Flooring Tile - How to tile a kitchen counter

Hi,
I'm following up on a question ask about 20 posts ago by pbernhardt. I too want to tile my kitchen counter and was wondering how to do it.

I originally thought about putting down a layer of 1/2 inch cement board, then the tile (I didn't realize that they made 1/4 cement board). My only complaint about this was that between the cement board, glue and tile the top of the counter top would be an inch or more higher now.

Scaning the web I noticed that the 2 methods most suggested was either to replace the counter top with 3/4 inch exterior or marine grade plywood, or if it will be fairly wet to use 3/4 inch ply would with a 1/2 cement board and a water proof layer (felt paper or plastic) between the two. Both sound good but of course involve more work, and more garbage to toss (and why toss a perfectly good counter top).

Before I read marquest's reply to the previous post I had thought of the same thing. What if I rough up the formica with some 80 grit sand paper, then tile right over that?? The formica is waterproof so it will protect the underlying partical board. The glue for tile seems to stick most surfaces fairly well (I've tiled over sheet rock, plywood, cement board, etc..) so I can't see why it wouldn't stick to a scuffed up surface like this.

So what are the cons to this? Ok, before you flame me badly I realize that the backer board is the correct way, and normally I would do it as such. But while the kitchen is young (in the 5-10 year range I would guess) the job doesn't need to last for the next 40 years. Based on marquest's luck I would expect that this method should work for 10-15 years at least. After all isn't the soundness of the base the important part, and the counter appears fairly solid from my walking on it to paint the ceiling, etc. Is there some really bad thing that could happen by doing it this way?

Thanks in advance for the info.

lazydawgs

I went directly over the formica because I had heard you can tile over tile. This was a done for pure beautification. I am like you I was not looking for it to last 40 years because 40 years from now I am sure people will be posting on this forum asking "how do I change this horrible color." Everyone of us with older homes are asking how can we get the pink out of the bathroom. I have changed every tile in my home to beige or white. It will no doubt be the hated color 40 years from now.

Seems I've answered my own question. There is an article from Popular Mechanics web site:

http://popularmechanics.com/popmech/homei/9801HIHIBP.html

That covers this. Basically I got it right: if the formica is in GOOD shape you can go right over it.

Cheers

Hi!! Just found this board !!
Had to reply to kitchen countertops and tile as I just did this project in my own kitchen! It turned out fantastic and I was so impressed with my work I did my back splash and area behind my stove.
After reading several "how-to" books and checking out web sites, I opted to tile right over my laminate. It was butcher block look and I hated it. I scrubbed them with tsp... a degreaser and general cleaner, than took a belt sander and roughed up the shine a little.
After careful measuring, and planning, laying out and playing with a design, I spread thin set and layed tile.
It was done in one afternoon and the next day I grouted.
(epoxy unsanded)
I'm thrilled I got over the fear......as it looks great!
Lisa

I know how proud you felt Lisa. I am still smiling. I took the easy road and used 12 x 12 because I wanted it to look like a marble counter top. Laid them close so the grout line is almost invisible on the ceramic marble look tiles. People do not believe they are ceramic. I now laying tile in a half bath shower in the basement.

Lazyman go for it two of us have tried it what do you have to lose. Tile is not that expensive for 15 years of beauty.