Steps for Laying a Ceramic Tile Countertop
- 1). Inspect the countertop surface for damage. Set a level across the surface to make sure the area is completely flat. If you find any scratches or gouges greater than 1/8 inch, use a surface-specific filler compound to fill in the gaps. If you find high spots, sand or grind them to level. The surface must be completely flat to support the new tile.
- 2). Wipe down the countertop substrate with a rag dampened in mineral spirits. This will remove dirt, dust, wax, grease and oil.
- 3). Cover surrounding cabinets, walls and floor with protective plastic sheeting to prevent staining or damage from the work you do on the countertop. Use masking tape to hold the plastic in place.
- 4). Spread 15 lb. roofing felt over the entire substrate surface. Make sure the felt covers all exposed areas of the substrate where you will lay tiles, including edges and corners. Staple the felt in place using corrosion-resistant or galvanized staples and a staple gun.
- 5). Cut the felt to fit (or around obstacles such as a sink) using a sharp utility knife. If you have to use more than one piece of felt, overlap the seams by 6 inches or more.
- 6). Lay a wire lath (2 1/2 lbs. per square yard or more) over the felt and secure it in place every 6 to 8 inches along the length of the countertop. Make sure you use the corrosion-resistant staples. This will provide extra support for the tiles and hold the mortar in place.
- 7). Secure a cap strip to the front edge of the counter, set at a level about ¼ inch below where you want the tiles to sit. Use a level to make sure it is straight and then attach the piece with screws. Install another strip to the rear of the counter or, for large areas, 5 to 6 inches behind the first. Use a level to make sure they sit at the same level. This will help keep your tile installation level and flat.
- 8). Mix 1 part Portland cement, ½ part lime and 5 parts damp sand together with gloved hands or a drill mixer. Add only enough water to moisten the mortar mixture, so that if you scrape a flat tool through it the groove forms and doesn't collapse. You don't want it to be too moist, as extra moist mortar can cause evaporation problems.
- 9). Spread the thick mortar over the cap strips with a trowel, filling in the gaps of the cap strips and working down toward the countertop surface at a 45 degree angle. Do not use this mortar mixture on the rest of the countertop. The cap strips need a different type because they will support the tiles at the edges of the counter.
- 10
Mix 1 part Portland cement and 5 parts damp sand and then add water until the mortar clumps together and is not runny at all. Known as dry pack, this very thick, dry mortar will prevent the tiles from suffering water damage as the moisture of the mortar evaporates. - 11
Spread the second type of mortar across the counter surface with a mason's trowel, working the mortar firmly into the gaps and openings of the metal lath. Fill up to the level of the cap strips. - 12
Set a screed or flat piece of wood so that it sits perpendicular to your cap strips and scrape it across the top so that it pushes away excess mortar, creating a completely flat installation surface. Fill in any gaps you find and level them appropriately. Allow the mortar to dry for 24 hours before continuing. - 13
Mix Portland cement and water or a thinset mortar and water to form a consistency like peanut butter. Spread a thin layer of this mortar onto the back of each tile and set it in place on the dried mortar base. As you work, check the level after every three or four tiles to make sure they sit flat; if necessary, remove a tile and add more thinset or scrape some away to maintain level. - 14
Cut tiles as necessary to fit in your pattern (and along the edges of the countertop) with a tile cutter or diamond blade wet saw, depending on the type of tile. Continue until all tiles are in place and allow the thinset to dry overnight before continuing. - 15
Mix tile grout and water as directed by your specific product. Spread the grout over the tile surface with a rubber grout float held at a 45 degree angle to force it into the joints. Wipe away excess grout from the tile surfaces with a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry overnight before exposing the surface to moisture.
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