Traditional solid stone kitchen countertops might be more expensive than tile kitchen countertops, which are a less expensive option.
Tile for countertops can be made from a range of prominent building materials, such as granite or quartz, but it is much less expensive than these other possibilities.
Tile countertops are not only easy to instal, but they are also easy to repair, making them a great job for the do-it-yourself homeowner.
Many people reserve tile for usage on floors and backsplashes in their homes; however, tile countertops can be an excellent—and affordable—option.
Ceramic tile is not damaged by heat or water, and it does not collect stains when properly glazed.
Large-format tiles can cover a lot of territory with few grout lines, and the correct sealer can help prevent grout from discolouring or becoming discoloured.
Ceramic tile, which is still most popular in the West, is a dependable option worth considering again.
Considerations When Choosing Tile Countertops
Hardness And Thickness.
On the scale developed by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI), the appropriate level of hardness for tile used for countertops is Class 3. The thickness of a tile used for a countertop is typically 5/16 of an inch, but a quarter of an inch is also common.
Tile Types
Tile countertops have been there since the late 1800s, when ceramic tile production really got going. However, it wasn't until after World War II that they really took off, as larger and more multipurpose kitchens became the norm. At roughly the same time, production of tile countertops began.
Having peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, tile countertops have since lost ground to the increasing popularity of solid surface composite materials and an increase in the availability of real stone slabs.
Burned tiles, like ceramic and porcelain, and cut tiles, such slate, travertine, and granite, are the two primary types now on the market.
Glass tiles, which are both gorgeous and widely available, are another option.
Although tile can be found on any flat surface today (including floors, shower walls, and even roofs), it is most commonly used as a decorative element on kitchen worktops, which also serve as a surface for food preparation.
There are many materials to choose from for countertops, but natural stone and porcelain are the most popular choices in commercial kitchens and bathrooms.
If you use a natural stone, you won't be able to see as many imperfections or chips. In contrast, porcelain tile needs almost no maintenance but shows wear and tear more clearly.
In order to minimise or eliminate the appearance of seams or grout joints, modern porcelain tiles can be cut, polished, and installed in a fashion similar to the installation of a solid surface or natural stone. A wider range of colour and design options is now available thanks to technological advancements.
Avoid tiles with a high glaze or any other finish that would make them unsuitable for use as a kitchen or bathroom countertop.
It is important to check with the tile supplier to find out what kind of service ratings these products have and to request a formal report stating whether or not they may be utilised on countertop surfaces.
Ceramic
Tiles made of ceramic are both the most widely used and the most reasonably priced. Glaze is applied after the clays are pressed together and shaped.
Due to the porous nature of the material, the glaze is crucial in preventing water and stains from seeping through.
Tiles are made by first using natural clay, which is then baked to remove any excess moisture. It comes in many different colours and designs, so it can be tailored to the style of any kitchen.
Tile made of ceramic is not only economical, but also easy to instal and maintain. It can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to water, making it a great choice for use with hot dishes.
If you plan on using ceramic tile for your kitchen counters, you should know that it might crack or chip if heavy objects are dropped on it.
Selecting a dark grout colour and preserving the grout lines between tiles with a grout sealer may lessen the likelihood of grout stains.
Porcelain
Because it is composed of clays and minerals and is fired at high temperatures, porcelain is a surface that can endure repeated use and abuse. While ceramic is more expensive, it is easier to instal.
Mosaic
One inch square is the smallest unit size for mosaic tiles. It is typically shipped in massive sheets that are attached to a mesh backer board, making for a rapid and easy installation.
Extremely long-lasting, these tiles can be arranged in a wide variety of designs and surface textures.
A chip or crack in a mosaic tile will not be as noticeable as it would be in ceramic tile because of the uniform coloration of the tile throughout. Mosaic tiles provide this benefit as well.
Granite
Granite tile, produced from genuine stone, is commonly used to provide aesthetic value to cooking spaces. Manufactured granite tiles provide the aesthetic appeal of natural stone at a far lower cost.
The speckled pattern of most granite tiles serves to conceal fingerprints and other signs of wear. You can expect your granite tiles to look beautiful for many years to come.
These tiles, like all granite products, require sealing after installation and resealing at least once a year while in use to prevent staining and wear.
Quartz
Quartz tile, which is synthetically produced but has the same look as granite tile but better performance, is gaining popularity.
Quartz crystals are crushed and pushed together with adhesive to form the structure. A quartz tile's surface is uniformly smooth, and its grain pattern is uniform all the way through.
