How To Install A Tile Counter Top

[@IBuildItHome]

To all of the "experts" that are saying this will fail because it was done on plywood, well it's more than a year later for this one and it still looks great. As I plainly said at around the 3 minute mark, I did all of this before in exactly the same way, and that was 10 years ago. To the best of my knowledge, that is still in great shape too. The combination of the mortar and the high quality tile and then the epoxy grout produces a completely water proof barrier. Water that spills on the counter or around the sink cannot penetrate this water proof barrier to reach the plywood underneath.

[@KSCPMark6742]

This is pretty much the precise look I've been looking for in my own renovation, including those pine (maple?) window trim. I see this video is a year old. If possible I'd really like to see some finished pictures of your kitchen, really interested in seeing what wall colours you chose, cabinet doors and I'd also like to know what those tiles are called ? Great work :-)

[@MrCorfuz]

They are not "experts", ply is 100% OK to tile on as long as its thick enough and well supported. Cement board is for walls instead of plasterboard. I think you call plasterboard "sheetrock" in US.

[@VaporheadATC]

Wrong. Plywood expands and contracts. He should have used concrete board or some other isolation membrane. His method may last a few years, but who does all this work for it to last a few years before having to redo grout joints or replace cracked tile?

[@MrCorfuz]

vapourhead Atc .... No.." YOU "are wrong, I have 36 years experience, with no problems. Who puts cement board on floors? This is the same as a floor with less traffic stress.

[@jamietyree4994]

MrCorfuz That's what I was thinking lol. What do they think there counter is made out of? Doesn't matter what kind of top you have on it, it's still plywood constructed. Cement board is for your bathroom. I mean I guess you can use it on your counter, but why. If your putting that much water on your kitchen counter tops that you think you need cement board, you got problems. When we built my sisters house 20+ years ago, the kitchen counter tops were done in the exact same manner as this guy's doing. And guess what? They're still there and look the same as the day we did them, minus some wear and tear lol.

[@danielkosciuszko9788]

This dude had my full respect. I love the creativity and frankly genius of this guy. Good job

[@josevera1535]

With all honesty, Sir, this is one of the best DIYs I've ever watched. I learned a lot and I didn't fast forward a single second. Almost every single comment you said was full of advice. I learned a lot from you, and these were definitely the best invested 15 minutes of my day. I'm subscribing after this one, cheers!

[@WouldChuck]

Agree 100%. Awesome video.

[@aminuddinsoopar]

TQ sir for the idea, I live in Asia, marble and quartz countertops are crazy expensive, plus due to our humidity, we build cabinet frames out of concrete and top with tiles like yours. Definitely will consider the arrangement you did here when I renovate my kitchen :)

[@lylekobberstad8571]

I've never seen a tiled countertop that I like...until now. I like the randomness of it, unlike your standard patterns you see everywhere else. Very informative video, also.

[@tomlangley6236]

I know this is a few years old but this is exactly the idea I had floating around in my head for a while. I built my own cabinets with rustic type doors and drawer fronts. I made all my own handles by drilling and tapping railroad spikes. Now that I actually see the results and how nice it came out, I'm going this rout. The only difference is I'll be using a lower grade tile. Thanks for the inspiration and just ignore all of the 'Keyboard Experts'!

[@honkymonkey9568]

I appreciate you going through this whole thought process including the oopsies so I can get a full grasp of what I'll be up against. Thanks much.

[@khaledhelal6688]

Hey man, i searched the whole internet to find someone who actually did this idea, i didn't find anyone but you. I wish you bring back the content

[@cryptomnesiac]

the dark color you chose is great, looks sharp man.

[@dondet9060]

Nice video. True on the plywood. I have tile here that was set over 40 yrs ago on plywood. Still nice and solid.

[@soldier-mom]

Just wanted to say a quick thank you. Your video tutorial was just what I needed to install the same tile as you did to our kitchen. The end result is freakin amazing. Thanks again and I will be watching for future videos. You take the fear out of do it yourself.

[@Sebastopolmark]

Good job John. I like the clamps you made up for the stove area. A simple solution always works. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@aserta]

I'm actually very excited to see the inside transformation because, the last time you did an interior tour (last house before this one) i was blown away by how clean the design was.

[@IBuildItHome]

Thanks :)

[@flanmaryj]

This is a very neat look and install. I have solid white porcelain tiles and one inch glass mosaic sheets which I bought from my local Habitat ReStore. I will install those this week. I also have porcelain and ceramic tiles to use for the backsplash. My kitchen is almost the same layout as yours, with the exception that my refrigerator is to the left of the window. My tiles are only a little less than 17". This video did help me with the fact that it showed me that I need to install the glass tiles around the sink and edges, before I set the front large ones. I figured the variance in sizes of the tiles would make for easier trimming. Thanks for sharing. Your countertop looks unique and that's also the type of look I want.

