Create Your Own Stone Counter Top

When most think of a stone counter top most think of a solid granite counter top but you can make your own stone counter top by using stone tile. By using stone tile you have an almost unlimited color choices and your imagination is the only limit to the design possibilities. You can use almost any type of stone tile from sleet to marble you may choose the mix and match adding an accent piece of a different stone. Before you began as a good idea to visit not only a kitchen design store but also to a flooring store most of the stores have a display set up so that you can visualize your new kitchen counter tops the stores will also have many pictures of different kitchens these pictures can help you pick a design or to aid you in coming up with your own design. The basic steps involved in installing a tile counter top are as follows. First you will have to remove the old counter top. The next step is to install 3/4in. plywood on top of the old cabinets this will give us a base. On top of the plywood you will need to install was called cement backer board this is readily available at any home center and is commonly used when installing tile in wet areas such as bathrooms. The cement board will need to be fastened to the plywood using thin set mortar. It is a good idea to cover and tape off the wood surfaces of your cabinets so that you do not get any mortar on them. You are now ready to begin installing your tile but Before you began take some time and layout the tile exactly the way you want It. Make sure the design and layout is what you want And also check that you do not end up with any weird sections for example when you get to the sink area you do not want to have any small pieces of tile exposed. His also a good idea at this time to physically layout your back splash Again so that you do not end up with any small chunks of tile say at the corners. There are a few basic tools that you'll need to install your countertop aside from common but hand tools you'll need a notch trowel for spreading the mortar you also need a way to cut the tile this can be done with either a score and snap type tile cutter for what I recommend an inexpensive water cooled tile saw. These can easily be purchased for about $100.00 for can be rented have most tool rental stores.