Although granite is more expensive initially, its longevity and durability more than make up for the difference. In addition, quartz tiles, unlike granite tiles, don't need to be sealed.
Since they are completely impermeable, bacteria have no way of penetrating and colonising the surface.
Quartz, on the other hand, isn't as easily repaired as granite and lacks the natural elegance and gradation of colour found in genuine stone.
Countertop Costs
Ceramic and porcelain tile typically cost between $2 and $3 per square foot, making this material affordable even for those on a tight budget.
Glass tiles can cost as much as $30 per square foot to instal, whereas natural stone tiles like granite, slate, and marble cost closer to $4 to $7 per square foot. This is due to the fact that making glass tiles requires a number of processes, many of which are performed by hand.
The homeowner might save a lot of money if they instal the tiles themselves.
Professional installation of ceramic tile countertops can cost as little as $18 per square foot. The cost of natural stone tile countertops can range from $45 to $75 per square foot.
This is still less expensive than the alternative of having slab countertops professionally installed, which may cost anywhere from $75 to $200 for granite, $100 to $185 for soapstone, $80 to $155 for engineered quartz, and $85 to $125 for concrete worktops.
When compared to other materials commonly used for kitchen countertops, such as natural stone, laminate, or solid surfaces (made of mineral dust and resins), tile provides practically endless design options, from simple square patterns to elaborate mosaics.
Tile countertops are inexpensive and simple to instal yourself, but they also have a few drawbacks that you should be aware of (DIY). Read on for more details that will help you make an informed choice about your kitchen renovation.
Ceramic and porcelain tile typically cost between $2 and $3 per square foot, making this material affordable even for those on a tight budget.
Granite, slate, and marble tiles cost between $4 and $7 per square foot to instal, while glass tiles can cost as much as $30 per square foot. This is because creating a single tile of glass tile is a multi-step procedure, often involving the handiwork of glass artisans.
When a homeowner decides to instal their own tiles, they might save a lot of money.
Professional installation of ceramic tile countertops can cost as little as $18 per square foot. The cost of natural stone tile countertops can range from $45 to $75 per square foot.
Still, this is a more cost-effective choice than professionally installed slab countertops, which may run anywhere from $75 to $200 for granite, $100 to $185 for soapstone, $80 to $155 for engineered quartz, and $85 to $125 for concrete worktops.
Design Decisions
One of the tile's primary selling points is that it can be used to create patterns that are either straightforward or intricate.
These days, the trendiest designs include combining tiny tiles in rows between larger ones and extending the same tile design from the countertop to the backsplash for a continuous look. This creates the illusion that the space is one continuous unit.
Tiles of varying kinds can be combined in a variety of ways to create one-of-a-kind patterns and designs.
There is a vast assortment of forms and colours available in ceramic and porcelain tiles, ranging from octagons measuring one inch to squares measuring 12 inches, as well as a variety of other sizes and shapes in between.
There are also tiles available with rounded edges, which can be used to create a countertop edge that is smooth and curved.
In addition to being available in an extensive range of colours and designs, glass tile possesses a gem-like transparency that is very breathtaking.
As a result of its fragility and susceptibility to chipping, however, glass tile is typically utilised in the construction of backsplashes rather than countertops.
The use of stone tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, such as travertine, slate, or granite, gives the space a more natural appearance. The majority of stone tiles come in the shape of squares or rectangles and range in size from four to twelve inches.
Design Details.
When selecting a tile for your countertop, keep the following considerations in mind.
- Size. You have your choice between a number of different sizes, ranging from very small mosaics to squares that are 48 inches in size.
- Finish. There are a variety of finishes available, such as smooth glazed, matte, hand-painted, cracked, and printed. It is important to keep in mind that coatings with less shine might assist disguise damage.
- Grout. The colour of the grout can be altered to either complement or stand out, depending on the style that is wanted.
- Accents. Tile can be easily put up the wall for a matching backsplash or it can be inlaid near the range as an integrated trivet.
Maintenance.
Every day, clean the countertop by wiping it down with a soft cloth dampened in warm water. Household cleansers that do not contain oil are OK. You should avoid using ammonia since it has the potential to discolour the grout.
Tile countertops are not as difficult to clean as other types of worktops, but they still need a certain amount of attention and care in order to keep their beautiful appearance.
After you have finished preparing your supper, use a washcloth or a damp sponge to wipe clean the countertop. When required, remove stubborn oil or grime from the kitchen by spraying it with an all-purpose cleaning product.
