Prepare the tile countertop base if not purchasing or using a preexisting counter.
Tile on plywood countertop.
Whoever did the counter before used 1 2 thick plywood 1 thick particle board and a layer of some type of fiberglass sheet over the plywood and particle board layers.
Use the flat end of the trowel to push the thin set over the surface of the plywood.
Installing laminate countertops step 4.
On counters that won t be exposed to water you can install the tile directly to the plywood.
Mark with a pencil for chalk lines.
For added protection top the plywood with a sheet of plastic that serves as a moisture.
Glue and staple another layer of plywood 1 4 in over the 3 4 in.
Save money by installing a tile countertop yourself.
Use the notched side of the trowel to comb through the thin set to get a uniform thickness.
Tile adheres most effectively to construction or exterior grade plywood that is cut to fit your countertop.
If installing over bare plywood in a moisture prone area first cover it with a moisture resistant membrane such as 15 pound felt paper or 4 mil polyethylene sheeting.
If you re crafting a new counter from scratch the following bullets detail how to build a new countertop using plywood and concrete boards.