[@NobbyBinks]

Amazing videos. You've got great skills in so many areas. This is one of the best KZbin series on DIY house renovation by someone who actually has deep experience in the area.

[@IBuildItHome]

Thanks!

[@mydenmel]

it’s cheaper easier to do than granite and concrete 🙌🏼 thank you for this

[@neonskyline1]

that was really good presenting Bud,and points made, no hand waving, gobshiting, camera swaying, loud voice, crap music, ace :) Experts hahahahaha

[@LarsSveen]

I really like those dark tiles. I put a cheap, temporary formica top on my kitchen counter, and I've been hemming and hawing about what exactly to replace it with. This looks great, and I think it's the perfect solution for me. Thanks!

[@cwhite864]

Thinking of either doing tile for and old butcher block laminate that looks old with new cabinets. This pattern really makes the difference in a blah countertop and one that has interest and appeal even to those who might think tile is tacky, yours is beautiful. That is the exact color I am using with an epoxy grout because I too will be putting this down on 3/4" ext playwoold but I do a spar varnish two coat on mine before tiling. Now I can't wait to get started. Need to look at your pattern and make my changes to what I want. But a terrific and well planned job. Love your glue clamps for along side the stove. Well thought out. And the screws with washer to hold down the front, genius.

[@Solentgruen]

Considering that this is a counter top and not a high traffic walkway + shower, I think you've almost been too careful. Nice work. I like the choice of tile a lot and the different tile sizes and orientations give this countertop a nice modern look. I'll try to replicate this in my next home. Thanks for sharing!

[@Twansaxstudent11190]

Wow! That is turning into quite the kitchen! Great work, John!

[@thoperSought]

that pattern looks amazing. I'm not basically a huge fan of tile counters, but yours makes me want to reconsider. talking about getting the height right, when they redid the Starbucks that I spend waaaaay too much of my time at, these days, they didn't correct the height of the floor tiles, so chairs always stick on the little height gaps. seeing this, I just think how important craftsmanship is. the hacks who did that floor weren't even trying, I guess.

[@raquelbarba8139]

Thank you for sharing this. This is exactly what needed to see.

[@tomharvey704]

Great video I am working on a project that requires a custom counter top size...I’m not tile guy either but you’re light years ahead of me!

[@z_polarcat]

I've never seen a tiles kitchen top before, it look beautiful!

[@jamesd5888]

I use plywood on my 1934 Cape Code home many years ago and never had a issue. It was before cement backer board came out. I sealed the grout and maintained it. Water is the enemy and if you keep it off the plywood then no issues in my case.

[@SawDustMakerRJM]

The tiles look great on the counter top. Great job John!!!

[@richardordonez8331]

must have been challenging matching all those radii around the drop in sink. Very good artistic design.

[@daifeichu]

I did a lot of tile work in my early years and it looks like you did a really good job. I'm sure I'll be envious of your countertop when you're done. I'm glad you didn't use the spaces. Those are for newbies.

[@UnbeltedSundew]

That is going to be a really good looking counter top. Nice choices.

[@RealtraDesigns]

wow I've always hated tiles on tables or countertop s but the color and the different sizes you picked makes it a lot different and more appealing than regular symmetrical tiles. love it!

[@jamietyree4994]

My only problem with this is the tile pattern. Being symmetric on the left of the sink and then kinda random on the right, my ocd meter broke the needle lol. I personally like the look on the right better with the random style cuts. Great vid as always

[@jerrodnelson1405]

Thank you for this video, it really cleared the air for me.

[@allisonwilliams3714]

This was super helpful. I love the DIY clamps, I'll definitely be using this idea. Great work!

[@brendanbyrne3028]

Wow that is really something else, I saw the thumbnail and thought "a ceramic tile counter top? Mehh, that can't be a good idea", but it's killer! I like the presentation of the video, casual but informative at the same time so it's not as dry as a straight instructional video.

[@DaddyBear3000]

I bloody love this idea. I’d like to do it myself in my place. I’m not a bad tiler already.

[@wrightdu83]

Great job John, it's looking really good and can't wait to see it finished up. Very informative as well!

