Tiling counter tops includes all the identical abilities as tiling different surfaces, with just some additional concerns, outlined beneath.
Tile counter tops have been a scorching development within the ‘70s and ‘80s and now they’re making a serious comeback, bringing excessive affect shade, sample and aptitude to kitchens and loos worldwide. The very best information is that tiling a countertop is totally a rework venture you possibly can full with just a bit knowledgeable know-how. And if you understand how to tile a wall or how you can tile a flooring, and how you can grout tiles, you may discover the job a breeze.
A giant a part of the tile countertop revival is solely as a result of unbelievable array of tiles now out there. From stunning stylish concrete-look designs to on-trend terrazzo, there are simply so many prospects for fabulous kitchen tile concepts and rest room tile concepts.
To refresh your tiling information earlier than you learn on, our complete information to tiling a countertop is a must-read.
The right way to tile counter tops
(Picture credit score: Purple Deer/Mariell Lind Hansen)
The success linked to tiling counter tops is essentially linked to preparation and the floor you might be tiling on to. Under, we provide knowledgeable know-how.
You will want:
- Marine grade plywood board
- 1/4in tile backer board
- Jigsaw
- Tiles
- Tile cutter
- Adhesive and grout
- Caulk/silicone sealant
- Spacer pegs
- Straight edge or laser information
- Notched trowel
- Grout float
1. Set up a agency base
Whilst you can tile over current counter tops, so long as they’re utterly inflexible, primed and you employ the proper tile adhesive for the fabric in query, it often proves far simpler to begin afresh. Current counter tops with curved edge profiles shall be significantly tough to tile over, and there are additionally top points concerned with tiling over.
As an alternative, take away any current counter tops and exchange them with marine grade plywood board, then a layer of 6mm tile backer board. Make sure that they’re firmly fastened in place with no motion and the floor is clear, dry and dust-free.
2. Measure for sinks, basins and hobs
Don’t overlook to chop out any holes for sinks, basins and hobs in your base materials, utilizing a jigsaw. Most sinks and hobs will include a paper template for this goal, or you may make one by rigorously measuring the merchandise. Sit-on, overmounted sinks, basins and hobs are significantly better than undermounted designs when selecting tiled counter tops.
As soon as your tiling is full and the grout dry, the hob, basin or sink will slot into place and the overmounted edge can then be sealed with silicone to forestall water ingress.
3. Select the best tile
Whether or not you might be tiling a countertop for the kitchen or rest room, choosing the proper tile is paramount. Tiled counter tops are prone to come underneath hearth from all method of spills, from oily meals and pink wine, to toothpaste, shaving foam and water.
‘Porcelain tiles are waterproof and sturdy, and could be relied on for longevity, in order that they make the only option,’ advises Harriet Goodacre, Tile Guide at Topps Tiles (opens in new tab). ‘Most porcelain tiles are nano-sealed throughout manufacturing, which means their floor is saved protected for longer.’
Ceramic tiles are additionally a sound choice, however keep away from tile that requires sealing, similar to pure stone or encaustic, until you might be extremely vigilant about sealing and resealing regularly. ‘We additionally don’t advocate utilizing crackle glaze or metallic impact tiles, and it’s a good suggestion to attempt to minimise the variety of tile joints and tile cuts by choosing bigger format tile,’ provides Andrew Bendall, Supervisor at Craven Dunnill Jackfield (opens in new tab).
4. Do a dry run
Counter tops are extremely seen surfaces, so there’s much less room for errors. Because of this, specialists advocate a dry run to make sure your tiles match completely and work out the most effective start line.
‘Lay out your tiles on the countertop, ranging from the middle and dealing outwards, remembering to depart an area on your grout traces between every tile. Commonest grout line widths are 2mm or 3mm, putting tiling spacer pegs across the corners of every tile is essentially the most correct approach to lay a dry run of your tiles,’ says Mike Head, Director, Atlas Ceramics (opens in new tab). ‘Use a straight edge or a laser information to make sure all of your tiles are laid straight and pay particular consideration to the dimensions of tiles close to the skin edges – avoiding slithers of tile wherever attainable.’
