Vinyl Tiles as a Galley Finish

[48Rob]

Zach,

Whats "wrong" with it (imo) is that as the caulk loosens, moisture, food, and bacteria accumulate.
Each time the counter is wiped down, bacteria can be wiped from the joint back on to the food prep surface.
(Not to mention once the waterproof calk joint fails, moisture gets between the pieces, which then swell, grow mold, and rot...)

Moulded 1 piece counter/backsplashes are available, but they cost a couple dollars more, so most high volume builders don't use them.

Rob

[bobhenry]

I have used ceramic tile , a lexan sheet, pergo laminate flooring, poly finished wood and whatever else got in my way out of the garage from hell.

For the best bang for a buck a preformed countertop cutoff is still the best bargain. I have even seen them at the curb waiting for the trash man after a kitchen remodel. The Habitat Restore's often have short sections real reasonable. I know the post was about adhering vinyl tile but when you can by the counter and all ready to go. Why ?

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thanks guys! I'll have to try to find a place near me that has used building materials. I know there's a place about 40 minutes from me, but I don't know what their hours are.

[jonw]

jonw: Have you had any problems with them due to heat from stove usage?

Not yet, but I've only been camping in it a couple of times so far.

One of the reasons I used the vinyl self-stick tiles is that my countertop has two hatch doors to the storage area underneath, and each is exactly the size of two tiles. Also these hatch doors are hinged to the countertop using living hinges, which I was able to hide underneath the tiles so they have a very clean look.

I guess time will tell. If they become a problem later I'll probably bite the bullet, rip them off and cover the countertop with a laminate.

[S. Heisley]

Zach, If you use those vinyl tiles and glue them down well, when you're done with the tiles and the grout-like crack filler that you are planning to use, you can apply a few coats of Minwax water based, oil modified polyurethane to ensure that your counter surface is sealed and sanitary. This particular covering is recommended for floors, wood, furniture, cabinets and doors. Whenever you want to renew your surface, to cover knife cuts or whatever, just a light sanding and a recoating and you're good to go again. Actually, you could use that product without the vinyl tiles, too.

[ashley1]

Can you post pics of their vinyl tiles? I'm interested to see it.

[jonw]

Can you post pics of their vinyl tiles? I'm interested to see it.

Here one from my TD (click the image for an enlarged picture of it):