I am replacing an old countertop in my den with a tile countertop. Since there is no water problems, what substrate should I use? I need it to be pretty strong because i am going to build some book shelves and stack them on top of the counter.
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Replies
If you don't care about the thickness, try 2 layers of 3/4 plywood then tile over that. Set the tile back from the edge by the grout line distance and cover the edge of the plywood with a hard wood molding or bullnose. varnish then grout the tiles.
Good luck.
consider placing your bookshelves on your tile substrate and fastening (ie. built-in) before tiling or wall mounting, using a cleat under your shelves and fasten with structural screws and cup washers to carry the weight. support of weight seems to be your rationale for setting bookshelves on counters. then it seems like you want to take them with you when you leave???
brian