Planning on laying a kitchen countertop with tile. I am planning on laying it directly on new plywood. Is that a good plan?

Tile = grout = extra cleaning + nasties hiding in grout minus, flat surfaces to make dough, pasta, and other type foods.

Wife and I went with a black honed granite but; regardless of what we went with, tile was not an option. She and I had tile kitchens as kids and young adults. Never again for the reasons noted above (to name the obvious).

Oh, and to answer your question; fixing the tile directly to the 5/8 ply will work. Make sure the grout and caulk are such to prevent liquid from getting underneath to the wood. The wood will expand and eventually pop up your tile.

It is going to be tile. So that is not going to change. I am planning to put the thinset directly on the new plywood. That is what I was wondering about. Thanks guys.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Planning on laying a kitchen countertop with tile.
I am planning on laying it directly on new plywood.

Is that a good plan?

Not IMO.
I would use a cement underlayment like Hardi-Backer or perhaps Schluter Ditra.
Like anything proper prep is key.
Wood has the huge potential to move and crack aka fail.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Planning on laying a kitchen countertop with tile.
I am planning on laying it directly on new plywood.

Is that a good plan?

Not IMO.
I would use a cement underlayment like Hardi-Backer or perhaps Schluter Ditra.
Like anything proper prep is key.
Wood has the huge potential to move and crack aka fail.

Hardi Backer is a good idea however, it's not strong enough to support the potential weight. Installing the backer atop 1/2" ply would work.

If installed on 5/8" and properly sealed with grout and caulk will also work (provided the ply is secured to the cabinets and, the cabinets are secured to the walls and shimmed correctly to ensure nothing moves, shifts, or rocks.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:


Hardi Backer is a good idea however, it's not strong enough to support the potential weight. Installing the backer atop 1/2" ply would work.

If installed on 5/8" and properly sealed with grout and caulk will also work (provided the ply is secured to the cabinets and, the cabinets are secured to the walls and shimmed correctly to ensure nothing moves, shifts, or rocks.

Of course the Hardi needs to be attached to the subfloor (of adequate thickness) and it would be plenty strong enough.
Hardi alone to rafters would not be smart but if sub floor exists it would be fine.

He's doing a countertop, not a wall.

The plywood will be fine, I'd prefer 3/4" plywood or double the 1/2" with staggered seams, if you already have half inch, but put a very good coat of redguard on it first, which is an excellent waterproofing agent and also has great adhesion properties for the thin set and helps keep the tile/grout from cracking.

https://www.acehardware.com/de...DQodOjoJrg&gclsrc=ds

I had tile on a counter top and hated it. The grout got dirty, couldn't slide anything on it, and stuff wouldn't sit properly on it.

Thanks guys, I am pretty sure it is not half inch. I believe we used 5/8" or even 3/4". Might use the Redgard. But will confirm thickness first.

Thanks again guys.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Thanks guys, I am pretty sure it is not half inch. I believe we used 5/8" or even 3/4". Might use the Redgard. But will confirm thickness first.

Thanks again guys.

All of the pro tile guys are using Redguard, it's cheap, easy to work with, but you really want to waterproof the plywood as water will wick through the grout over time, especially around the kitchen sink (ask me how I know, thank you renters!!!)......

If you're going to go with tile on a countertop, be sure to use Redguard or the likes. Tile is not water proof.

As mentioned, no way would I go straight to plywood. Screw down a sheet of wonderboard (concrete sheeting) and mortar the tiles to that. Grout well, two days after the tile are laid. Two days after that, seal the grout. A day later, seal the grout again.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Cu...ard-GCB60L/203689282

^^^ Beancooker hit it on the nose, I have laid alot f tile and this would be my choice.

Absolutely use waterproofing on top of the Hardi board