[@othamayfield8138]

Dustin Wright

[@lubintasevski5985]

Despite the people saying you shouldn't use plywood, I don't agree. When I got my place it had a tile counter and it was done very well, but I prefer a solid surface so I removed it and put granite. The removal was pretty damn hard, they used a wire lath under the mortar and screwed the plywood from the top into the cabinets, so I had to break every tile and scrape off the mortar and pull out the lath until I could get to the screw heads to remove the top. It's not mentioned in your video, but it's good to note to screw the counter from the bottom to make for easier removal in the future. The primary reason I don't like tile on the counter is the grout absorbs too much and requires more frequent sealing than a solid surface which is smooth and easy to clean in comparison, plus you can mount an under mount sink and which makes wiping dirt and liquids into the sink so much easier. The same process for my old counter was used in our bathroom floor and from what I was told it had been done several years ago and when I removed the tiles, the plywood under was like new... again after a lot of hard work removing the tile, mortar and lath that was stapled down. There was no mold or signs of water penetrating the tile/grout. So if the mortar is done properly, there should be no worries about using plywood. So long story short, plywood is ok.

[@MJ-iy4fb]

It looks nice. I was wondering if you sealed the plywood with something? It looked a bit shiny before you set the tile on it.

[@GuitarGangsta]

very good, kinda was hoping to see how you measured/cut the pieces that were wrapping the sink

[@russell2449]

What an amazing coincidence, I just bought some porcelain tile that looks a LOT like what you have, just a slightly lighter shade of grey AND I was considering cutting them up into different shapes rather than going with a straight layout, so thanks for the great design ideas ;?)

[@DiannaAtherton]

Hey just curious. Did you follow his tile design? Did it turn out ok?

[@bridgepainter4753]

Good idea, most people that do tile, so call skeptics, I see it done one plywood a few times, what can you do about the transition of the sink, could u put it under the sink instead of around it.

[@thomasbroking7943]

Nice quality in your work, always go for perfection, start flat square plum all of that makes it easier

[@TrevorVera]

turned out amazing, the wife and I have been looking to fix up our bathroom quick and easy but as it turns out the old owners had a custom vanity made, so looks like we too will be building one. I really liked the look of this tile job, like you said your neighbors will not have it :D

[@ismaelcarrillo3956]

I just discovered your channel. Awesome videos

[@joshuac1364]

until you started mixing the mortar I thought you had installed the whole counter top with const. adhesive! Lol good job John, the layout looks great

[@chucksmith4246]

Nice looking counter top. Great presentation.

[@baconsoda]

That's a brilliant idea. I'll make sure my wife doesn't see this because we replaced all our worktops when we redesigned one wall of the kitchen after a flood a couple of years ago.

[@Sweepy372]

Very educational and really cool design John!

[@scotthaun8582]

that looks great! the effort was worth the end result.

[@geoffp2088]

one way to track the tiles is to number them and your diagram to make a master layout

[@rolandorimarim1541]

Good Day Sir. First of all, i am impressed with your artistry when it comes to shapes amd sizes that you did with those tiles. As a matter of fact, i want to copy that and i hope you don't mind. You are good with putting the adhesive cause you went on doing the one direction type using your trowel. And you are funny when you had mistakes when laying down the tiles. It was entertaining. Great content. Very helpful.

[@iamreverb8192]

Omg... Smashing pumpkins!!!!

[@mijodo2008]

Lots of excellent tips on this video. Well done mate 😀😀. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@claytonjames4779]

This is pretty cool! I saw another video where they say that you should spray down the wood first with water so it won't suck all of the water out of your thinset, is that something I should probably do here as well

[@datadev1]

Beautiful job John. Very informative.

[@fouriertransformbrowne6886]

this is the kinda guy i need to make permanent friends with :)

[@natashasmom95]

This is beautiful John. You do amazing work.

[@dj6769]

Nice work! I’m getting ready to do the same with some glossy 23-5/8” X 11-5/8 floor tile that looks like a light granite. I’m trying to come up with a pattern when I make a 90 deg. turn to a peninsula.

[@DiannaAtherton]

Have you found all these years later that the edge tile you glued on and kept in place with screws & washers have since stayed in place or have you have some issues? I am about to tile and want to know you if still recommend this method verses using a modified thinset. Thank you I appreciate all your video.

[@laprepper]

Bevel cut tiles, use tile scribe/breaker… learned two things already 😁

[@thatonegamer2709]

I used hardybackerboard on my countertop...plywood then hardybacker... Is that just a preference?? On which way to do it.?.. The random tile setup looks awesome btw👍

[@mrt7322]

Billy Corgan would've been proud and honored if you did his home

[@MRrwmac]

Your right about the neighbor not having that pattern. Did mine with big 2'x2' granite but it doesn't look as cool as yours!

[@OllyParryJones]

I've never seen a tiled worktop in person but I love the effect of this, John. I guess there's no danger of scorching a white ring on the surface from a hot pan... ;-) Good to see plywood being used as well.

[@brothyr]

There is a very real risk of the tile exploding which isn't as bad as it sounds. The hot pot on a cold tile can cause the tile to expand too quick and crack or pop off the grout.

