Tiling a Bathroom Countertop

Before starting any countertop job, install a backer board substrate that’s level and flat and prepare the surface. Be sure you have all the field tiles, trim and/or decorative tiles, plastic wedges, and spacers. You’ll also need thinset and Admix or water to blend it with, Now you are ready to set tile on your countertop.
Each installation is a little different depending on the shape of the countertop whether it holds a sink or bath-top, and the kind of edge trim you’ve chosen. The following sections address each of these situations. Before you begin your project, read the instructions carefully so you end up with a job that looks clean and professional. Follow these three principles to achieve great results:

• Before you spread any thinset decide on the best layout for your tile.
• You can mix thinset by hand or with a drill and paddle wheel. The hand method is good for mixing the small batches you’ll likely need for counter and backsplash installations.
• Make sure to break up any lumps and to thoroughly mix in any dry material that clings to the side or bottom of the bucket.
• For all counter applications, apply and spread the thinset using the flat side of the notched trowel to key the thinset into the backer board.
• Then comb the thinset with the notched side to gauge the correct amount of material. For the best bond with the tile, comb only in one direction.
• Apply thinset only to an area you can cover in about 15 minutes,

Basic Kitchen Countertop with Bullnose Edge

 

Begin by marking the setback for the first row of tiles. In this case, the bullnose edge tile overhangs the tile beneath. Hold a level or straightedge in place against the layout line and comb the thinset for the bullnose edge onto the front edge of the countertop. Place the tiles onto the thinset, then twist in place. If the tile is mesh mounted, you can check the spacing of the bullnose tiles against a row of field tiles. If not, use the single field tiles and spacers, if appropriate, to make certain the bullnose will line up with the field tile.

Occasionally, the bullnose and field tile appear to be the same width but a closer measurement will show that one is slightly larger. On a long counter, the bullnose can lose its alignment with the field tile. To make up for this, either expand or shrink the grout joints between the bullnose to match the field tile. Once grouted, this slight difference will not show. You may also notice that trim and field tiles have a range of shade variations between them. If you find noticeable color differences between the tiles, mix up the arrangement of trim tiles so they blend in

After the edge row of bullnose tiles is set, spread and comb thinset over the rest of the countertop. If the area is larger than what you can cover in 10 minutes to 15 minutes, spread just part of the counter. Set the field tiles onto the thinset, lining them up with the bullnose tiles. Set the remaining tile, marking and making any cuts you need to fit tile where the counter meets the wall.