- 1). Measure the top of the vanity to find the dimensions of the vanity top. The vanity should have a 2-inch lip at the front and any side not next to a wall, if any. Trace the vanity counter shape onto the plywood and cut it out with a saw.
- 2). Mark the position of any plumbing outlets on the plywood, and then mark the position of the sink. It is standard for sinks to come with a sink hole template. Place the template on the plywood where you want the sink to go and trace around it. Use a jigsaw to cut out the sink hole and a drill equipped with a hole saw bit to cut out the holes for the plumbing fixtures.
- 3). Trace the plywood vanity top onto the cement backerboard, and use the utility knife and straightedge to cut the backerboard to size. Use the drill with the hole saw bit and the jigsaw to cut out the plumbing and sink holes. Wear a dusk mask when cutting the backerboard and plywood.
- 4). Place the plywood vanity top over the vanity. Check for a level plane. Use some scrap plywood to chock up the vanity top if needed. Secure the plywood in place with galvanized nails around the perimeter every 6 inches.
- 5). Lay waterproof membrane over the plywood and fold it under the plywood lip. Staple it in place. Leave the membrane over the plumbing and sink holes at present so that mortar or grout from the tiling doesn't fall through and stain the inside of the vanity.
- 6). Place the backerboard over the membrane and secure it in place with galvanized screws around the perimeter. Snap a chalk line grid over the vanity top in the desired pattern of the tiles --- one tile equals one square of the grid. Leave room for the edging tile around the sides of the vanity top when placing the grid.
- 7). Mix the thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread a 1/8-inch-thick layer of thin-set over four of the grid squares. Set the tiles in place, spacing them with tile spacers. Continue laying tiles until only the tiles that need cutting and the edging tiles are left. Spread thin-set on the backs of the edging tiles and set them in place around the edge of the vanity top. Use nippers to cut the tiles to size and place them individually on the vanity top. Leave the tiles for 24 hours to set.
- 8). Take out the tile spacers. Mix a batch of grout according to the manufacturer's directions. Use a grout float to push the grout into the joints between tiles, and a scraper to get off any excess grout. Don't grout the joints between the tile and plumbing or sink holes. Wait half an hour, and then wipe over the tile with a sponge to clear off the remaining excess grout. Apply a line of caulk to the joints left ungrouted and smooth it over with a damp finger. Leave the grout and caulk overnight to cure.
- 9). Apply three coats of tile and grout sealer. Follow the sealer manufacturer's recommended waiting times between coats. Use a utility knife to cut out the waterproof membrane over the plumbing and sink holes.
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