Updating your counter tops with tile can change the whole feel and function of your kitchen

Tile kitchen counter tops are very fashionable, durable, and easy to install. You can use ceramic or granite tile to give your home a new face-lift and you may increase the value of your home for just pennies on the dollar.

The first step is the disconnect all of the plumbing under the sink and remove the sink. Bleed out any water that may be lingering in the pipe. Remove the screws that hold the counter top to the cabinet and remove the old counter top.
Next, measure and cut the new counter top base. Place the newly cut base onto the cabinet and screw it in place. If you are going to install a sink in the new counter top, trace out a template of the sink and cut out the sink opening. Since you are using tile, you need to cut a piece of backer-board to match the dimensions of the counter top base you cut earlier.

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Lay out your tile in the pattern you want. If your tile has a repeating pattern, you should start with the front of the counter top and work your way toward the back so that you will have complete repeating patterns and whole tiles in the front. Make sure that you leave some space between each tile to allow for grout joints.
Once you have your tile laid out, take the pieces that need to be cut and mark on them the places where cuts are to be made. Some pieces may simply need to be cut in half; others may need to be rounded or con caved to fit around the sink opening. Use a tile saw to make simple line cuts and a tile nipper to chip away just enough material to make a neat fit. If you nip too much away on a tile, start again with a new one. Dry fit the cut tiles to make sure that all of the cuts are right.

Take up the tile and apply a layer of thin-set mortar to a section of the counter top base using the comb edge of a mortar trowel. Once you have the thin-set down, you can begin to lay down the tile in the mortar, placing a spacer between each tile to ensure uniform grout lines. Continue applying thin-set and then tiling section by section until the entire surface is covered. Set each tile into position by gently pushing it into the mortar in the opposite direction of the comb grooves.

To install the back splash, apply the mortar directly to the back of the tile and place it on the wall. Be sure to measure and cut any pieces that need to go around outlets and switch plates. After the tile set dries for at least three hours, apply the grout with a rubber float to the entire surface. Then take a damp sponge and push the grout into the grout lines with a circular motion and then wipe across the tiles diagonally so that no grout is pulled out. Keep replacing the water and rinsing the sponge so that the water remains clear. Replace the sink and reconnect the plumbing. Put caulk around the sink where it meets the tiles to prevent water from seeping underneath. You have just installed your new tile kitchen counter top.

Tile kitchen counter tops are very fashionable, durable, and easy to install. You can use ceramic or granite tile to give your home a new face-lift and you may increase the value of your home for just pennies on the dollar.

Ginger Jackson is an expert when it comes to Counter tops. To find out more about Counter Replacement, go to SearsHomeServices.com.

By: Theresa Walter

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