Ceramic Tile Outdoor Kitchen Bar Top

by Jon
(Chicago, IL)

QUESTION:

I have built an outdoor kitchen bar top with 3/4" plywood, 1/2" durarock and 12"x12" ceramic tiles. The grout joints cracked the very next day before I could even seal it. Any suggestions on how to proceed? (Photo attached... it's shinny because it was raining when I took the picture.)

I know I have to redo the outer-edge. Should I raise it 1/4" and fill the top with some sort of lacquer? Thanks.

ANSWER:

This should be an easy fix. All you need to do to fill the cracks of your outdoor kitchen bar top is to re-grout the damaged areas.

Use a damp sponge and mix up grout into a creamy paste like peanut butter. Too runny it won't stick... too thick it won't get into the cracks.

Work the grout into the cracks, come back with a clean damp sponge and wipe excess off tiles. Let cure.

If the ceramic tiles are glazed, then you shouldn't have to seal them, but you could seal the grout.

Certainly it would be easier to apply the sealer to the whole outdoor kitchen countertop, but if the ceramic tiles don't absorb the sealer, it could dry or leave a dull hazy residue on top.

So, be sure to test seal a left over tile first.

Good Luck,
Ryan

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