Most DIY homeowners can install beautiful ceramic tile or glass tile on a counter top even though it is a new task that the homeowner has not done before. All it takes is a few tools, taking care in the layout of the tile, choosing the right size tile, and then carefully installing the tiles. You will be proud of your completed work and will want to show it off to friends. In addition, you can save a lot of money by doing it yourself.

Tools and materials required:

Paper pad, pencil, measuring tape, level, chalk line, tile cutter (you may rent one by the day at most rental stores or buy an inexpensive one for less than $35), sponges, bucket for clean water, bucket for mixing grout, grout, pre-mix tile adhesive, latex (rubber) gloves and a sponge float or two and a water bucket.

Laying out the tile:

Start with a small project first. A kitchen counter top or backsplash in the kitchen or perhaps a sink backsplash in the bathroom are good first projects. Using a pad and pencil, sketch the surface where you are going to apply tile.

Preparing the counter top:

The countertop must be stable and solid. A double layer of ¾ plywood or ceramic tile cement backer board and a layer of ¾" plywood is a minimum. Cement backer board is available under different trade names but is especially made for ceramic tile. Make sure it is secured properly to the counter.

Installing the tile:

Start by dry laying the tile on the countertop. Place full pieces at the front edge and working to the back of the counter. If you find you have a very small piece at the back, try spreading out the tile a little to increase the grout joint width to take up this space. This will avoid installing tiny pieces of tile on the back of the counter top. Do the same for the length of the top. Using a level as a straightedge, make a pencil line from front to back and square to the front edge of the counter. If you have a framing square use it. Just place one leg against the front of the counter and the other leg will be square.

Make sure the trim along the front edge of the counter is nailed tightly and is level with the top of the tile. Front trims are usually wood but counter edge tiles are available if you like that look.

Spread some adhesive alongside the pencil mark you made for the square line. Spread only a little adhesive at first until you get used to the time it takes to install the tile and the setting time for the adhesive. As you place the tile, twist it back and forth slightly to assure full contact with the adhesive below.

After placing the first six tiles check to insure they are in a straight line and the tops of the tiles level and even. Check that the spaces between the tiles are all the same. Plastic spacers are available for various widths of grout spaces and are a good idea for your all tile project. Continue with the rest of the tile making sure you do not place adhesive where the cut tile pieces will go. A small spackle knife can easily remove any adhesive accidentally spread into those areas.

Take another good look at your work to insure the tile joints are straight from end of end. Tile cutting is quite easy but cut a practice piece as a sample. Measure the space you have for the cut tile and deduct the width of your grout joints. Carefully mark the tile and place it in the cutter.

Follow the cutter instructions. You will find it does not take a great deal of pressure on the handle to score the tile. Press on the handle and it will snap the tile on your score mark. Install all the cut pieces by hand by placing them one by one until you have them all installed.

Clean all your tools carefully. It is almost impossible to remove dried adhesive. Check over your work and make sure you did not leave adhesive sticking up out of any joint or on the face of the tiles. Using a damp sponge and your spackle knife, carefully remove any excess adhesive.

Let the tile dry twenty four hours before grouting.

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Kitchen Remodeling Tips

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