Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Questions on tiling countertops

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View Full Version : Questions on tiling countertops


slumlordfrank
08-02-08, 06:27 AM
So I just foreclosed on a house and the former owner tiled the countertops in such a way that they look like "hammered s**t". Because he just laid the 6" right onto the 3/4" plywood it peels off somewhat easily although there will be a bit of scraping or rough sanding to get the last of the mastic off the wood. In addition to the tile with rough edges out he put thin sheets of copper up for a backsplash and then spattered it with grease (what were they cooking?) and paint.

Because of the odd shape of the counters my least expensive option is 4" tile, pretty cheap at my local big box. I've done lots of floors and backsplashes before but never a counter top so just want to make sure I've got the process down.

1. Remove old tile and mastic.

2. Attach 1/4" thick hardi using screws. I guess I should put a bit of thinset between the plywood and hardi, like going over a floor? Or is that not necessary because no one is walking on the counter tops?

3. Attach a narrow strip of hardi on the front (edge) of the plywood to attach the "bullnose" tile to?

From here it's just like any other tile job, right? Does it matter if you do the counter or backsplash first?

This job will cost me less than $100 or so even with getting some "decorative" color tile to make an "accent row" on the backsplash.

Thanks in advance guys.

Frank


HotinOKC
08-02-08, 07:40 AM
Hey Frank!

2. Yes! Lay the hardiebacker down in a bed of thinset, just like floors, and screws.

3. Yes

Use a good quality thinset. Stay away from anything in a bucket. Versabond from HD is good.

You may need some electrical box extenders for the backsplash outlets, so don't forget them. The receptacles, if you have them, cannot be more then 1/4" away from the finished surface.