How to Remodel Bathroom Countertops with Tile

When your bathroom needs a new look, the best way to start is with your bathroom countertops. Tile is a reasonable and appropriate choice of material for your bathroom countertop. Here are steps on how to remodel your bathroom countertops using tile.

Step 1 – Assemble Underlayment

Assemble the countertop underlayment. Take your plywood and cut according to the size and shape of your existing countertop. Attach it to the vanity using 1 inch wood screws. Securing the blocks may be needed if the vanity is older or if there isn’t any adequately sized places to properly secure the plywood. Make sure to cut out the opening for the sink. Cut the tile underlayement the exact size of the plywood and cut the exact size opening for the sink. Again, secure to plywood with your wood screws.

Step 2 – Lay Tiles on Top

Temporarily lay tiles on top of underlayment. Mark tiles that would require cutting. You can make a draft showing where each tile should be placed. Place labels on the drawing and the backs of the tile using a permanent marker.

Step 3 – Cut the Tiles

Cut the tiles according to your guide. Prepare you mortar. It is best to only mix the right amount that you will be using for the next 2 hours because after that the excess can dry up and will be useless.

Step 4 - Apply Thinset on the Countertop

Taking the notch trowel generously spread the thinset on the countertop. Make sure grooves go in the same direction. The lower part of the grooves should be at least 1/8 of an inch thick above the underlayment.

Step 5 – Follow Layout

Lay tiles according to the layout you’ve made. Always start from the back corner and work your way towards the front corner. Lay them firmly but not so much to completely dislodge all the thinset under the tiles. Use tabs to guide your alignment.

Step 6 – Apply Thinset to the Walls

Apply thinset to the walls and ending about 1 inch from where the end of the tile will be. Start at the back corner and work out both ways along the countertop making sure the rounded bull nose is facing up. The edge piece on each part of back splash must be double bull nosed with its rounded edge facing up and out. It will take about 2 hours to dry this.

Step 7 – Mix the Grout

Give it time to pre-set prior to applying. 20 minutes should be enough but it will always depend on the manufacturer. Check packaging to be sure since so that you do not over pre set it.

Step 8 – Spread the Grout

Spread the grout all over the countertop using your grout float. To ensure that grout gets into the gaps of the tiles, firmly press and spread the grout. Check for air bubbles that can great little gaping holes. Once you have properly placed the grout, take a wet sponge and gently clean of any grout you find outside the gaps. Let is sit and cure for about 2 hours.

Step 9 – Clean Residue

Clean remaining grout residue. Take your grout sponge and water and clean the tiles. If there are more grout residue you can use the cheesecloth to buff it off. Let the tile set through the night.

Step 10 – Seal the Tiles

Using a sponge, apply tile sealant evenly all over the countertop and backsplash. Let it sit for at least half a day before using your countertop.