DIY Countertop Porcelain Tile

Sand the surface of the counter with a belt sander, getting it dull and smooth. Wipe up the dust.

Measure the length of the surface. Find the center and mark it. Lay a square at the center, so it runs from the front to the back at the middle, and run a pencil along it, dividing the surface into two halves.

Spread tile adhesive over the whole countertop surface with a notched trowel. The center line should still be visible through the combed pattern of the adhesive.

Press border tiles along the front edge of the counter, starting at the middle line and working to the sides in both directions. Set spacers between the tiles as you lay them. Cut the tiles on the ends with a tile cutter as needed.

Lay the first course of standard porcelain tiles behind the front row of border tiles, starting at the center line and working to the sides. Put spacers between the tiles as you lay them. Cut the end tiles as needed.

Repeat, laying the porcelain tile course by course, starting each course at the center line. Cover the whole surface.

Let the adhesive dry for 12 hours. Remove the spacers.

Press grout into the spaces between the tiles with a grout float, scraping it off the surface. Pick up the excess grout with a damp sponge. Let the grout set for 48 hours.