Countertop question

Countertop question · 10-30-2006, 12:38 PM

What are the thoughts of using self sticking floor tiles for a countertop? Marine plywood could be used around the sink because of possible water issues. The back splash and front edge could be hardwood to match the cabinets.

I know you guys will think this idea is crazy but if you can't be creative then why are we here? This could become a new trend. Lorraine

DaveO · 10-30-2006, 01:44 PM

Interesting idea, I don't see why it wouldn't work. The counter top might look like a floor though

Dave

lwhughes149 · 10-30-2006, 03:10 PM

Ok Dave, lets continue this idea. If you wish to seal the top, any suggestions? Give this serious consideration. My husband is dead serious about it and thinks it will work great. The joy now is picking out something that you really like. We are having lots of fun with this kitchen project and it is good having him in the shop with me. Furniture, he isn't into. Lorraine

Travis Porter · 10-30-2006, 03:27 PM

Well, ceramic tile that is used on floors gets used on counters. I would think you would use wood for the edging and not use the flooring for that. Unlike formica, flooring is soft and the corners would get beat up. Otherwise, I wouldn't know why it wouldn't work.

lwhughes149 · 10-30-2006, 04:33 PM

The front edge would be cherry as well as the backsplash. I would use marine plywood on the counter where the sink would be because of the water. I can't see why it wouldn't work.

NZAPP1 · 10-30-2006, 04:57 PM

I have only one caution with this approach and that is hot pot and oven dishes. I would buy a piece and test to see if it melts. My wife took one of the oven racks out of a hot oven and stood it up next to a cabinet and it melted the floor.

Littlejon · 10-30-2006, 05:22 PM

I would echo that. We spec out commercial grade flooring on our buildings, but that stuff can be pricey and I don't know how well it would stand up to a hot pan. One more consideration is staining. Being flooring, it should withstand most foods, but you should consider something specifically designed for use in a kitchen just in case. We have old yellow formica countertops in our house (I can't describe how ugly they are, but new ones are out of the question right now) and the wife decided to make playdough for the kids one night. Well, she had a teacher's recipe calling for jell-o to be used for the coloring. After kneading it on the counters, we now have real pretty color spots all over the place!

I think you MAY be on to something, though I am not sure how it would look. If you make it work and it looks pretty good, you may want to submit it to one of those home-improvement show contests. You might get it paid for!

PeteM · 10-30-2006, 05:54 PM

In addition to the hot pot burning/melting, staining issues it also cuts very easily.

pete

skysharks · 10-30-2006, 06:14 PM

There maybe a problem with using marine plywood. I have used it before and some adhesive dont seem to bond that well with it.

Not saying that the adesive that is on the peel and stick tile wont work. I just would test it out.

I have made plenty of countertops and have learn different techinques over the years. If you are going to put wood edging on the front ensure that the tile overlaps it, on top. Thus the seam would be on the face of the hard wood edging.
My first countertop I did not do this. You just can't keep the moisture out from pentrating the seam. Other than that no problem.
Now I fasten my wood edging to the substrate, cement my laminate down on top of every thing. Once I have rolled out the Laminate then I use my router with what ever type of decorative edge I want and route off the excess lamanite while also routing the wood edging.

Ceramic tile is no problem as you would of course layout your pattern, let the mud dry then grout it. They do have some epoxy like grout out now that you dont need to seal as it seals itself. But man you got to work it fast, as it sets up quickly.

Hope this helps.

MAC

erasmussen · 10-30-2006, 07:15 PM

Every time I put down self sticking tile it had to be rolled down with at least a 100# roller.
I dont know if its all that way or just what I used

cskipper · 10-30-2006, 09:11 PM

Well, for the hot pans and such - I know someone who makes trivets

dtomasch · 10-30-2006, 09:30 PM

Here's an idea...
Use your tiles, then seal with bar epoxy. You've seen this stuff on bars with baseball cards, coins, etc, in the bar. It goes on as a gel consistancy, then you use a blow torch to remove air bubbles. It can be sanded when scratched and then another thin layer applied. I beleive it holds up to heat and water just fine. I'd check out the specs, though, before application since I've never used it personally. Just an idea

junquecol · 10-30-2006, 10:19 PM

If you are talking about vinyl floor tiles, remember that each one has FOUR FEET OF CRACK around it to let water into substrate. It irks me to see public bathrooms with a tile floor, as soon they are curling up from spillage, especially under urinals. If you are talking about ceramic tiles, then forget I ever said the above.