Tile countertops offer the same durability and aesthetics as solid granite or marble slabs but for a fraction of the cost. With a wide selection of colors, sizes, finishes, and shapes, natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles can be an excellent and budget-friendly option as they offer endless creative possibilities. They are also easy to install, making them a perfect choice for the DIY homeowner. Tile countertop ideas range from simple square patterns to elaborate mosaics. So if you are looking for creative ways to refresh your cooking space, tile may be the ideal countertop material for you.
Dick Clark + Associates
Kitchen Countertop Options
The range of materials that can be used for kitchen countertops is amazingly diverse, and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Kitchen countertop options include such traditional and practical materials as slab granite, engineered stone (quartz), laminates, solid-surface material, tile, and more esoteric materials as bamboo, stainless steel, and zinc that may be too pricey and hard to maintain for most people.
Tiled kitchen countertops reached the peak of their popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, and then they wane in favor of natural stone slabs and solid surface composite materials. But in recent years, they look surprisingly modern, and many homeowners see them as an affordable alternative to more expensive materials such as granite, marble, and quartz.
Sara Ingrassia Interiors
Being a heat- and stain-resistant material, tile is perfect for installing around cooktops and ranges. It offers an endless array of custom design options and complements a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. You should coordinate tile choices with your kitchen design and choose a matching color style or pattern that pairs well with your overall theme.
As to the tile countertop ideas, you can get creative with color and pattern and use different types of tiles. You can choose to keep it simple, preferably neutral color, or you can choose to make your countertop stand out. For example, you can install a bright red kitchen countertops in a neutral kitchen and add the touch of intrigue. You can create patterns using tiles of different colors to create geometric designs and contrasts.
You can combine tiles of different sizes and incorporate smaller tiles in rows between larger ones, using matching or contrasting grout, depending on the desired look. If you want to create a vintage cooking space, you can install a hexagon tile countertop and a subway tile backsplash. Another popular design for a kitchen countertop is extending the same tile design from the countertop to the backsplash for a continuous look.
Southern Studio Interior Design
Best Tile for Countertops
Countertop tile comes in a variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone. What type of tile is best for kitchen countertops? It depends on your preferred style and budget. But you should make sure that the tile you choose is rated for countertops – it should be a Class 3 hardness rating. Besides, keep in mind that the standard countertop tile thickness is 5/16 inch, although a quarter inch can also be used.
Lind Nelson Construction
The most common and least expensive type of tile is ceramic tile made from fired clays and finished with a glaze that protects it from stains and water. Porcelain tile is made from clays and minerals, and it is fired at higher temperatures. As a result, it is more durable, but it is also pricier and more difficult to install than ceramic tile. Modern porcelain tiles offer diverse design options – they can look like wood, natural stone, and even fabric, leather, or cork. Newer ceramic and porcelain tiles are also available in large sizes. That helps minimize the number of seams and makes for easier upkeep.
Natural stone tiles are beautiful and timeless; they are a great alternative to slabs, but they are also the highest priced tiles. Granite tiles are very popular in kitchen décor; they are incredibly strong and long-lasting, but they require regular sealing, just like all-natural stone.
How to Tile a Countertop
Tiled countertops are easy to install, so they are a top choice for the do-it-yourself kitchen project. Still, the installation of a tile countertop requires careful measurement and patience if you want to achieve a professional look. So if you have never worked with tile before, it’s better to observe the installation process in person before you start your own project. Besides, you can do a YouTube search and find a lot of videos that explain how to tile a countertop. There are also many resources on the internet that provide easy step-by-step instructions with photos and useful tips on choosing the right supplies to ensure a successful installation.
