Tile is good not only for backsplashes and floors, but it also offers endless creative possibilities for your kitchen countertop, from simple square patterns to elaborate mosaics. This budget-friendly material is perfect for DIY projects, but like any countertop material, it has its own set of drawbacks. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, read on to learn about tile countertops pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.
Modern Tile Countertops Pros and Cons
Today, manufacturers produce various tiles for countertops, including ceramic and porcelain tiles and tiles cut from larger stones, such as travertine, slate, and granite.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a wide range of sizes and colors, from one-inch octagon mosaics to 12-inch square tiles, and an array of shapes and sizes in between. Most stone tiles are available in squares or rectangles from four to 12 inches in size.
Tile can add a beautiful pattern to your countertops and be an ideal material for you, depending on your needs and lifestyle.
Let’s start with the pros of tile countertops:
- You have an endless array of custom design options based on a wide selection of colors, sizes, shapes, finishes, and the types of tiles available on the market.
- You can create patterns and designs on the counter with the tile using different colors and decorative tiles to make the countertop look unique.
- If the tile is installed correctly, it will create an exquisite look in the kitchen area.
- If you a DIY enthusiast, you can install a tile countertop yourself, while slab countertops require professional installation.
- As tiles are heat resistant, they make a good choice next to a stove or oven. You can set hot pans right on the tile surface without fear of damage.
- It’s easier to replace one tile if it has been chipped or scratched than to replace a whole countertop made of one solid piece of material.
And what about the cons? Tile countertops don’t provide a smooth surface. Even if you use large porcelain tiles, you will need to get a fair amount of grouting done. Grout joints can be rather hard to maintain, especially when you are constantly spilling liquids on them. As a result, tile countertops are susceptible to stains and bacteria. Grout seams are porous and require regular sealing at least once a year; otherwise, they can be easily stained and are hard to clean. Tiles can chip or crack if something heavy is accidentally dropped on the surface.
The Bottom Line
Tile is one of the most popular options for designing kitchen countertops. There are a lot of options to choose from, both in appearance and price. We have discussed tile countertops pros and cons, and as you can see, their benefits outweigh the drawbacks. So with the right planning and care, tile countertops can certainly be a practical and fashionable choice for your modern kitchen. And you can also save some money by installing tile countertops yourself.
