Can you tile over an existing kitchen countertop?

Question

My countertop has rounded edges and I'm wondering if tile can be put over it or if I have to replace the countertop?

Answer 1

You'd run into problems around the edges, nothing would fit over them and then the sink, it wouldn't fit there and then you'd have higher counters. you're better off getting it all up and starting over or just regrouting your existing countertop and fixing any broken ones by maybe taking a few out here and there and replacing with a bright color to make it look intentional since you'd never match it anyways. It's a big job to redo a whole countertop and not so huge to regrout and replace a few tile. Good luck whatever you do.

Answer 2

I am assuming your top is formica. If that's the case. You can go either way. If you can live with the rounded corners, just put 1/4in. Hardiboard on top(with mastic and screws). It's best when you do this to get a tile that offers a trim piece called "counter rail". This is a piece that goes about 1.5in. over the top and 2in. down. Start full if you can at the corners where the counter starts to turn(on both sides), now cut some counter rail down to about 3/4in. (+ or - a little to taste) and fill in the curve.
If thats not the look you want, it's not too hard to tear up the old top and build up a blank with plywood and Hardiboard. Just remember if you do that you'll have to recut holes for sink, cooktop, etc. Make sure the new top is between 1 1/2 - 2in. in depth, else you could run into problems.
Hope this helps

Answer 3

You probably have to strip it and redo it all.. If not it will probably warp and pop the new tile off.

Answer 4

take an clothes iron heat the arborite if that's what you have peel it off, clean glue off (scraper&solvent) then tile