Construction & Contractors Blog
Laminate surfaces are made from several sheets of plastic or Kraft paper glued to particle board. However, you may grow tired of the laminate, but you don't want the cost and hassle of replacement.
If the laminate surface is still in good shape, consider installing ceramic tiles directly over the surface to change the look. Follow these steps to update your laminate countertops with ceramic tile.
Prepare to Lay the Tile
To lay ceramic tile over laminate counters, gather:
Remove everything from the counter, and wipe it off using a sponge and dish soap. Rinse with a damp sponge, then let the surface dry. For an extra greasy surface or stubborn stains, clean them using trisodium phosphate, a powerful degreaser that won't leave residue.
Roughen up the surface by sanding it with coarse sandpaper, then wipe dust using a damp rag. A substrate isn't always needed, but tile adhesive sticks better to plywood backer boards. It also eliminates the need for sanding. Most backer boards screw in place with strips around the edges. .
Plan the Design
Be aware you can't tile over wrapped edge laminate. Measure the countertop, and plan your layout. Consider borders, the location of the sink, plus additional fixtures you need to cut around.
It helps to lay the tiles on the surface to get a better idea of the final design. For an L-shaped counter, start the layout at one corner, and work out. Use tile spacers to plan for the location of grout lines, and mark where you need to begin laying tile and pieces that will need cutting.
Lay the Tile
Remove the spacers and tile. Mix the thin set following the instructions, and spread a one-eighth inch layer over the surface. Work in small sections since mortar dries quickly, and remove excess mortar using the notched end of the trowel.
Quickly set the tiles in the mortar before it dries, starting with whole tiles ensuring the tiles stay even. Keep the corner tiles uniform with spacers.
Use the tile saw or cutter to trim tiles to fit around objects, and lay them on the mortar. Allow the mortar to dry completely.
Mix the grout to the thickness of peanut butter, and apply it with the float at a 45-degree angle. Remove extra grout with a damp sponge, and give it several days to cure.
For professional help with this or other projects, get in touch with a remodeling contractor.
Share29 March 2018
When I decided that I wanted to go to culinary school, I knew that I wanted to be able to really practice what I was learning at home. As I stepped back and looked at my home kitchen, it really needed help. I talked with a local remodeling contractor about how we could create a more comprehensive and functional kitchen. The process included taking out a wall, expanding the kitchen footprint and upgrading all of the appliances. I created this site once it was done to share my story and tell others about the things that you can do to make your kitchen really feel like your own.