Kitchen countertop can be created by using materials such as ceramic, granite or slate for adding an extra element of design for your kitchen\’s decoration. Ceramic tiles can be considered as a great material to be used as a countertop due to its texture, attractiveness, easy integration with kitchen backsplash, plus it also comes with different colour palettes. Ceramic tiles also provide durability and its surface is also easy to clean and maintain. Below are some of the steps which can help you to create a ceramic countertop in your kitchen.
What you need:
- Tile (including edge tiles)
- 3/4-inch exterior grade plywood; for frame supports, the core, and base strips for along the edge
- 1-by-2 pine (for base strips along the edge, unless using plywood)
- 1/2-inch cement board – to fit over the core
- 4-ml polyethylene sheeting (to place in-between the plywood core and cement board as an extra moisture barrier)
- Tile adhesive
- Carpenter\’s glue
- Grout
- Latex additive (for the grout)
- Plastic grout spacers
- Silicone caulk
- Liquid silicone sealer
- Latex underlayment
- Measuring tape
- Putty knife
- Framing square
- Safety goggles
- Tile cutter
- Tile nippers
- Hammer
- Notched trowel
- Grout float
- Grout sponge
- Caulking gun
- Electric drill with appropriate screw bits
- Circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade
- Screwdriver
- Galvanized 2-inch wallboard screws
- Galvanized 4d common nails
Method:
- First of all, the area that you want to install the tiles must be leveled, clean, smooth and dry. As a precautionary measure and safety, turn off the power to electrical outlets within or near your working area.
- After that, you need to make sure that your tiles are cut carefully in advance and use a pencil to mark the measurement of tiles to be cut. In order to get best results on curved cuts, you can chip small pieces one by one. Use a carborundum stone for making sharp edges smooth.
- You can use adhesive or mortar package before you can set the tiles according to your specific area. Mix the ingredients within 30 minutes and after that, you need to use a trowel, spread a 1 ¼-inch cat on the wall\’s surface. The next step is to hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle, use its notched side for combing adhesive into ridges.
- Then, it is time for you to do grouting where you can mix in small batches. After that, remove the tile spacers and by using a rubber grout float, spread accordingly on the tile surface. After at least 15 minutes, the grout will set slightly and it is time to use a damp sponge to clean the residue from the tile\’s surfaces and also use a damp sponge. Rinse the sponge and regularly change its water. Leave it to dry until the grout is hard and haze forms on the tile emerged on the surface. You can buff the tile by using a soft cloth and continue rinsing it with clean water until the haze has been removed completely.
- Finally, if you want to apply sealer onto the tiles, follow the instructions as required and recommended by its manufacturer.
Additional Reading:
http://www.homeadditionplus.com/kitchen-info/Kitchen-Countertop-Backsplashes-and-Ceramic-Tile.htm
http://www.ehow.com/way_5333025_tile-countertop-design-ideas.html
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/ceramic-tile-countertops-625133.html
http://www.thesexykitchen.com/ceramic-tile-kitchen-countertops.html
http://www.handyamerican.com/e-book-rp-countertops-installing-ceramic-tile.asp
http://www.remodelingmyspace.com/kitchen/kitchen-backsplash/how-to-install-a-ceramic-tile-backsplash.htm
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wichitahomerenovations/3520376274/
