They’re expensive while strong stone counter-tops are one way to improve your kitchen. When you donât like the looks of your existing laminate counter-top, there certainly are a number of steps you can take to update its look. One of these is to to put stone. Special items are available that let you create a stone tile counter-top using the current laminate counter-top as the foundation. Remove the sink so there is a smooth work surface area before you begin.
Adhesive developed over installations 1/8 inch-thick, for stone using a 1/8 inch notched trowel.
Lay fiber glass-reinforced paper together with the adhesive. Smooth out any air bubbles using a broad- putty knife. Use the putty knife setting every one of the counter-top edges at the same time as the paper in the adhesive over the countertop.
Apply a thin layer of thin set mortar to protect the paper, using the easy side of a trowel. This layer is a scratch coat in place of a layer setting the tiles in and its primary objective will be to act as a bond together with the paper as well as the mortar bed that is real. Use this layer by including mo-Re thin-set to le Vel out any un even parts of the counter-top. A-DD mo-Re thinset to the third of the countertop to generate a flat area in the event the counter-top h-AS a bull nose edge. When the thinset is in spot, move a device that is straight-edge on the other side of the very best of the mortar to le Vel it. Allow the thinset to dry a-T least an hour.
Plan your tile lay-out – tiles on the counter-top. Placing tiles that are complete in the middle of the counter-top with shorter, cut items across the ends typically gives a mo-Re-well-balanced appearance. Remember to permit area for spacers. This quantity differs depending on kind and the dimension of stone tiles you happen to be installing. Follow manufacturerâs suggestions. Try to prevent having any tiles cut to significantly less than half their dimensions, as they’re mo-Re susceptible to breakage.
Cut tiles, as required, using a a moist or a tile cutter observed using a diamond blade. When you canât see the cutting lines you marked on the tile, mark the lines with masking tape.
Apply mo-Re thinset mortar to its own edges and the counter-top with A1/4 inch notched trowel. Ahead of the mortar sets, divide the counter-top in to sections, when you CAn’t set each of the tiles in location.
A tiny amount of thinset to the backs of the bull nose edge parts. This process is called buttering and offers these tiles that were weightier added adhering power. Set bull-nose edge items in location across the front fringe of of the counter-top. Place spacers between each piece.
Set the stone tiles in the counter-top in the routine you established. Place spacers between all the tiles. Take treatment to keep joints. Tap the tiles using a rubber mallet to embed them to the mortar. Set a-level on the tiles occasionally to make certain you happen to be creating alevel counter-top. Remove the spacers and enable the mortar to dry over-night.
Till it’s the consistency of mashed-potatoes, mix grout with water. Work the grout to the joints having a float. Work the float diagonally throughout the lines to a void disturbing the tiles. Smooth the joints in to location along with your finger that is dampened or a item, like the tip of a paint-brush.
Wipe the tile counter-top clear having a moist sponge. Rinse the sponge frequently. Allow the grout to dry over-night. Remove any haze using a cotton cloth that is gentle.
Seal the grout around one to two months once you complete the kitchen counter-top. Follow guidelines of the sealer maker for software method, which will be usually by paint-brush.