Granite Tile Countertops over Laminate - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

c5150b · 03-31-2007, 11:26 AM

Need some advice on installing granite tiles over laminate existing counter. I will use wood trim to cap it all in but my question is can you go over laminate, if you rough it first?
Saw on a "flip" show once where they set the circular saw shallow and just scored it before laying a tile counter top. Will this work? Looking for a way not to have to cut new template. thanks

Same Old · 03-31-2007, 11:41 AM

Why bother? Just install a new substrate.

woodmagman · 03-31-2007, 12:03 PM

Your new substrate will be about 1/20 of the total cost. Foundation is the most important part of a structure...

c5150b · 03-31-2007, 06:58 PM

Was hoping I could just go over the top to save time?

woodmagman · 03-31-2007, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c5150b

Was hoping I could just go over the top to save time?

Hard to warranty your work if you really do not know what is going to happen with the tile sticking to the counter. Do it right the first time and save both you and your customer alot of regret when the tile starts to lift in a year or two. Doing it twice is not saving time. And besides spending time doing a good job is a great way to make a living and it always brings more customers.

Multi-Tasker · 03-31-2007, 07:54 PM

If the old laminate is in good shape and very solid I will tile over it.
Two of my large tile suppliers agree this will work fine.
Sand well to give the proper bond. Also two coats of Red Guard will be a good thing (red guard is a brush on membrane)
Joe

In_Mexifornia · 03-31-2007, 08:33 PM

I'd just rip that stuff off and install a new substrate. I use 5/8" okume plywood cause it's cheap and had a smooth finish. You could use anything... CDX, MDF, particle board, etc.

hrscammisa · 03-31-2007, 09:46 PM

Ask the tile site

woodmagman · 04-01-2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In_Mexifornia

I'd just rip that stuff off and install a new substrate. I use 5/8" okume plywood cause it's cheap and had a smooth finish. You could use anything... CDX, MDF, particle board, etc.

Doing a premium job, requires a quality substrate. Particle board and thin set do not even come close to being compatable.

Particle board is used for plasitic laminate tops......

hrscammisa · 04-01-2007, 10:47 PM

Did you guys know about the new product just came on the market here. its for floor tile it comes in a 4ft rool no more dura rock or hardy backer. Just spred your mud and rool this stuff out and then lay your tile on it no more cutting no more screwing fast as he-- comes in 300ft roll cuts with a knife.

Divine Design · 04-02-2007, 12:03 AM

Yes you CAN tile over formica,BUT you STILL have to do more than score the laminet.You also need to sand with coarse sandpaper to remove ALL the shine and then use the best prep primer you can find. I tiled counters in a home 12 years ago and recently renoed the kitchen for a second time and when we domoed the counters the tile was still intact except 2 pieces that had a run in with a heavy appliance. This time we went with solid granite and it is a beauty.tileing over the lam is much less work and IF prep is done it is an excellent option.

woodmagman · 04-02-2007, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Divine Design

Yes you CAN tile over formica,BUT you STILL have to do more than score the laminet.You also need to sand with coarse sandpaper to remove ALL the shine and then use the best prep primer you can find. I tiled counters in a home 12 years ago and recently renoed the kitchen for a second time and when we domoed the counters the tile was still intact except 2 pieces that had a run in with a heavy appliance. This time we went with solid granite and it is a beauty.tileing over the lam is much less work and IF prep is done it is an excellent option.

The difference being, can it be done and should it be done. No product that I am aware of will warranty under this condition. Not say there is no product, but you are asking to save a few buck to install onto two inferior substrates. Plastic laminte and partical board are not products recommeded as a substrate for tile installation. I will bet in this forum alone we will find more professional trades people that have replaced countertop because the bond failed between the substrate and the laminate then you will find in your state that have successfully tile over it.

747 · 04-03-2007, 12:52 AM

I seen that flip show they weren't using granite tile they were using some cheap white like 4 inch by 4 inch tile. I would recomend taking old counter top off. Then plywood then cement board then granite tile.

Remodelers · 05-05-2007, 01:35 AM

We put down hardibacker first; used liquid nails and drywall screws to attach. Should have cut back the laminate edge flush with the cabinets first though.

The granite was from Bedrock Creations

The granite tile edges have a 2" apron attached to the bullnose. This worked out well covering the edge of the laminate and hardibacker board.

nywoodwizard · 05-15-2007, 08:27 PM

I think the key word here is "flip" that means do it as cheap as posible to increase profit!

Geno · 06-03-2007, 12:11 PM

'Flippers' are sometimes notorious for taking shortcuts just to get out cheap and quick- this shoddy work is easy to spot. Does anyone want to be associated with cheap and shoddy work? Not me. It's definitely worth it to do quality work once and be done with it.

Geno

skyhook · 06-03-2007, 12:24 PM

I finished a granite job last night at 10pm. Also done the 12x12 tile over floated mortar. There is nothing quick or easy about doing it right. If the ho is not ready to step up to the price for a good job, pass.

higherbranch · 09-11-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyhook

I finished a granite job last night at 10pm. Also done the 12x12 tile over floated mortar. There is nothing quick or easy about doing it right. If the ho is not ready to step up to the price for a good job, pass.

I just finished one last week myself in one of my "flip" houses. 12x12 granite is not easy and I would never even consider going over laminate. We redid the new counter template in less than one hour. I used MDF and then a 1/2" permabase topper. The granite layed down beautifully. Just have a suction cup and a level handy. If the HO is wanting to step up to the plate and use granite, it needs to be done the right way........no exceptions. Just my .02