Can you put granite tiles over an existing formica countertop? Do you have to remove the old one?

If not, can you put cement board over the existing formica and go from there?
I'm looking for an option other than rip it out and start from scratch.

There are two potential problems here -
underlaying surface rigidity and adhesion.

The more the existing countertop flexes
the more likely the new tile/grout lines will crack.

Sometimes only the addition of one or more layers of 3/4" plywood (glued and screwed) is sufficient.
More often than not, additional bracing inside the cabinets is required.

Usually by the time the countertop has been adequately 'stiffened', adhesion isn't an issue...

GL on your project.
You'll prolly ask why you didn't do it sooner. *L*

If I was spending the money for granite...I would definitely pull up the old formica and start anew!!

If I were you, I'd pull up the old formica. it can be a pain, but it'll be a job done right and you can lay the granite tiles and not be worried about shifting issues and leveling issues.

good luck!

we cemented tiles over the existing formica. it's been several years and it's held up, but the grout seems like it will eventually start breaking up.

No then yes. The formica will not let the granite bond to it. We just did the same job 7 months ago. We used 3 staggered layers of plywood (because of the lenght needed) then lots of screws ( LOTS) this gave us a great, hard, flat surface. Problem- This also raised the surface 1" I had to custom make the edgeing. Both the wife and I are tall, so extra height was not a problem. We sold to tall couple. They didn't notice extra height. When they sell they might not be so lucky

I just watched a show on sell this house and what they did was sand sown the Formica counter top and then applied the tiles turned out great!

other stuff, sure. THE FORMICA MUST GO when it comes to marble and granite.