Design

• When designing a countertop that mixes both solid materials with laminate, you want to make sure you blend colors and patterns appropriately. Obtain samples of your stone or tile and take them with you to balance them with the laminate. While your creativity is limitless, you may want to use a patterned or decorated stone complimented by solid-colored laminate. You can use the laminate as the frame of your stone or tile, making the solid surfaces not only artistic, but functional places to set hot items. You can also use tiles to create a decorative border along the edge and sides of the counter. Make sure to choose tiles that will not rise above the counter surface. Remember that the cement adhesive adds 1/16 inch to the height of the tile.
  
  

Installation

• As part of the installation process, lay out the counter pieces with the tile situated on it. Make sure it looks the way you want it with the tiles in the appropriate areas on the laminate. Cut the laminate with the appropriate cutouts: sink, appliances and the tile sections. Install the laminate using a contact cement, and allow it to dry. Smooth the edges of the cutouts with sandpaper. Keep the grout line to 1/8 to 3/8 inch to maintain the aesthetics of the solid surfaces. Use an epoxy grout or seal the grout with a water-resistant sealer to prevent moisture from seeping under the laminate, spoiling the substrate and causing the laminate to peel and bubble.