It is best to stay away from cleaning solutions that contain acids, such as vinegar or commercial cleaners that contain mineral acids. The sheen may be removed from porcelain, glass, or ceramic if these are used, and the surface of stone tiles may be harmed as well.
Scrub away any food deposits that have settled into the grout lines with a tiny brush (an old toothbrush works great for this).
At a minimum of once per year, use an internal grout sealer that is appropriate with the type of tile that is on your counters to seal the grout lines. Pigmented sealers have the potential to discolour tiles made of natural stone.
Stone tiles are porous, thus in order to prevent them from being stained, they need to be sealed once or twice a year.
Clean up any spills as soon as possible. Because grout and some varieties of tile, such as stone, are porous, they have the ability to absorb fluids and remain damp. This increases the likelihood that mould or mildew may form on the surface of the tile.
Pros And Cons
Tile may be the most suitable material for your countertop, taking into consideration your preferences and the way you live.
Pro:
Variety. As was mentioned earlier, you have choices, both in terms of how something looks and how much it costs. In addition to the type of material, you can select from a broad variety of colours, forms, and sizes.
Con:
They are prone to picking up stains and harbouring microorganisms. Because grout has a porous surface, it needs to be sealed once a year to protect it from becoming stained. Despite this, it's possible that this won't be enough to prevent any stains.
The porous structure of grout lines makes it possible for bacteria to be absorbed, which is especially important to keep in mind while handling and preparing food that has not been cooked.
Pro:
It is possible to avoid some of those consequences. This issue is caused by the use of materials that have grout joints, which makes it more difficult to maintain and clean. Instead, you should choose panels or slabs and utilise epoxy grout that has been created expressly for use as a countertop material.
Con:
They do not have the greatest longevity. Tile countertops are resistant to heat and, to some extent, scratches, but they are also susceptible to chipping.
Baeza reminds out that ceramic is significantly more pliable than natural stone, and as a result, it is more sensitive.
Pro:
It is far simpler to replace a single tile than it is to replace a whole slab. In the event that a particular section becomes damaged, the tiles that compose it can be removed and replaced with new ones.
Other Pros And Cons Of Tile Countertops
Pros:
- Tile countertops can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer with some skill in tile-setting; however, slab countertops should always be installed by a professional.
- Because it can withstand high temperatures, the tile is an excellent material to instal close to a stove or an oven. You won't have to worry about the tile surface being damaged if you lay hot pans directly on them.
- Tiles come in a huge variety of colours, sizes, and forms, and there are also many different kinds, so homeowners have a lot of leeway when it comes to coming up with their own unique designs.
Cons:
- Even while it is not particularly difficult to instal a tile countertop, an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer may wind up with a surface that is less than ideal. (For do-it-yourself installation advice, see below.)
- In the event that something heavy is dropped on the tile surface by accident, the tile may chip.
- If the grout is not treated on a regular basis, it is easier for spilt liquids such as coffee, wine, and other beverages to leave stains in the grout lines.
Diy Installation Tips
If you want to save a lot of money by installing tile countertops on your own, but you have never worked with the material before, it is highly recommended that you try to watch the process in person before you begin your project.
Alternatively, you can locate a variety of videos that may be of great help to you by searching for "tile installation" on YouTube.
Although every job is different depending on the layout of your counters and the tiles you choose, the following tips will help you get off to a solid start.
How To Install Tile Countertops Yourself
Be Sure to Start With the Proper Substrate.
You should not put tile down on plywood.
Tiles may crack and break if they are set atop plywood that has been damp due to the rout method of water absorption (and other types of tile as well). It will cause the plywood to delaminate and expand over time.
To prevent this, use only tile backer board as the substrate.
Make use of a tile wet saw designed for industrial use.
When tiles are scored and snapped by hand, the edges often become chipped, but a tile saw can discern the difference between a clean, smooth cut and one with chipped edges.
Glass tile is easily damaged if not cut properly, therefore it is not a good choice for a highly visible surface like a countertop where any chips or scratches will be on full display.
Between $45 and $60 a day, you can hire a wet tile saw from a shop that specialises in construction tools.
Get your counter all neat and dry.
As the name implies, a dry layout is performed without the use of any adhesives prior to the actual tiling procedure. You might think of it as a trial run, albeit an essential one.
Tile spacers made of plastic should be used to provide uniform joints between tiles.
As an added bonus, tile spacers are inexpensive and can be found in widths ranging from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch, giving you the freedom to create a professional look in any design you like.
