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Because of its toughness, a glazed ceramic tile countertop will outlast a plastic laminate counter. Countertop tile comes in such a variety of color and patterns that you can make your kitchen as elegant or as simple as you choose.

The following basic steps will guide you to a beautiful finish.

1. Measure the area to determine how many tiles you need. Make sure all tiles come from the same manufactured lot number.

2. Cut a layer of ¾-inch exterior plywood to fit the countertop area to be created.

3. Cut out a hole for the sink.

4. Cut a sheet of backer board for the backsplash. Apply silicone caulk along the backsplash where it will join the countertop. Screw the backsplash onto the countertop.

5. Place construction adhesive on the cabinet frame and screw the countertop onto the cabinet base.

6. Staple a moisture-resistant membrane to the plywood. Use either 15-pound roofing felt or 4-mil polyethylene.

7. Apply a layer of adhesive, called thinset, to the membrane using a notched trowel.

8. Lay cement based backer board onto the thinset and attach with screws to the countertop. Start with larger sheets up to the edges of the sink cutout, then add narrow strips in front and back of the cutout.

9. Tape the seams with fiberglass mesh tape.

10. Without using adhesive, lay out the tiles in the desired pattern on the backer board. Try to minimize the number of tiles you have to cut. Allow for the width of the grout joints. Remember to allow for a grout seam between the edge tile and the first row of full-size field tiles.

11. Mark guidelines by snapping chalk lines onto the backer board.

12. Apply adhesive to the backer board . Following the chalk lines, place the tile onto the adhesive.

13. Place a tile spacer on the corner of the tile, then continue laying the tiles.

14. Install the edging tile in the same manner as the flat tiles.

15. Apply adhesive to the back of the tiles, then press them in place on the backsplash.

16. Let the adhesive set overnight before applying the grout.

17. Using a float or squeegee, apply the grout, moving diagonally across the joints.

18. When the grout is firm, use a damp sponge to clean the tile surface. Then strike the joints to create slightly recessed seams.

19. Clean tiles with a damp sponge, being careful not to disturb the grout.

20. Allow the grout to harden for several days, do a final cleaning of the tiles with a special tile cleaning solution, and then apply a grout sealer.

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