On counters that won t be exposed to water you can install the tile directly to the plywood.
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.
Installing laminate countertops step 4.
I am planning on replacing the tile on the countertop in my kitchen.
Glue and staple another layer of plywood 1 4 in over the 3 4 in.
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.
Prepare the tile countertop base if not purchasing or using a preexisting counter.
If you re crafting a new counter from scratch the following bullets detail how to build a new countertop using plywood and concrete boards.
Tile adheres most effectively to construction or exterior grade plywood that is cut to fit your countertop.
Use the flat end of the trowel to push the thin set over the surface of the plywood.
Use the notched side of the trowel to comb through the thin set to get a uniform thickness.
To tile the counter top attach a temporary apron to the counter and dry run the tiles on the counter leaving a grout joint.
Mark with a pencil for chalk lines.