We have a two sink bathroom set up would like to replace the counter-top with a homemade tile counter-top - we are pretty handy but have not dealt with tile before - and before I ask my dad for help I thought why not check out yahoo answers. Thanks! :)
Depending on what the counter top is now you will need to sand it down and score it (make long scratches in the surface to hold the grout). Next you want to start with the edges and then work your way in. Lay the grout and set the tile. Make sure you get small bumpers to put in between the tiles to keep the spacing even. Make sure you have a way of cutting the tiles also to fit the uneven spaces.
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Pic tile first. Some offer bull nose for edge some don't. Figure out design, edges, corners, splash gard, sq. ft. etc. before purchase. Buy 10% extra for cutting waste. Pic a tile separator width and grout to match tile. Be sure to use a tile trowel it will hell in thickness of quickset when placing tiles. GL
Just did this recently. We used a half inch of high grade plywood for the base sheet, then on top of that a half inch sheet of backerboard. Adhere the plywood to the vanity with a liquid nails as well as actual nails. Adhere the backerboard to the plywood with thinset and hardibacker screws. Obviously you'll need to cut out the sinkholes in both. After that, you're ready to tile. Use the smallest groutlines as possible for a countertop, in my opinion. Be sure to seal the tile when you're done. I know how to tile, but I despise it (especially some of the intricate stuff involved in countertops), so I just hired the tiling done.
This isn't a very difficult task to undertake. There are several factors to consider when building this counter top: size of tile compared to counter top size (to figure out where the cuts will be other than the back, of course), top mount sink or undermount sink (how to finish the sink opening) and remember that a tile countertop will raise the sink and therefore you may need an extension for your pop-up/p-trap, will there be a backsplash? will that backsplash interfere with any outlets?, does the tile come with matching end caps or will you be using wood to cap the ends? Picking out the proper material and knowing how to do the job start to finish will make things soooo much easier. I would definitely use a 3/4 exterior grade plywood with cement board and cement board screws. Some tiles already come pre-spaced (4 1/4 x 4 1/4 tiles). Shoot me an email with some piictures of the project and I will try to help you and see where you possibly may run into some problems (if any). In the meantime, I suggest looking in HD or Lowes for those step-by-step books.
