Outdated tile countertops in the kitchen might be one of the emotionally draining things. Maybe you are not ready to do a full-kitchen makeover, or you don’t even need it – the rest of the kitchen looks quite alright. But those old tile countertops really get on your nerves on a daily basis. Worry no more:
There are tested ways that you can use to update your countertop. The projects can vary based on DIY difficulty and cost.
- cover tile countertops with peel and stick contact paper or self-adhesive tiles
- Re-surface old tile countertop with modern alternatives
- Install new tiles on top of old ones using MusselBound adhesive tile mat instead of mortar
- install butcher block countertop on top of existing tiles
- Cover outdated tile countertops with wood planks
- Update the environment: changing cabinet fronts or just re-painting them can do wonders
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Table of Contents
- Are tiled countertops outdated?
- How do you cover a ceramic tile countertop?
- What is the easiest way to cover a tile countertop? Can you put peel and stick tile over tile countertop?
- Tile over tile countertops: Can you put ceramic tile on top of the tile?
- Cover tile countertops with butcher block
- Cover outdated tile countertops with wood planks
- Change the cabinet fronts
- You might also like:
- Kitchen remodel checklist
Are tiled countertops outdated?
Yes and no: tile countertops were popular in the 70-80ies. If your countertops belong to that time period, chances are they look extremely dated. However, the trend itself is very popular again nowadays. you can see them all over kitchen design blogs or design magazines.
There are several differences between old and modern countertop trends: modern tile countertops use blacks, white, or bold colors. Old tile countertops were mainly made of terracotta, stone-effect, or patterned tiles. Oftentimes, they used molding shape edge tiles. Modern tiles are all about simplicity and smoothness.
Example of outdated tile countertops. Photo by Custom Design Construction & Interiors Inc.
How do you cover a ceramic tile countertop?
There are tested ways that you can use to update your countertop. The projects can vary based on DIY difficulty and cost.
- cover tile countertops with peel and stick contact paper or self-adhesive tiles
- Re-surface old tile countertop with modern alternatives
- Install new tiles on top of old ones using MusselBound adhesive tile mat instead of mortar
- install butcher block countertop on top of existing tiles
- Cover outdated tile countertops with wood planks
- Update the environment: changing cabinet fronts or just re-painting them can do wonders
What is the easiest way to cover a tile countertop? Can you put peel and stick tile over tile countertop?
When it comes to rental and budget-friendly updates, peel-and-stick countertop covers have no competition. You can easily hide outdated tile countertops under a modern-looking pattern. However, tile grouts might be tricky: they are going to show underneath.
You can fill the grouts and even the surface with epoxy repair putty, and sand it with sandpaper after the epoxy is dry. Before touching the countertops with epoxy, make sure you have permission from the landlord if that’s a rental property.
You have two options when it comes to covering old tile countertops with peel-and-stick solutions: contact paper or self-adhesive tiles. Contact papers can be used for achieving stone, wood or laminate looks.
Self-adhesive tiles are mainly used for backsplashes, but they can be applied on countertops as well. The downside is that not all of them are heat-resistant. They survive well for long in areas where the surface is not heated, though. Make sure you get the right one.
Tile over tile countertops: Can you put ceramic tile on top of the tile?
You can install another layer of tiles that look modern on top of the old ones. The easiest solution for this purpose is the MusselBound adhesive tile mat. This is an easy solution for tiling up surfaces without mortar, and it holds pretty well. This is basically a two-sided adhesive mat that sticks on top of the old tiles or any other clean surface and hosts the new tiles. Before installing the adhesive mat, make sure the existing tiles are mold- and dirt-free.
An Alternative to MusselBound is SimpleMat tile setting mat, which works in the same way as Mussel Bound and provides an adhesive layer between two tile surfaces.
On edges and in corners I strongly recommend using 3d tiles designed specifically for corners or edges. This will make the design look so modern.
you can use MusselBound on any surface, including outdated tile countertops, to add ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles on top. Use tile spacers to make sure the grout thickness is the same everywhere.
By the time of writing this article, a 15-square-feet adhesive tile mat cost 59 dollars, you can check the current price here.
Some time ago I put together a helpful guide all about countertops that covers more details about tile countertops, make sure to check it to better understand which tile countertops look modern and why.
Cover tile countertops with butcher block
You can update outdated tile countertops with butcher block overlay without removing the existing tiles. Before installing the butcher blocks, make sure the tiles and grouts are extremely clean and mold-free. You do have to fill the grouts with epoxy in order to make the surface even, and then sand it before placing the butcher block overlay.
Since the existing tile countertops are already thick enough, you should go for the thinnest butcher block countertops available. For example, IKEA offers 1 1/8″ thick butcher block countertops. Before committing to this, test it out if the added height still suits you.
If you decide to go for this butcher block on top of tiles, you have two options when it comes to edges: you can either cover the vertical surfaces of the tile countertop with pieces of butcherblock, or you can extend the horizontal butcher block surface enough to cover the existing countertop when looking from eye level. If you go for the first option, keep in mind that the new countertop might look quite thick.
Cover outdated tile countertops with wood planks
If you are an experienced DIY-er and have woodworking tools, you can cover the ugly tile countertops with beautiful wood plank overlays. The principle is to create a frame around the perimeter, and then fill it with 1X3 wood planks.
This can be an extremely budget-friendly weekend project when it comes to materials. However, you should have all the tools and skills required.
Check this article to know what the exact process and needed materials are for this project.
Change the cabinet fronts
It might sound crazy, but yes. Sometimes your tile countertops look outdated because it’s not only about the countertops: the whole space looks stuck in the past. Changing cabinet fronts can have a huge impact on how the countertop is perceived. Go for simple, minimalistic cabinet fronts if you are going to make it work with tile countertops.
If changing cabinet fronts altogether is not an option at the moment, consider painting them, and hanging hardware. Modern hardware and faucet, combined with modern color cabinet fronts will distract the viewer from fixating on the old tile countertops.
You might also like:
- Countertop Tiles for Kitchen: How to Pick the Right One
- Backsplash for Black countertops based on Cabinet Color
- Modern Granite Countertops in Kitchen: Are They Still Trendy?
Kitchen remodel checklist
DIY kitchen remodel projects can be intimidating. If it’s your first project, you might feel overwhelmed and anxious. I have created this kitchen remodel checklist, which you can share with anyone and track the progress of the project.
Simply, duplicate this page and edit it as you wish: check and uncheck boxes, add notes, and add items.
If you find this resource helpful, write a review!
