
- Unscrew the sink lines from the supply lines (figure D) and then remove the drain line from the garbage disposal.
- Unscrew the garbage disposal flange (figure E) and then unscrew the drain from the sink.
- Remove the sink fasteners holding the sink in place, and then just lift the sink out.
- Cut away the caulk line along the back of the back splash.
- Use a reciprocating saw to cut the back splash off the countertop (figure F). The key is not to leave any edge sticking up.
- Remove any outlet covers.
- Check for good stability on the countertops. Anywhere the countertop moves or gives way, install a brace and secure it in place (figure G).
- Use a palm sander with a 50-grit paper to rough up the existing laminate countertop (figure H). This creates more texture on the surface and promotes a better bond for the thin-set.
Expert Tip: Countertop laminates are typically made from nonporous materials. In order to make thin-set adhere, you have to make the laminate porous and the easiest way to do this is with an orbital sander.
RESOURCES :
Kitchen Tiles (Crossville Porcelain Tiles)
Tiling 1-2-3: Floors, Walls, Countertop, Fireplaces, Decorating Ideas, Custom Design
ISBN: 0696211874
Author: Editor, The Home Depot Books
Order this title from Amazon.
The Home Depot Books
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