Hi all,

Been spending most of my time in the Knots forum as I’m a few years removed from my professional career as a carpenter. I specialised in remodels but did much new constructionj as well. I was lucky and most of the work was very interesting custom jobs in San Diego and San Fransisco area for about 10 years.

But to the point. I have a freind with limited budget who needs a rental fixed up. Typical of the So. Cal. early 70’s kitchens it has tiled countertops (3″ white squares) that had the tiles masticed down to 3/4″ plywood that is still relatively flat and sound. The owner did zero maintanence and it’s about shot. 20% missing the rest pops off with slight hand pressure. Worst parts obviously around the sink and stove. The original job wasn’t done quite right and there are dozens of silly cuts every where so it all has to come off. I don’t think the budget will allow it to be done with tile again. I’m looking at formica and have found the perfect counter tops at HD with the integral back splash. Problem is there is a 5″ shelf that is flat right behind the sink that butts up to a window. And there is a 24″x 90″ 3 sided cap that would also have to be custom made.

Oh yea the budget will be about $800 labor included and that’s also demoltion of the existing tops. I’m leaning towards the old fashioned contact cement/ formica approach as there is so much “custom” work to be done. To tile it properly( mortar/ thinset etc..) would exceed this I’m sure. Are there any advances in a “mastic” type adhesives that would allow me to do a competent job? Any alternatives I’m not noticing? Any good resourses on the web for this sort of thing?

Thanks, I’ll be back!

N