[@IBuildItHome]

That might be one for Mythbusters :) I've often taken pots and pans directly from the stove to the tile countertop - no problem. It would take some kind of brutal heat to damage or pop these tiles off.

[@joshuapotter7372]

Adam Rivera - bullshit! These tiles are kilned baked hotter than you'll ever get your hot pot from a stove!

[@elitondasilva1890]

Very good service, congratulations

[@laprepper]

Do you have a video on the substrate and nose construction?

[@zohar963]

wow what a great idea i have never seen tiles as a counter top should be a lot chipper then marvel thanks john .

[@Derpherppington]

how does it stand up if u chopping meat on it ? does the plywood bounces and causes the adhesive to crack then tiles would fly out

[@carolmaplesden916]

now that i see what you are saying i wonder if you could get an extra large piece of tile to strigicall place for that purpose

[@tobesawnagain8599]

That is going to look fantastic! nice work.

[@jeanbox5833]

How did you finish the front strip on the cabinet? Do have a video showing that?

[@johnderry4521]

How do you finish off the nose of the countertop? I am undertaking a project somewhere to this in a bathroom and I'm curious on the finishing steps

[@WildPhotoShooter]

That looks fantastic, I think I might just do that myself. I have the almost identical size and layout as yours.

[@emo65170.]

Interesting. I've not seen a drop in sink flush mounted with the surrounding tile before. It makes sense though. Looks great!

[@georgekelly5987]

I'm about to remove my popcorn ceiling and replace it with knock down texture wand was wondering if you could kinda walk me through after its removed. Was wondering if I had to re mud the entire ceiling or just retape and remud what had to be retaped. What kind of mud I understand there's all purpose and hot mud and dunno if I'm missing another but what would be the difference and which should I use. I saw someone using hot then all purpose. I'm going to use fiberglass mesh as well. Thanks

[@larryjacobs5713]

Do you have a video that illustrates how to use tile as a base for a wood stove?

[@DjoleBravo]

I've seen these kind of counter-tops and bars that lasted for a couple of decades, replaced because they were boring. The weight of the material is keeping itself in place, with a little help of proper glue material, of course.

[@MattPainter504]

What brand and color of tile? Looks fantastic

[@cormierrichard]

Really cool look! I like the pattern.

[@therealjoe111]

why plywood for under tiles? instead of cement board?

[@jcstevegigs]

Larry Meier what?!? It comes in 3’x5’ sheets? What are you talking about? Wood rots. Should have used backer board. No excuses.

[@michaelprice7005]

I think this looks great. JSYK...I may steal it for my kitchen

[@warmwxrules]

What thickness of plywood did you use? 3/4 inch?

[@rotnkiley]

third time i watched this...really pretty pretty style and set up...great job love the pattern...

[@mikesmith2102]

I need to redo my kitchen. I want to build the cabinets and I was thinking a butcher block style counter top. Now maybe I'll try a tile top. How well does that work with a under hanging sink?

[@Retro_ReplayG]

I would like to make a fake wall using MDF or plywood can I time onto them or will the tiles just fall off..

[@mikebkaease4547]

Great job sir. Love the look already

[@laprepper]

Any blade recommendation? I have a wet saw but am not impressed with the chips it causes at the cut

[@DIYModernTwins]

Nice! Love the tile too.

[@IBuildItHome]

Thanks :)

[@JohnvanGurp]

That looks really great! Excellent tutorial.

[@LindaMacdonald-ix4rm]

What did you use for backsplash, what would work?

[@tiitsaul9036]

looks very unique. looks great

[@aportman58]

How did you do front angle on your wood substrate for the front strips of tiling? I am putting 6"X24" floor tiles for kitchen cabinets and using 1/16" spacers, but when I bring (start) my tile to where is needed with edge extended out only a 1/4", I am ending up with a 5/8" gap between tile and wall?

[@lolhleplol]

Wow, that looking fantastic

[@rorydeshano7342]

Did the tile have a grain? So all the tile would need to go in the same direction?

[@jesusmunoz1232]

Do u have video of the bevel?

[@lyannamahmud509]

Maybe you are not a tile guy but doesn't mean that you can't do it, as long we keep trying that's gonna be OK yea finally 👏 👏

[@mishho9831]

This was a great bedtime story :) I loved your work on both the counter top and your beautiful tiled floor, good health to use and you deserve a bottle of larger i see piled up in one of those under cupboards;)

[@evilwillieg]

Word of the day "back-butter" Great honest video. Thanks

[@Wordsnwood]

Looking good, John. Those curves around the sink looked tricky.

[@IBuildItHome]

Thanks :) Trickier than normal, since I was super paranoid about breaking one and not having enough tile.

[@colewilson5688]

thanks man! learned a ton from your videos