Arrange The Cut Ends Of The Tiles Against The Back Of The Countertop.
Although tiles come from the factory with rounded corners, any tile can be sharpened into a point by being sliced.
When tiling a countertop, it's preferable to use whole tiles in the front and centre and cut tiles only for the back edge. The backsplash will hide the trimmed corner.
For Best Results, Stick To The Adhesive That The Tile Company Suggests.
Porcelain tiles, for example, require porcelain glue, while ceramic and natural stone tiles can be bonded with white thin-set adhesive.
Never use an adhesive unless you've read and followed the manufacturer's instructions.
Take care to use the right trowel for spreading glue.
The manufacturer of the tile can advise you on the correct size of the notched trowel to use. The notches will allow you to spread a uniform base, which will make your tile surface flat and uniform.
Translucent glass tiles require a more meticulous application process to ensure an even coating of adhesive across the entire surface. Imperfection will be obvious at first glance.
Make Sure You're Using the Proper Grout.
Joints of 1/8 inch or more in width require the use of sanded grout when tiling with ceramic, porcelain, or stone.
Unsanded grout should be used to fill joints that are less than 1/8 of an inch wide. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when it comes to grouting glass tiles.
And since the tile needs at least 24 hours to firm completely before you grout the joints, you should wait until the tile is completely dry.
Conclusion
Many people reserve tile for usage on floors and backsplashes in their homes. Traditional solid stone kitchen countertops might be more expensive, but tile countertops are an excellent option. Tile countertops have been around since 1800s, but they peaked in the 1970s and 1980s. Ceramic tile can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to water, making it a great choice for use with hot dishes. Avoid tiles with a high glaze or any other finish that would make them unsuitable for use on kitchen counters.
Granite tile, produced from genuine stone, is commonly used to provide aesthetic value. Manufactured granite tiles provide the aesthetic appeal of natural stone at a far lower cost. Quartz tile, which is synthetically produced but has the same look as granite tile but better performance, is gaining popularity. Ceramic and porcelain tile typically cost between $2 and $3 per square foot to instal. Natural stone tile countertops can range from $45 to $75 per sq ft.
Glass tile, on the other hand, can cost as much as $30 for a single tile. Glass tile is typically used for the construction of backsplashes rather than countertops. There are a variety of finishes available, such as smooth glazed, matte, hand-painted, cracked, and printed. The colour of the grout can be altered to either complement or stand out, depending on the style that is wanted. Ceramic is significantly more pliable than natural stone, and as a result, it is more sensitive.
Tile countertops are resistant to heat and scratches, but they are also susceptible to chipping. Because grout has a porous surface, it needs to be sealed once a year. Tiles come in a huge variety of colours, sizes, and forms, and there are many different kinds. Slab countertops should always be installed by a professional. Every job is different depending on the layout of your counters and the tiles you choose.
Use only tile backer board as the substrate. Between $45 and $60 a day, you can hire a wet tile saw from a shop that specialises in construction tools. Dry layout is performed without the use of any adhesives prior to the actual tiling procedure. Tile spacers made of plastic should be used to provide uniform joints between tiles.
Content Summary
- Traditional solid stone kitchen countertops might be more expensive than tile kitchen countertops, which are a less expensive option.
- Tile for countertops can be made from a range of prominent building materials, such as granite or quartz, but it is much less expensive than these other possibilities.
- Tile countertops are not only easy to instal, but they are also easy to repair, making them a great job for the do-it-yourself homeowner.
- Many people reserve tile for usage on floors and backsplashes in their homes; however, tile countertops can be an excellent—and affordable—option.
- Considerations When Choosing Tile Countertops Hardness And Thickness.
- The thickness of a tile used for a countertop is typically 5/16 of an inch, but a quarter of an inch is also common.
- In order to minimise or eliminate the appearance of seams or grout joints, modern porcelain tiles can be cut, polished, and installed in a fashion similar to the installation of a solid surface or natural stone.
- Avoid tiles with a high glaze or any other finish that would make them unsuitable for use as a kitchen or bathroom countertop.
- Tile made of ceramic is not only economical, but also easy to instal and maintain.
- If you plan on using ceramic tile for your kitchen counters, you should know that it might crack or chip if heavy objects are dropped on it.
- Selecting a dark grout colour and preserving the grout lines between tiles with a grout sealer may lessen the likelihood of grout stains.
- MosaicOne inch square is the smallest unit size for mosaic tiles.
- A chip or crack in a mosaic tile will not be as noticeable as it would be in ceramic tile because of the uniform coloration of the tile throughout.
