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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@thomasbroking7943]

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

[@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.

[@mijodo2008]

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

[@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!

[@emo65170.]

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

[@chucksmith4246]

Nice looking counter top. Great presentation.

[@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

[@Sweepy372]

Very educational and really cool design John!

[@geoffp2088]

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

[@JohnvanGurp]

That looks really great! Excellent tutorial.

[@tiitsaul9036]

looks very unique. looks great

[@DesignBuildExecute]

Thanks, John! Now I want to do this to our kitchen. Haha!

[@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 👏 👏

[@lolhleplol]

Wow, that looking fantastic

[@agneschiridza5596]

Wow! Lovely idea 🤗

[@craigleemehan]

Really looks nice. Love the color.

[@faisalsuroboyo7138]

Ulat

[@themightyparthos]

I see a LOT of comments about using cement board (hardibacker, Etc.), has floating out a counter been totally forgotten??? I am not going to judge whether this tile will fail or not, I just would not have it or use this method for myself or my customers. Cement board is good for raised foundation floors and "acceptable" on walls for some. As for myself, a floated wall every time and a floated floor in cases where there is water.

[@IBuildItHome]

You know what else is totally forgotten in the modern world? Digging water wells by hand. Doing something the hard way doesn't mean you'll get superior results, it just means you worked harder.

[@doeeyes394]

I love the tiles you put in! The epoxy grout did a fantastic job, it all really looks wonderful with your black composite sink!! I'll be installing a mosaic tile that has some multi colored glass pieces in it. After you finished your kitchen, did you have any problems with loosening tiles on the countertops?? I'll more than likely follow your example with your back-buttering! After my tiles have set up, I'm going to be putting a couple coats of clear epoxy over my tiles. I'm not exactly sure what the best way of "encasing" my countertop is so all my epoxy won't run off the edges... Hopefully someone can give me some good advice...Heaven knows, I'm open to suggestions on how to do this. Thanks a bunch for your videos!!! Have a great day!! Doe Campbell

[@Googaliemoogalie]

this looks really good! very interesting

[@Stephen_Strange]

I need the grouting tool for my cheesecakes.

[@Александр-р7ь8х]

Great !!! greetengs from Russia, subscribed

[@LisaBevill-ProSinger1]

Why not a solid surface countertop? All those grout lines when trying to wipe your counters, will collect drips and junk? Just curious...it’s cool looking but hasn’t it driven you a bit crazy yet?

[@j.m.b6691]

$9 a square ft for tile WTH?? Where are you buying tile? Great job though looks great thinking about doing it for outdoor kitchen to save money on granite etc.

[@katherinecarroll3706]

That look really nice. Kathy

[@jennydannyp7229]

Question why didn’t you use backer board?

[@robervaldo4633]

amazing, a work of art!

[@LindaMacdonald-ix4rm]

What did you use for backsplash, what would work?

[@awldune]

Looks great John! Do you have a different tile for the bullnose or are you cutting thin pieces of the same material?

[@IBuildItHome]

All cut from the same tile.

[@brown5729]

You only buttered some of your tiles, is there a reason? You haven't had any issues with not using backer board?

[@kayematthews6977]

What type of tile is this, and what is it made from?

[@sepoipoi2399]

Is the cement can stick with wood properly right?

[@brianchv3661]

Looks great! How did you finish the front edges

[@TheHighlanderprime]

Brian Chv I think he glued the strips on like he did the stove side.

[@bakerchic1958]

Is it unglazed tile? We don't need to use backerboard?

[@joshuac1364]

tile setters usually float the counter top about an inch with cement "mud" and tile on top of that. it looks like this method works just fine but I'm not sure how strong or how long mortar will bond to plywood

[@shinhayata7342]

Are we french???

[@parks2789]

잘보고 갑니다^^

[@peterbrownwastaken]

It was informative, I did enjoy it, and I'll see YOU next time... If that sounds at all creepy. That's cool.

[@doubledarefan]

Peter, if you ever need a new countertop, make one out of Marble. Marles encased in resin, that is.

[@IBuildItHome]

No, not creepy at all :D (cut to John drawing the blinds in his bedroom...)

