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Ceramic Tiling for Kitchen Countertops 2010/01/08

Ceramic tile is a very popular counter top choice for kitchens – and it’s easy to see why. Resistance to moisture, stains and heat, ceramic tiling is perfectly suited for the kitchen area. It’s also a fairly simple do-it-yourself project and a great way to introduce yourself to tiling. The absolute most important thing is to carefully measure your counter top. Find out an exact number including any special tiles you might need, such as those used for edging. Always order 10% more tiles than you’ve calculated is needed to allow for cutting and breaking. This is just a good rule of thumb for any tiling job. If you’re new to it, consider ordering 15% to give yourself more room for error. Arrange the tiles on the countertop to get an idea of what you want to do and to make sure you definitely have the correct amount.

Next you’ll need to worry about your surface. Ceramic tiling needs to be put onto a solid, moisture-resistant surface to be at maximum effectiveness. The edge needs to be thick enough to handle the edging tiles you’ve selected. A good base to use is ¾” plywood topped with ¼” cement backerboard. Cover your base cabinets with plastic sheeting so they aren’t damaged and place a drop cloth beneath the counter to make cleanup easier and keep your flooring safe.

When cutting the plywood to size, be sure they overlap the cabinets by approximately one inch. Install them with the factory-cut edges facing out. Get out your level and make sure the surface is flat as you’re attaching the plywood. If it’s needed, use shims or remove/re-drive screws to make it level.