Flooring Tile - installing tiles over existing countertop

Our house has thirty year old countertops, I don't know what they are made of but some kind of old formica. We want to install ceramic tiles, mexican, over our existing countertops in the kitchen. One challenge is that the countertop has an existing edge so that water won't drip off of it. We want to eliminate the curve so that the tile would lay flat so we were thinking of just sanding it down so it is flat. Do you think that would work? Should we sand the entire surface so that the tile would adhere better? Any tips on how to install this tile? We are going for a rustic mexican look but do want the countertops to be even and practical. We plan on removing the sink which is currently set into the countertop with stainless steel edge around it with a sink that we will set on tile and caulk in place, will this work in a kitchen?

Hi Jamie,

You should install 1/4 in. cement backer board over the formica. It is bedded in thin set mortar and then screwed down. The tiles are attached to it with thin set.

Getting rid of the curve on the front edge might be easier if you first saw the counter flush with the cabinet face frames. Then you'll have much less to flatten. A new overhang will be created with the backer board and tile.

John

http://www.johnbridge.com