I have an ugly wood colored formica countertop, and wanted to know if it's possible to tile right over it, or if I have to rip out the existing countertop?
2006-12-13 16:47:26 · 11 answers · asked by Ben W 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
yes, under the following conditions:
1. The laminate must be well bonded to a firm backing -- not loose or bubbled
2. The old surface must be rough -- belt sand, score with a knife, etc
3. Use the proper adhesive -- regular tile cement may not work the best --
silicone sealant or construction adhesive will bond the best.
2006-12-14 09:29:21 · answer #1 · answered by Walter B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could instal tile directly onto a formica countertop, but it likely will not stay. The reason why tile is installed over a pourous surface such as wood or drywall is so the puddy will absorb into the backing and stick the tile to the backing. With a non pourous surface like formica this is not the case and the seal will likely not hold or not hold for very long.
2006-12-13 17:02:02 · answer #2 · answered by daddyspanksalot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer about scoring the formica is good. I used a belt sander to rough up the formica first, getting rid of the slick surface. Then tiled right over it in a bathroom. Its been 3 years now and no problem at all.
2006-12-14 04:49:40 · answer #3 · answered by DeeDee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes tile can be installed over formica... I have done this numerous times and had no problems... The trick I use is to score the formica about 1/16th inch deep with a skill saw...Do it in a criss cross pattern... The scoring will help the glue stick to the countertop... Use a tile mastic glue, This will work better than thinset...
2006-12-13 17:23:15 · answer #4 · answered by Kirk D 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the right way to this is nail some backer boards on top of the laminate you don't have to take it up because it's very thin and it would not effect the height if you don't want to nail backer Bord's use a mastic tile adhesive mastic is better on non porous surface than mortar because IT has no water in it and it will stick better and if there any movement it does not crack like tile mortar .
so yes you can tile over the ugly wood colored Formica and good luck
2006-12-14 04:41:30 · answer #5 · answered by george e 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the formica is adhereing to the base well then go ahead and tile over it, otherwise take it off and use the wood underneth as a base. i personally would put a concrete board over the wood to help with water and to get a more solid countertop to tile over.
2006-12-14 06:16:27 · answer #6 · answered by tdodd4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put 1/4 inch "stoneboard" or "cement board" over it first or take it out, it's not that hard once you start, I mean the formica not the countertop.
2006-12-13 23:17:10 · answer #7 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've tiled over laminate countertops several times and have had no regrets. There never has been a problem in either application or use.
You have to be sure the height will be OK, so if you have a drop in sink or stove, you may have to remove the laminate.
2006-12-13 17:03:33 · answer #8 · answered by tropical 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Much joy can in fact be found in tearing out formica. Don't deny yourself of that!
If its old it will likely come out fairly easily, anyhow. If a professional tile installer told you this you may want to reconsider his services.
Do it right, get it out. Screw some backer board down.
2006-12-13 17:06:34 · answer #9 · answered by JLanswers 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO, UNLESS U USE BACKER BOARD AND THEN APPLY TILE
OF COURSE U COULD REMOVE FORMICA AND PUT ON NEW
2006-12-13 16:53:08 · answer #10 · answered by john t 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