Once you have figured out what your countertop layout will be you can start to set your tile. Here’s how to tile countertops.
1. Make sure the surface it clean of any debris and dust
2. Mix up your tile adhesive. Mix up only enough for 30 minutes as it dries up fast.
3. Start by setting the edge tiles. These are the most important tiles since these are the tiles that all the other tiles will line up to.
4. Apply a strip of adhesive along the front and back butter the horizontal side
5. Give each tile just a bit of a twist to ensure the adhesive is fully contacting.
6. Now begin working in sections.
7. Put the adhesive on the countertop and spread it out evenly. Run the notched edge of your trowel over the adhesive to comb it out. If it isn’t combing out properly it means the adhesive is too dry.
8. Start setting your full tiles. Leave the cut tiles that go along the exterior to the last.
9. Align your tiles using the spacing lugs or plastic spacers.
10. Once they are in place you need to actually set them into the adhesive using a rubber mallet. You can also use a grout float.
11. Once the tiles are set use a putty knife to clean up the mortar that squeezes out. Sponge away any excess.
12. Once all your full tiles are set measure for the tiles you will need to cut along the outer edge.
13. Use your nippers to make any round cuts you might have like those around the sink.
14. Install the cut tiles and set the adhesive using the same process as you did with the full tiles.
15. Consider a tile backsplash that’s one tile deep. Of course you can put the tiles right up to the cabinets if you wish.
16. Place and align your tiles using the exact method as you did on the countertop.
17. Use rounded bullnose tile to finish off the backsplash
18. Let the adhesive set for 48 hours. Do not allow the tiled area to get wet during this period.
19. Now it’s time to apply the grout. The grout not only gives your tile a nice finished look, it also ensures that moisture cannot penetrate between the tiles.
There are two types of grout. Sanded grout has sand added for strength and is used when the joints are wider than 1/16” and non sanded grout which is mixed with a latex additive which makes it easier to work and stronger. This is what you use on joints that are less than 1/16”.
You can choose white grout, clear grout, or a number of grout colors which can change the appearance of your tile dramatically. Light colored grout is good for hiding mistakes. Dark grout with light tile or light grout with dark tile will emphasize the geometric pattern of a tile. Gray is a good neutral choice.
20. Follow the direction on the container for mixing the grout.
21. Use a padded grout float to spread the grout over your tiled area making sure to push the grout diagonally across the joints to force it into the gaps.
22. Once the joints are packed with the grout you can scrape away any excess.
23. Use a damp sponge to clean up the excess grout. Using circular strokes wipe as much of the grout as you can away from the tile surface.
24. Rinse the sponge and repeat
25. Once the tiles surface is clean make a pass that runs parallel to the grout lines.
26. After a bit of time you will see light haze begin to form on the tile. You can clean this off with a soft rag by rubbing gently.
27. Let the grout harden for 48 hours
28. Now you need to caulk in the expansion joints. Expansion joints are areas that may crack because of movement. Fill these joints completely.
29. After two weeks you need to seal the grouted joints. This makes them mildew resistant and more water proof. It also helps reduce the buildup of dirt on the joints. Use a water based or silicone sealer in all the joints.
30. Wipe off any excess before it dries.
That’s all there is to it. Follow these 30 steps on how to tile countertops and you will have your countertop installed in no time.