5. Obtain tidy edge profiles
Tiling counter tops is principally a matter of trowelling on tile adhesive with a notched trowel then pushing every tile down firmly on repeat. Nevertheless, reaching a neat edge end is usually the place the primary problem arises.
‘After you have utilized your tiles, you’ll want to complete the entrance and finish edges of your countertop – there are a couple of methods to do that,’ says Harriet Goodacre, Tile Guide at Topps Tiles. Probably the most wallet-friendly answer, Harriet suggests, is silicone sealant; you merely apply a skinny layer to the perimeters for a clear, waterproof seal. However silicone isn’t appropriate for each scenario, particularly if the entrance edge is uncooked tile.
‘You possibly can create a mitred edge with smaller cuts of the identical tiles for a glossy end, however this may be time consuming and tough,’ she provides. ‘General, we’d advocate utilizing tile trims; they create clear traces and shield the perimeters of your tiles, and can give your countertop a slick, skilled end.’
6. Be grout savvy
On tiled counter tops, it’s vital to make use of a resin-based grout that’s stain repellent and non-absorbent. This may assist shield your counter tops from micro organism, stains and water ingress.
Take care to make sure the grout is totally flush with the tiles and doesn’t dip down in locations. Air bubbles should be averted in any respect prices. Use a grout float to assist push grout deep into the gaps. The goal is to keep away from germs and spills gathering within the grout traces wherever attainable. You could have to regrout in time, particularly if the grout begins to put on away from constant cleansing. Coloured grouts will conceal stains higher than brilliant white.
‘Forestall new grout from getting grubby in your countertop by making use of grout sealant,’ provides Gary McCoy, Retailer Supervisor, Lowe’s (opens in new tab). ‘Grout sealant may also be reapplied yearly to take care of safety.’
How do you connect tile to a countertop?
To connect tile to a countertop you’ll need tile adhesive that’s appropriate for the kind of tile you might be shopping for and the core materials they’ll be bonded onto. For instance, if you’re tiling onto laminate counter tops, you’ll need adhesive designed to bond onto plastic surfaces.
‘Additionally make sure to choose an adhesive appropriate for the circumstances of the surroundings, i.e. able to withstanding elevated ranges of moisture in rest room areas,’ says Mike Head, Director, Atlas Ceramics . ‘On rest room counter tops and round kitchen sinks we advocate Weber Set SPF. It’s appropriate for fixing all sorts of ceramic wall and flooring tiles, mosaics, marble, terrazzo, pure stone, brick slips and glass blocks in areas that shall be dry or moist, together with swimming swimming pools. It’s significantly fitted to conditions the place some motion, deflection or restricted shrinkage is probably going.’
Combine up your adhesive – following the producer’s directions (usually discovered on the again of the bag) – in small batches. Tiling adhesive solely stays moist and usable for a sure period of time, so it’s far more environment friendly to combine up extra as and once you want it.
How a lot does it price to tile counter tops?
In case you are doing the labor, calculating the price of tiling a countertop is a straightforward case of including up the price of supplies. The tile shall be your greatest expense, however the space is unlikely to be huge, in contrast with tiling a flooring for instance, so it’s best to have the ability to splash out on a design you actually love.
Extra materials prices embrace any sheet materials required to tile onto, plus adhesive, grout and grout sealant. Until you purchase tile backer board, you may additionally prefer to spend money on tile primer, to make sure the floor you might be tiling onto gained’t suck the moisture from the adhesive.
Lastly, should you don’t already personal a tile cutter, spirit degree, grout float and notched trowel, head all the way down to your native ironmongery shop and top off. These are usually not costly objects, however they’ll make the job an entire lot simpler.
