Will Ceramic Tile Adhesive Stick to Laminate?

Adhesives

• It is possible for ceramic tile adhesive to stick to laminate. However, it might not be the best or most durable solution. Water-based adhesive of any type would work, but all of the moisture would be absorbed into the tiles. If the tile cannot take all the moisture, there is a good chance the adhesive would never fully cure. This can be avoided by using epoxy; however, this type of adhesive is difficult to work with, especially for people with no experience.

Advantages

• Using ceramic tiles to cover up old, worn out and outdated laminate surfaces has its advantages. Covering up old laminate with ceramic tiles will extend the life of the surface, while allowing homeowners to stay within budget. It's a fast way to give a surface a fresh new look without having to pull out the laminate surface.

Disadvantages

• Using ceramic tiles to cover up old laminate also comes with its disadvantages that are worth considering. If the project will be done on a kitchen counter, the sink and faucet must be removed from the counter. Also, the laminate must be heavily sanded down, or else the abrasion will likely fail in a short period of time and the tile will begin to fall apart. After considering all the preparation work, it might be more attractive to remove the laminate surface.

Plywood Alternatives

• One alternative do-it-yourself individuals can consider is removing the laminate top and using double layer exterior grade three quarter inch plywood for a new counter base rather than laminate. This type of material is able to resist repeated wetting in case there are leaks through the tiles. This process takes about the same amount of time as sanding the laminate. It adds an extra expense in the plywood, but it also provides peace of mind, as non-epoxy adhesives will readily adhere to the plywood better than the laminate.