When tiling a counter top, do you need to remove the existing covering? I am assuming that I would. If so, should I apply the tile directly to the plywood? Will the plywood be wide enough?
take the original tile off. Do not tile on the plywood. You have to put backerboard on top of the plywood, then you apply the tile to the backerboard. So it goes plywood....then backerboard .....then tile. It's easy, but also make sure your tiles are properly sealed. You can get water spots and stains on your tile that won't come out if they are not sealed. Good luck, don't be intimidated as it's fairly easy, just time consuming and messy. go to one of those free homedepot classes if you are not sure. They are 10 minutes and informative
Its best to start with a plywood core. Thinset adheres best to it, and adhesion is the name of the game. If you think about laminate, its not a good surface for your mortar to bind to, as a result your tiles will pop off and look like a crappy job no matter how much care is taken. Some will tell you you CAN do it, and you can. Scar the top up thoroughly with a carpet knife, make deep score so the thinset mortar has something to bind to. But for the few extra bucks, I'd toss the top into the dumpster, and lay down a good solid plywood base.
This is a litttle tricky to answer because I can't see what you have to work with. However, here is how I do it. Remove all of the old counter top down to where you can see down into the cabinets below. Then I use 3/4 inch thick plywood. It doesn't have to be the sanded kind because over the top of that I put a layer or the thin 1/4 inch tile backer board, sometimes called Miracle Board or Cement board. Be sure to counter sink the screw heads just below the serfice or you will have problems seating your tile. I always try to size my top at this point so I don't have to cut many tiles. Every situation is different so you have to do some figuring at this point. I always lay my tiles out dry to see how they fit first. Then you must think about the edge trim that will go around the outside edge of the counter top. I use oak but that also depends on what style you are doing but none the less something must incaplsulate the tiled area. Use the little tile spacers at the corners of the tiles to get an even fit. They are shaped like an + and are cheap. Most home centers have guides for free that have good info, take advantage of that. I wish I could send a picture of my island top. Just looking at a picture helps alot. Also, use the pre-mixed latex adhesive to put them down, much better and don't forget to seal the grout when it is dry. Good luck!
