How do I convert a plain counter top or island into a tile one?
by
Annie Tekmen
+15
This is the plain breakfast island. I want to make it tile.
Plain island want to make it tile this is a breakfast island
17 answers
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Whatever you do, seal your grout very very very well as tile counters are a horrible maintenance task to have to keep their grout clean.
Johnchip
on Nov 08, 2016
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Lightly sand the counter to remove any shine and roughen the surface. Use tile adhesive to stick the tiles down (premixed in a bucket) . Do not use thinset. Then grout. Lay you tiles on the counter to get the desired affect you want before gluing them down. This is called 'Dry Fit". Make sure you seal the grout after its dry.
William
on Nov 08, 2016
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www.ehow.com/hoe_2314468_tile-kitchen-counter...
Janet Pizaro
on Nov 08, 2016
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Oh please don't tile it. Crumbs get between the tiles, it always seems dirty, I live in a old house and it has bloody orange tiles, I would change it if I owned the place, but sense I rent I got a sheet of laminated board from the hardware store and set it on rubber stops and placed it on the tops. Makes it so nice to clean up so much better.
Dana
on Nov 09, 2016
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It will help if you have a border of some sort to work against and cover the edges. You can use construction adhesive to attach trim pieces if you'd like. Make sure to seal them well with a marine-grade sealer to protect against liquids countertops see.
Scottie Vosburgh
on Nov 09, 2016
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Have you thought about the new trend of painting it to look like granite? I have changed several laminate countertops for several people to get this look. Check on Pinterest "how to paint coutertops" It's very easy and high end looking!
Cathy
on Nov 09, 2016
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DON'T DO IT! NOTHING BUT A BIG DIRT COLLECTOR DOWN THE ROAD. BEEN THERE DONE THAT...TRY THE GRANITE LOOK..
ROBIN
on Nov 09, 2016
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It's not hard to tile and there are a LOT of instructions available online, but don't do it. I will never have another tiled counter. The grout lines are a pain and it is so easy to chip a tile if you drop something the wrong way. If you really want tile, perhaps try the larger stone tiles that can have a very narrow grout line. Good luck!
LibraryKAT
on Nov 09, 2016
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Have my marble tile,12x12 inches, installed by my hubby 2 yrs ago. No problem if the grout lines are at the proper level and all sealed with the recommended product. Love the look, I can put hot objects on it without any problems and haven't broken a dish on it yet...Now he has the proper wet tile cutter also.
Maggie Gallagher
on Nov 09, 2016
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I agree with Robin, DON'T Do IT!!
Minerva Santillan
on Nov 09, 2016
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I think you will first have to remove the laminate down to the wood base if you want to do it, but also, pick the brain of the tile guy at your local Home Depot or other, as this is not a job for a beginner unless you have a lot of guidance. Also, as stated in previous posts, it will not be as readily cleanable. The larger the tile you use, the better, and the narrower the grout line, the better - small enough to use unsanded grout.
Mary
on Nov 12, 2016
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Personally, I agree with Robin's comment above - I would paint a faux granite look until which time I could afford to get new counters. Granite or even the less expensive but still really nice and very durable composite stone tops. Just a thought. To me, tile on a counter just looks out of place. Preference varies from person to person. Good luck on your decision and your project.
Chey
on Nov 12, 2016
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Tile countertops are really hard to keep clean and not the best to use around food. I realize that everyone's style is different, but please be really sure that you want to do this before you go ahead with your plan.
Lwm11604857
on Nov 12, 2016
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Check out this video, great way to do your countertops. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o4282m_LbrU
Dana
on Nov 13, 2016
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Cut a piece of plwood to the size you want to cover and put on top of your counter and tile it,
Ronald Wayne Viklinetz
on Nov 13, 2016
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I did mine an easy way. I purchased pretty wood trim that would go around the outside edge, had it cut to fit, and painted it. Before doing anything to the laminate, I cleaned it thoroughly with hot water and degreaser, then went over it with alcohol. I purchased tile and simply put it down on top of the laminate counter top, and up the back splash. I used a fast set mortar, and having a friend helping made it so much easier. I let it all dry overnight then grouted it, sealed the group with a spray sealer and affixed the wood edge covering with a spur strong adhesive. I know it might not have been the best way to do it, but we did 3 bathrooms like this in one day, and all turned out simply gorgeous. We primed and painted the laminate cabinet doors, too. It looked like an expensive bathroom re-do.
AJ
on Nov 13, 2016
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Personally, I would check with granite retailers and see if you can find a remnant that you may be able to find for what tile could cost. Just a thought. Cleaning grout isn't my idea of fun. Also, some tiles are not flush, so crafting, homework, even dishes don't sit flat. Just my opinion.
Kathy Lovenburg
on Nov 13, 2016
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