Doing kitchen remodel. How do I lay a glass tile countertop starting from scratch. Nothing but cabinets =)?

Question

Right now there is nothing but cabinetry. We gutted the kitchen from top to bottom. We want to lay glass tile for the countertop and backsplash but everywhere I read says glass tiles lay best on concrete. How do I build the base and lay concrete for the countertops? What supplies are needed? And is it true, I NEED concrete in order to lay the tiles or are there options that will last just as long?

Answer 1

Glass tile is not generally used for counter top surfaces. But if you insist you must build your counter top with plywood and then use 1/4" "Hardie Backer" or "Wonder Board" underlayment over the plywood.

If your tiles are transparent you will want to add grout to the thinset. You don't need cement you need thinset - but you should not use mastic (glue).

Answer 2

I have never layed glass tiles, they must have some sort of cementatious or crystalline coating to allow portland cement based mortars to work ?

You need a sub base for the countertop, likely 3/4" particle board or MDF. Over that you then put down a tile backer cement board, likely the thin stuff for this. Put it down with course flat head screws and construction adhesive.

You now have a cement surface to lay your tile on. If your back splash is plaster or sheetrock, thin set mortar will likely work there as well. There are coatings you can paint on that will then allow cement products like thin set to adhere to the surface.

Sorry that I dont have experience with glass tile, maybe someone will chime in that knows better. Any REAL tile and stone supplier will give you good information.

good luck

Answer 3

Before you get started, I would strongly recommend that you stop by one of the bigbox hardware stores and pick up a book on tiling. They only cost about @$15 - 20 but they will lay out the entire project in great detail. My wife and I just finished tiling our bathroom (tub surround, shower, floor, counters) and it was very helpful. Also, another option is to check out bedrockcreations.net. They sell granite and trim pieces for this exact thing. Even if you don't buy from them, their website has some good directions about building the countertops.

Good luck.

Answer 4

John offers valid suggestions, and I'll just add similar two cents.

"Glass"??? I wish you had defined that; most especially as John suggested "Clear"?

Concrete backer board will work fine; in any trade/brand name. One major issue that causes me to believe this isn't clear; is the method one would have to use to install it, and the LOOK of it through the glass.

What's wrong with ceramic or Porcelain?

To use actual concrete; you have to frame the area; "Pour" a layer of some level/thickness; let it float/ level it; and still you'd have to secure the GLASS tile somehow?

Another issue I'd certainly have with "glass" is the first time I had an OOOPS, and dropped that large mug on it as I was taking the mug out of the upper cabinets; etc. etc.

Since it's a kitchen counter top, and subject to as much abuse as any horizontal surface in a house; I'd
re-think "glass" although "TILE" is essentially glass too.

I'd rather choose granite; or even a composit like Corian.

I'd also be curious to know more.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

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