I have read so much back about this, pro and con, but I saw someone do it on TV today, so I know it's possible!

Can I do this over my ugly old laminate? The laminate itself is in good shape, it's just dated. I have about no $$ to do a kitchen remodel, and I have tiled floors before, so I know about that, so I thought this might be an option. Can I just sand the tops and apply thinset? Will the thinset stick to the laminate? I like the 12" porcelain tiles, or else granite tiles.
My cabinets are old, but sturdy, and I can't afford to replace them, so I don't want to attemp replacing the counters with prefab because I don't know if I'd be able to pull off the old counters wihtout damaging the cabinets underneath in the process. So this seemed like a good option. It doesn't have to last forever, one day I would like to remodel the whole kitchen.

What do you think?

 

Some folks have done this. If countertop has square edge and backsplash, it is a possible DIY project. Surface prep is critical. Finishing the edge is a concern. Tile edging pieces can be purchased, as can wood countertop edge molding. Price all materials required for the project, including grout sealer and compare to cost of having a new laminate top fabricated.

Look up under cabinets to see if countertop was simply screwed in as is the standard. Some installers get overzealous and apply a bead of silicone caulk. A flashlight may be able to help determine if caulk or adhesive was used.

 

The edges are perfectly square, no curves. The backsplash is attached to the countertop-one piece-but it squared.

I looked underneath, and it looks like it is just screwed to the top of the cabinets.

Is sanding enough for the prep, or do you think I should do something else as well?

Any special sort of thinset?

I think I'm going to try this, as this is something I can do myself--a new countertop - even prefab - i would have to hire someone to install it since I don't have the saws, etc...and it's only me!

 

Don't simply sand the surface - scuff it up well - to the point of scoring it slightly with a circular saw -

 

If you are going to hire someone to do the project, you will likely find that you can more easily afford a new laminate top for about the same or less. Get estimates for both types of counters and compare cost of counter and installation fees.

 

Handigirl - I tiled over laminate in my kitchen. It lasted 15 years or so until we decided to go with granite. When I demo'd the countertops for the renovation the tile was still in great shape.

Some recommendations - Inspect the laminate around the sink. You may find some damage to the substrate from water. That will need to be fixed. Scuff the laminate surface with a belt sander. I used either a 30 or 50 grit belt. I don't know if hand sanding will be good enough but a belt sander will make good work of it. If you aren't familiar with a circular saw, I would not try to use it to scuff the surface.
Edge tiles are comparatively expensive. If your budget is limited, hardwood banding is a good alternative and is easy to apply. I recommend minimally sized grout lines using a dark grout.
Before you put the tile down, seal around the sink opening where moisture might get in. Be sure to seal the grout lines, something that you'll want to do as regular maintenance for your new countertops.

I used a premix mastic for the tiles which will get me a blast from the tile pros. All I can say is that it lasted as long as I needed and the tiles were still adhered when I tore it apart.

This is a definite DIY project. Especially if you are patient and willing to do a little pre planning. Lay out your pattern and make sure it's what you want. If the budget allows, splurge on a few decorative tiles to add into the field or the backsplash. You can rent an inexpensive tile cutter at a home center. If you have a ton of cuts, you could rent a wet saw from the same place.

 

So i am 23 and just bought my first apartment i am 3000kms from my family and most of my friends, i really want to redo my laminated bench tops, in my kitchen and in the bathroom, i have already painted the entire apartment and installed floating shelves etc......

I dont have a lot of cash and where i am living there is a monopoly on suppliers which i found even when shopping for furniture etc. SO where this may not cost so much back home or at least having options where i live it is pretty you pay what they want or live with it.

Anyway this is where i am at and i would really like to update the kitchen structurally it is all good, and in terms of sinking heaps of money into the project i will probably rent this out in a year or so and upgrade so i don't want to go over the top with granite bench tops.

I have looked into painting over laminate and there seems to be a definete divide between those who say it is possible and works well and those who say you will wreck the bench tops and have to replace them anyway. Unsure i thought i would look at other options? from reapplying new laminate over the top to well now retiling. does anyone have pics of where the have retiled over bench tops? or does anyone have any tips, for a first time tiler?