It’s well known that laminate doesn’t age well, so as the years roll by, they begin to look unattractive, and there’s always the need for replacement. The more time it spends, it gets chipped and even scratched. The top layer soon begins to wear away. Once it begins to wear off, the image layer is later revealed, and in due time, it also gets scuffed away.
A lot of people are of the habit of complaining about the funds to repair or change it. There’s absolutely a much cheaper solution to this problem. It is known as tile over laminate. The tiles are clean, durable and less expensive as compared to other options. It is definitely a better alternative than plastic laminates.
Once you are done laminating the countertop with tile, your kitchen will have that clean and modern look. This job isn’t done by professionals or kitchen experts anymore; you can do this yourself if you follow up the basic steps highlighted below.
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CAREFULLY PLAN YOUR LAYOUT
Before the real work of laying tiles over laminate countertop begins, a plan needs to be down. The work entails laying tiles over laminate countertop and around the sink compartment and cook area.
You are to begin by having a sketch of your plan, detailing the entire work process. Just like in any remodeling project, sketches of the existing layout and the dimensions will be of great help in determining the tile pattern that will work best. There are also programs available that will give you a good 3-D image representation of what the countertop would look like once the project is completed.
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MAKE SURE YOU REMOVE THE DISPOSAL, SINK AND STOVE
For the project to move fine, it’s essential you remove the disposal, sink and stove. Removing the stove implies that the stove is removed and entirely taken out of the main kitchen environment.
The next thing to remove is the sink. In removing the sink, you are expected to off all the sources of water supply to the kitchen. When this is done, you are to bleed the faucet lines. The sink lines are then to be unscrewed from the water supply lines. Next, the drain line is to be removed from the garbage disposal.
The garbage disposal flange is then to be unscrewed, followed by the kitchen drain from the sink. You will notice some fasteners; you are to remove the fasteners and then easily lift the sink. Locate a caulk line at the back of the laminate backsplash and cut it off. You are then to make use of a saw in cutting off the laminate backsplash. Before beginning the main work, ensure that all outlet covers are removed.
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PREPARE THE OLD OR EXISTING COUNTER TOP
To begin this process, you are to apply an adhesive specially made for this single process. Generously spread this glue using a 1/8”V-notch trowel. This is done to ensure that the adhesive applied is effective without messing everything up. As soon as the adhesive is effectively spread, you are to begin applying the fiberglass reinforced paper by making use of a knife designed for this process. It is upmost importance to ensure that you eliminate any bubble present next to having a very smooth surface
It is known that countertops are usually made from nonporous materials. To make thin-set easily adhere or stick to the surface, increase the degree of porosity of the countertop by sanding the surface with an electric sander. This should be done by making use of an orbital or a palm sander plus a 50-grit paper to make the laminate surface rough. When this is done, a much better texture is created on the surface, and it also supports a better bond for the set of adhesives.
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A BASE LAYER OF MORTAR SHOULD THEN BE APPLIED
A coat of layer mortar should then be applied with a putty knife to the paper surface. This is done mainly to prepare the paper for the thin set. This step can also be used to fill in hollows present in the preformed countertops. More mortar is then to be applied to these places. In order to keep a straight edge, the surface should be well screed.
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THE THIN SET CAN NOW BE SPREAD
As soon as the layer of mortar has finally dried, application and raking of the thin set can begin with a trowel. This is exactly how any tile installation is done.
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THE BULL-NOSE SHOULD BE PREPARED
The bull-nose tiles are the pieces that are placed in the corners and around the front edges. There are to be first applied. Extra mortar is to be directly applied to this tile in a process known as buttering. This buttering process is beneficial as it provides the tile with added strength and resistance despite its condition of use.
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BEGIN PLACING TILES ON THE FIELD
Spacers are then to be installed in the bull-nose. The tiles are then to be laid in the field behind the bull-nose.
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TILE SPACING AND SETTING
The spacers are to be installed as long as the tiles are laid. A rubber or plastic mallet is to be used to tap the tiles that are being laid lightly. This is beneficial as it aids in helping the tiles bond better with the mortar. The rubber mallet also helps in ensuring the tiles are firmly set and devoid of gaps of air underneath. These gaps are the causes of tiles cracking. The spaces are then removed when the tiles are placed.
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APPLICATION OF GROUT AND REINSTALLING THE STOVE AND SINK
This is the last step of installing tiles over laminate countertop. After applying the grout, the next thing to do is make use of a moist rag or sponge to clean up. This step can be repeated several times until the surface is entirely clean.
CONCLUSION
So, if you have carefully followed or applied the above-enlisted procedures, you should have successfully installed tiles over laminate countertop and backsplash. These are the processes involved, no more, no less, and it is way cheaper compared to the other available options.