Kitchen work tops

[Alison]

Hi, this may sound a stupid question, but when you tile off a kitchen work top that is level, do you need to put spacers in between the work top and the tile, or do you place the tile directly on the work top ?

 

[Fekin]

I normally place a spacer so you still have a propper Silicon movement joint.

 

[scottish tiler]

u can tile striaght onto the worktop

 

[Fekin]

Yes you can, but that dosen't allow for any movement from the work surface like using\making a Silicon movement joint.

I have done both ways, but tend to make a movement joint now mostly.

 

[enduro]

Always leave a 2mm gap for Silicon for movement.

 

[Alison]

Wow, that was quick, ( I am sure that you boys have not heard that before!!) however if I leave a space does it need grout first and Silicon on top, or just Silicon in the gap?

 

[DHTiling]

Hi alison..just Silicon........post us some pics in the gallery when done.. http://www.tilersforums.com/tilegallery/

 

[enduro]

I would grout first, and remove any grout that gets into joint on work surface and tiles then Silicon.

 

[NickH]

I,ve always tiled straight of the worktop, done it like that for 20 odd years and NEVER had an issue with movement. You might occasionally want to use a spacer if it brings the level up to work better around a window, but otherwise no.

 

[elliesdad224]

nothing wrong with nickh's answer, if its level then tile straight onto it,

 

[Alison]

Ah so some of you lads like it on top, while others dont, both options seem to have advantages, so I think I will flip a coin on this one. Thanks for everyone giving their time.
Alison

 

[brummie tiler]

agree, always straight on top 4 me!

 

[Fekin]

Ohh, I like it with grout and Silicon, or without grout but on top, or with both and from behind

 

[len]

sealant,sealant,sealant....... ever seen worktops 'blow' because water has seeped under the tiles. Happens all to frequently.

 

[scottish tiler]

I,ve always tiled straight of the worktop, done it like that for 20 odd years and NEVER had an issue with movement. You might occasionally want to use a spacer if it brings the level up to work better around a window, but otherwise no.

yup same here, only time i would use pins or carbourd even is if the work top was offlevel