Not just for floors and walls, tile makes a durable counter surface.
Countertops have one of the biggest visual impacts on a space, yet many refurbishing options are either too time consuming to complete or not financially feasible. A relatively inexpensive and quick way to resurface countertops is to install small peel and stick tiles on top of the existing surface.
There are many different materials on the market, but the pros recommend natural stone and porcelain for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Natural stone won't show chips or imperfections as clearly, explains Angelica Baeza of Arizona Tile, one of the state's leading showrooms, but it does require regular sealing.
Just peel and stick. The peel and stick tile makes the product very easy to cut, stick and maintain. This tile can be installed in minutes without any specialized tools over any sleek and clean surface. These tiles can be used to renovate kitchens and bathrooms.
Cover It With Concrete
If your tile countertop is seriously dated, paint or decals may not be enough to help it. But you still don't have to rip it out and replace it. Instead, use self-leveling concrete to cover the entire surface and create a smooth, modern look for your countertop.
Countertops include kitchen countertops, laundry tops, island tops, bar tops, stand-alone entryway tops, and bathroom countertops, among others. While laminate tile is more commonly used in flooring applications, it can also be used to create a laminate flooring countertop with the exact same installation methods.
If the laminate surface and its lower substrate are in good condition, you can apply ceramic or porcelain tile directly on top of the laminate. In fact, a laminate countertop in good condition is nearly the ideal surface for tiling: flat, smooth, and level.
Tile countertops were hugely popular in the '70s and '80s. Now they're making a comeback, albeit in more modern, minimally styled installations. Even if you have tile that's been there since before you were born, you can make it look good.
A counter or tabletop made of linoleum - or vinyl, for that matter - may not be as durable as some wood products, like butcher block or hardwood. And depending on how the edges are finished, a linoleum counter may not be the best for wet locations, such as around the sink, where stone or tile would be more durable.
Use a Countertop Refinishing Kit
Countertop resurfacing kits are like paint on steroids. These kits include an epoxy-like paint and decorative stone chips to create the look of natural stone. Most kits are designed for making over old laminate counter surfaces.
Granite is a good choice for kitchen countertops; using tile rather than solid granite cuts the expense drastically. Make sure tiles are spaced closely to minimize grout staining; you can use tinted grout to achieve a more seamless look as well. Both the tile and the grout should be properly sealed.
Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. It also has a very low absorption rate, meaning it's virtually impervious to water damage, even after prolonged exposure.
Q: Can I install plastic laminate over a countertop that's already covered with existing laminate material? A: Yes, but the existing surface must be even and smooth. Repair any gouges or loose edges and make sure the existing laminate is glued firmly.
Countertop resurfacing is a fairly easy process of covering the existing surface with tile or sheet goods. In just a few hours or days, you can give your kitchen a whole new look at a fraction of the price of brand-new counters. Resurfacing works best over smooth laminate.
For removal, he says to apply heat from a hair dryer at one corner to melt the adhesive, then slowly pull the counter up, heating and melting as you go. To give you an idea of quality and longevity, most warranties max out at about five years.
A countertop overlay is the result of a process in which concrete or another artificial material, such as granite, wood, or laminate, is applied or installed over existing countertop material to create a new layer of a smooth surface that covers the existing surface.
Ceramic or natural tile can be applied over an old laminate countertop, but prep work can be difficult, especially with rolled edges. Sometimes it's simpler to start fresh.
If you like the layout of your laminate kitchen counters, then you should consider refinishing. Refinishing can completely restore your laminate countertops to a like-new condition and feel. And dozens of colors and textures are available to you, including a stone look using Miracle Method's Natural Accents.