Anyone know how to lay ceramic tile?
April 13, 2009
I found ceramic tiles (12 X 12) on sale at my local hardware store. I was thinking of using them to redo my kitchen countertop, but I am not exactly sure what I need to lay them. I know I need to put some kind of putty on the counter to make them stick, and I have to grout them, I just don't know what kind to buy. Can anyone help?
Posted in How To Lay Ceramic Tile
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April 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I would'nt use tiles on a countertop, the grout can crumble, it is also not a smooth surface and difficult to keep clean, let alone keep sterile.
April 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
You should go to Home Depot, they give free workshops covering topics like this. It would be easier for you than reading someones post on here. That way you can watch them do it and take notes and ask any questions as they do it that you may have.
April 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I give classes on how to install tile at the Home Depot (i also installed it for years), and i would be more than happy to help you out, it would be better however if you emailed me.
April 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
You can go to lowes or home depot and buy a "how to" book on laying tile. it will explain eveything that you need and give you step by step instructions. They have these books for almost everything, plumbing, electrical, etc. They run about $20, but are well worth it.
In general, you can lay them over your existing countertop if it is solid and smooth. If not, you'll need to pull up the old countertop, put down some 1/2 or 5/8 plywood and then screw down some 3/8 backerboard, lay out and fit the tiles, cut any tiles that need it so you have a concentric pattern, smear the backerboard with thin set, push down and turn the tiles, put in spacers between the tiles, allow to dry for 24 hours, mix up the grout and push that into the seams, wipe with a spone, then go back and put in a back splash, edge on the counter, etc. It's a LOT of freaking work, but does look nice. In general however, the 12×12 tiles are the hardest to install as they often have air bubbles under them and don't fully adhere. I would recommedn going with 4×4 or 6×6 as they are easier to install, and easier to cut to size. etc. Hope that helps.
April 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
the putty is called mortar, go to the tiling section and get a latex modified mortar also known as thinset. ask for thinset whereever you go. get your grout and a sealer for your grout. BE SURE TO GET A SEALER THAT WILL PROTECT AGAINST OIL STAINING AS WELL AS WATER STAINING, a little more expensive but b/c it is on your countertop you need the special stuff. tools are a saw to cut the tile, trowel to spread the adhesive with, 1/4×1/4×1/4 will work. spacers for your tile, i would go no larger than 3/16 inch. a grout float for spreading the grout. grout bag makes it easier but is not nessicary. and that should be it as far as items needed for installation. maybe a chalk line but you could do without that. countertops are not hard to do ask the salesmen at the H.I. store or check around online. heres a great site hope you have adobe…. http://www.tileshop.com/diy/Backsplashinstall.pdf
April 13th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
[...] Anyone know how to lay ceramic tile? | Mosaic Novelties By admin I found ceramic tiles (12 X 12) on sale at my local hardware store. I was thinking of using them to redo my kitchen countertop, but I am not exactly sure what. Mosaic Novelties – http://www.mosaicnovelties.com/ [...]