How to Change an Old Laminated Countertop

Sand the whole surface of the counter with a vibrating sander, getting it flat and dull. Wipe up the dust.

Measure across the front edge of the countertop and mark the middle. Make a line from the front to the back over the surface at the middle, using a pencil and square.

Spread thin set mortar over half the counter with a notched tiling trowel, from the middle line to the ends on either side.

Set ceramic trim tiles along the front edge, starting at the center and working to the sides. Position the tiles so the finished edges face forward, lining up. Put spacers between them as you lay them. Cut the end tiles as needed with a tile cutter.

Press standard ceramic tiles in a course behind the front row of trim tiles, again starting at the middle line and working to the sides. Repeat, laying the tiles course by course, starting each course at the middle and working to the sides. Put spacers between every tile. Cover the whole top.

Let the thinset mortar set overnight. Remove the spacers.

Grout the surface with a grout float, pressing the grout into the spaces between the tiles while scraping it from the surface. Use a damp sponge to wipe up the extra grout from the surface.