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@cryptomnesiac]

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

[@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'!

[@danielkosciuszko9788]

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

[@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

[@dondet9060]

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

[@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.

[@GuitarGangsta]

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

[@426superbee4]

I will NEVER USE MORTAR AGAIN, its messy, hard to work with and dries way to fast ~ it may cost a little bit more to use tube silicone, and liquid nails. But its worth with. Less cleaning time, less mess

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Looks good John. Think we are looking to do something similar with slate tiles for our outdoor kitchen area so good to see it in practice. :-)

[@IBuildItHome]

Thanks :) I was looking at slate first, but the stuff I looked at had a bit too much texture. Good luck with yours.

[@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.

[@iamreverb8192]

Omg... Smashing pumpkins!!!!

[@ismaelcarrillo3956]

I just discovered your channel. Awesome videos

[@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.

[@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!

[@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👍

[@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

[@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.

[@christinadebacker9568]

It’s expensive but not nearly as expensive as real countertops. I would say this is an inexpensive project if all you need to buy is the tile and plywood

[@warmwxrules]

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

[@cobberpete1]

Good / Beautiful design, Great Job in putting them down and clever with the edge tile clamps. What more can I say

[@laprepper]

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

[@WildPhotoShooter]

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

[@richardordonez8331]

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

[@mydenmel]

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

[@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!

[@Twansaxstudent11190]

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

[@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

[@adryanrockenbach6772]

never seen tile mortared directly to plywood like that. it will fail. thumbs way down sir.

[@DA-ou7hv]

I would use 1/2 inch concrete board for the sub instead of ply wood.

[@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!

[@jeanbox5833]

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

[@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

[@Foche_T._Schitt]

You should have wrote numbers on the top of them with chalk before you took them up.

[@johnadeniji1493]

How thick was your plywood, if anyone knows please help. Thanks

[@patrickarchuleta9594]

Awesome work may God continue to bless you.🙏🙏👍👍🙏

[@RobinLewisMakes]

That's a great look!

[@AndeaMcDonald]

Hey John? Nice job! Was wondering, so it's not necessary to lay down cement board/backer board? I'm having such a HARD time with the marble tile "flushing" with the counter stove! I have cement board surrounding the stove AND with the tile on top, is NOT working well! Way too high! I was told that plywood it expands moving the tile; verses the cement, which doesn't expand... what are your thoughts? Thanks!

[@es4forty892]

Andea McDonald you don't need cement board. if you use exterior grade plywood or osb like he did. you can also use constriction adhesive instead of thinset.

[@AndeaMcDonald]

Thank you, Kyle! I WISH I had your advise before.... Going forward, I'll certainly keep this in mind!

[@HogsHeadStudios]

Mastic (or other adhesives) are a good option, just make sure you aren't gonna be the one who has to scrape it off the plywood later.

[@mikechrn]

What brand of tile did you use? Looks amazing!

[@Xean45]

Do you even know how amazing that shirt is!? I'd kill to own that Pumpkins shirt. Definitely should NOT be used for construction project!

[@thomasbroking7943]

I like tohave a bucket of clean pretty warm water & clean sponge..i wipe the work constantly but no finger..i don't want to get nicked on a tile...like the idea of the finished corner inside the stove pocket, but doesn't that give a 1/2" gap now??

[@taramoon9307]

What would you recommend for a lightweight counter-top that is still high quality? I am building a tiny house on wheels and would like to save on weight :)

[@jdeeforlife79]

The countertops look amazing. I've been looking at your design for a while now. I'm going to try this in my kitchen. What you recommend on cutting the edge?

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@CaptainSteen]

Where did you get the tiles? It's hard to find tiles that are just square.

[@DIYModernTwins]

Nice! Love the tile too.

[@IBuildItHome]

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.

[@GraniteValleyDave]

Great video mate. I was wondering if you've done any cement work? I love these videos. I've got a chronic illness so I can't do anything like this right now but I'm enjoying learning all I can about home renovation in the hopes that once I get better I can start working again and buy a doer-upper. Thanks.

[@jerrodnelson1405]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@rorydeshano7342]

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