Using Tile Counter Tops


by Arturo Ronzon - Date: 2006-12-15 - Word Count: 371 Share This!

Ceramic tile can be an excellent choice for a counter top surface because it is resistant to heat, stains and moisture. Installing kitchen counter top tile can be an ideal first time project if you have no experience working with ceramic tile in the past, because it is a relatively small surface and a horizontal one as well. The keys to tiling successfully are proper planning, and making sure that the surface is prepared.

Take careful measurements of your counter top several times before finally selecting the tile that you are going to use for it. When you are calculating the number of tiles that are required in order to cover it, make sure that you are allowing for specialty tiles, like backsplash and edging tiles. To allow for all the cutting and breaking, you may want to order slightly more than you actually need. Buying 10 percent extra is generally a good rule. Lay the tiles out on the counter top once you have made the purchase, in order to make sure that you actually do have enough for the entire job, and to see where cuts will need to be made.

You will want the counter top tiles to rest on a surface that is both solid, and able to withstand some moisture. The front edge of the substrate will have to be strong and thick enough in order to accommodate the edging that you have chosen, while still being level completely on both directions. Plywood which is ¾ of an inch with backer-board in ¼ of an inch of cement is generally the perfect substrate, but there are other options for you as well.

Make sure that all cabinets are protected from falling debris or damage. You can cover them with construction paper, or plastic sheeting to protect them. It would also be wise to have a drop cloth on the floor to keep from making a mess on your floor, which may scratch easily. If you are installing a sink that is flush-mounted, you should do so before the backer board is put into place. The backer board itself is easy to both cut and install, it can be scored and snapped like glass, then attached using special screws which are galvanized.


Related Tags: counter tops, counter top, countertop, countertops

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