| Installing Tile Over Laminate Countertops: Finish Setting Tile and Setting the Backsplash |
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 - Now that you have finished the critical corners around the sink, it is time to finish setting the rest of the tiles. It is easier to set the tile when you get to the other corners because you have a 90-degree turn. You won't have to cut any tiles except for the small notch (figure A) in the corner tile itself.
- Bring the tiles up to the edge of the stove area (figure B). Don't turn the corners with the edging there, instead raise the stove so the tile dead ends into it. This way your stove will still fit the hole and you won't have to move the cabinets.
Expert Tip: Some bullnose tiles, as well as some other trim pieces, can protrude up to 3/4-inch past the edge of your substraight. Even a small variance is critical in tight spaces. - The counter between the stove and the refrigerator is treated as its own entity. Center the tiles on the countertop, keeping the front tiles cut down to the same size as the rest of the counter. Place the shim supports and mortar and set the edge tiles.
Note: The tile for the backsplash should be the same color and style as the tile for the counter. Its jagged edges will separate it from the surface tile and make a nice border along the wall. - The first step in setting the backsplash tiles is to strike a line on the wall (figure C). Since you will be spanning the space for the stove, this will provide you with a guide to spread the mortar on and to set the tiles.
- Applying the mortar on the wall is the same principle, just a little messier (figure D). It is a good idea to place paper on the counter before you begin to prevent the mortar from going everywhere. Normally, you could just wipe it up, but since the countertop has not cured yet, covering the counters is the best solution.
- Whether the mortar is on the countertop, the floor or a wall, it is applied the same way -- with the grooves all going in the same direction.
Expert Tip: Whenever you are applying tile to a wall that has wallpaper, it is a good idea to remove the paper from the area you are going to tile. Even though the tile may stick to the wallpaper, the wallpaper may not stick to the wall. - The tile for the backsplash is glued onto 12" x 12" sheets. Above the full sheets use as many tiles as you can to fill the area. Cut the tiles to fit the last row underneath the wall cabinets (figure E), which is the most inconspicuous place.
- Turn off the power to the circuit and remove the switch plate and outlet covers. Remove the receptacles and switches from the outlet itself. This will enable you to cut the tiles to size so the outlet can rest on top of the tiles (figure F).
- You may have to use longer screws when attaching them back to the box (figure G ). The cover plates will go on fine.
- Along the sink wall, cut 2 rows of tiles off the sheets and set them in place. You can stair step the jagged tiles down to 2 rows and run them underneath the window.
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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