Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 15, 1999 06:25am | #1

   *
   Dear Davjohn,

   NO

   Gabe

2. 
   Brian_K. | Jul 15, 1999 06:38am | #2

   *
   Let's see, a clean smooth solid surface huh? What more can you ask for? I've done this many times with no failures, especially on backsplashes. I say go for it. Sorry GABE. Brian K.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 15, 1999 07:04am | #3

   *
   Hi Brian,

   No need to apologize,

   tell us all the steps in doing it and what products you use, never seen it done over an arborite product.

   Gabe

4. 
   Kwan | Jul 15, 1999 07:37am | #4

   *
   If formica bond or the substrate fails, all the work and money for the tiling will have been for nothing. Screw on the wonderboard, top and edges and use the thinset. If your countertop is one ply top, brace it from bottom. Smear silicon caulk on the edge of the sink cutout. Always keep in mind that water will find the way to that plywood. Good luck.

1. 
   Kwan | Jul 15, 1999 08:09am | #5

   *Check the subject here "ceramic tile over strange floor". Lot of good advices there. Wonderboard may not be the best material if it is not impervious to water. Although I never used it, I heard that epoxy grout is water proof. Good luck.

5. 
   davjohn | Jul 15, 1999 08:42am | #6

   *
   I want to install ceramic tile on my kitchen countertops. Can i install it over the formica? The formica is in good shape, plain white rough (as opposed to glossy) texture. I've installed saltillo and ceramic floor tiles.

6. 
   Guest_ | Jul 15, 1999 08:42am | #7

   *
   I'll second Gabe's answer. Here's why: formica is built onto to a particle board substrate. You'll have bond failure--even if you scarify the formica--at the formica/tile adhesive interface. The formica will deflect from plane enough to cause and contribute to grout cracking and bond failure. You may, depending on the type of tile you install, have cracked tiles.

   You could, maybe, get around all this by using an epoxy to set the tiles, but the countertop will still flex. If it were me, I'd take off the formica and start with a better base.