How to Laying the Countertop Tiles?
To get your counter ready for tiles: Use an orbital sander and 50 grit paper to rough up the surface. Do not gouge any big holes. Use a circular saw and a straight-edge to saw off any rounded, overhanging edges. You want square, 90-degree corners to fit your stone tiles into.
Mark out a backsplash, or set of tiles along the corner of the counter and wall, if you want one. Make sure you prep the area as well with a light sanding. Mark the height of your backsplash — usually just one tile high. Be sure to account for the width of the Simple Elegant tile below it, however, on the countertop. Because of this, the backsplash usually comes last.
Do a dry run to ensure your fashion tiles fit. Arrange the wood tiles on the countertop base. It is important to determine the appropriate placement and spacing of the tiles before you wood marble tile countertops. Position your tiles on the concrete tile countertop as you want them to be set, making sure to account for grout lines. Use spacers to make sure your small tiles are properly placed.
Whenever possible, start from the center. Place a tile in the middle and work out, cutting the end tiles when necessary. This makes everything look evener. In general, grout lines range from 1/16″ to 3/16″ in thickness. It can help to use a marker and a straight-edge to draw out your rows of floor tiles in advance. Start nearest to the wall, then work to the edge. If you have a caulk box, you can use that to snap horizontal lines, or use a laser level to help keep things straight.
Mix up your mortar according to the manufacturer’s directions. Follow the specific instructions on the back of the bag. Only make as much mortar as you need, opting for a little bit less if you’re unsure how much to pour. You’ll need to use it all while it is still wet and well mixed, and you can always pour and mix more.
Mastic — a flexible adhesive — is often used for the backsplash, not the counter. Be sure to purchase a mortar able to handle the moisture of the kitchen or bathroom. Using a notched trowel, lay a roughly 1/4″ thick layer of mortar on the countertop. Give yourself enough mortar for 3-4 tiles at once. Lay the mortar down so that it evenly covers the surface, moving in mostly one direction.
