Have tile countertop-replace or go over?

[Simba's Mom]

We just bought a new house with tile countertops in the kitchen. I absolutely hate them (only thing I dislike in this house) and would love to put in a new countertop, especially reading on these boards about different options. But with tile, what options do I have to put in new counter? I mean, do they go over the existing tile or replace it? It would seem that taking off what's there would be extremely messy, and also expensive! And what options of new type would I have if I go over what's there? Anyone know? Thanks.

 

[battricia]

I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure you'll have to pull off the tile to put something else in there. It will be a bit messy but it shouldn't be too terrible. Goodluck.

tricia.

 

[wdw4us]

we had 4 inch tile on our kitchen counter. I was for tearing out and replacing but the hub was NOT. He was doing the work so I said, it's your loss if you have to pull BOTH up.

Well a year ago we bought granite squares 12x12 and went over the tile. Made sure we bought the correct adhesive and grout. It worked fine. The only thing with granite is that the adhesive did make the granite change color in areas and I did panic but basically when it dries it disappears. Sorta like when you spill water on the granite, it does stain until it dries but then all is fine.

So YES you can go over tile with tile. I do suggest not using the same size tile - we went bigger and it worked just fine.

Good luck!

denise

 

[FroggyinArk]

drags out the hard hat and the tool belt and goes into bob villa mode


you can place larger tile over old ceramic, however, as a pro i do not recommend that happen, you will get a better job if you remove the tile and the existing plywood then start over. one thing you will run into is that the sink may not fit back in and fasten down, the counter will be up to 1 inch higher, making it not match the stove top or if you have a drop in it may not refit after the addition. the removal is messy, its time consuming, and make sure you have your floor very very well covered because a broken ceramic tile is like shattered glass and will scratch cut and chip the flooring, it will also slice fingers arms legs,, etc,,, make sure you wear eye protection and i would recommend checking on your disposal options, a lot of landfills and city pick ups will no longer take construction remnants and removals, and you the home owner gets stuck with the expense of disposal. here its not bad, we can haul stuff to a private landfill that only takes construction trash for a small fee