- Manufactured granite tiles provide the aesthetic appeal of natural stone at a far lower cost.
- You can expect your granite tiles to look beautiful for many years to come.
- A quartz tile's surface is uniformly smooth, and its grain pattern is uniform all the way through.
- In addition, quartz tiles, unlike granite tiles, don't need to be sealed.
- Glass tiles can cost as much as $30 per square foot to instal, whereas natural stone tiles like granite, slate, and marble cost closer to $4 to $7 per square foot.
- The homeowner might save a lot of money if they instal the tiles themselves.
- Professional installation of ceramic tile countertops can cost as little as $18 per square foot.
- The cost of natural stone tile countertops can range from $45 to $75 per square foot.
- When compared to other materials commonly used for kitchen countertops, such as natural stone, laminate, or solid surfaces (made of mineral dust and resins), tile provides practically endless design options, from simple square patterns to elaborate mosaics.
- Tile countertops are inexpensive and simple to instal yourself, but they also have a few drawbacks that you should be aware of (DIY).
- Read on for more details that will help you make an informed choice about your kitchen renovation.
- Ceramic and porcelain tile typically cost between $2 and $3 per square foot, making this material affordable even for those on a tight budget.
- When a homeowner decides to instal their own tiles, they might save a lot of money.
- Professional installation of ceramic tile countertops can cost as little as $18 per square foot.
- Design DecisionsOne of the tile's primary selling points is that it can be used to create patterns that are either straightforward or intricate.
- Tiles of varying kinds can be combined in a variety of ways to create one-of-a-kind patterns and designs.
- The use of stone tiles in the kitchen or bathroom, such as travertine, slate, or granite, gives the space a more natural appearance.
- Design Details.
- When selecting a tile for your countertop, keep the following considerations in mind.
- Maintenance.
- Every day, clean the countertop by wiping it down with a soft cloth dampened in warm water.
- After you have finished preparing your supper, use a washcloth or a damp sponge to wipe clean the countertop.
- The sheen may be removed from porcelain, glass, or ceramic if these are used, and the surface of stone tiles may be harmed as well.
- Stone tiles are porous, thus in order to prevent them from being stained, they need to be sealed once or twice a year.
- Clean up any spills as soon as possible.
- Because grout and some varieties of tile, such as stone, are porous, they have the ability to absorb fluids and remain damp.
- This increases the likelihood that mould or mildew may form on the surface of the tile.
- Pros And ConsTile may be the most suitable material for your countertop, taking into consideration your preferences and the way you live.
- In addition to the type of material, you can select from a broad variety of colours, forms, and sizes.
- Because grout has a porous surface, it needs to be sealed once a year to protect it from becoming stained.
- Instead, you should choose panels or slabs and utilise epoxy grout that has been created expressly for use as a countertop material.
- Other Pros And Cons Of Tile Countertops Pros: Tile countertops can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer with some skill in tile-setting; however, slab countertops should always be installed by a professional.
- Cons: Even while it is not particularly difficult to instal a tile countertop, an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer may wind up with a surface that is less than ideal. (
- For do-it-yourself installation advice, see below.)
- In the event that something heavy is dropped on the tile surface by accident, the tile may chip.
- Diy Installation TipsIf you want to save a lot of money by installing tile countertops on your own, but you have never worked with the material before, it is highly recommended that you try to watch the process in person before you begin your project.
- Alternatively, you can locate a variety of videos that may be of great help to you by searching for "tile installation" on YouTube.
- Although every job is different depending on the layout of your counters and the tiles you choose, the following tips will help you get off to a solid start.
- How To Install Tile Countertops Yourself Be Sure to Start With the Proper Substrate.
- You should not put tile down on plywood.
- To prevent this, use only tile backer board as the substrate.
- Make use of a tile wet saw designed for industrial use.
- Between $45 and $60 a day, you can hire a wet tile saw from a shop that specialises in construction tools.
- Get your counter all neat and dry.
- As the name implies, a dry layout is performed without the use of any adhesives prior to the actual tiling procedure.
- Tile spacers made of plastic should be used to provide uniform joints between tiles.
- Arrange The Cut Ends Of The Tiles Against The Back Of The Countertop.
- When tiling a countertop, it's preferable to use whole tiles in the front and centre and cut tiles only for the back edge.
- Take care to use the right trowel for spreading glue.
- The manufacturer of the tile can advise you on the correct size of the notched trowel to use.
- The notches will allow you to spread a uniform base, which will make your tile surface flat and uniform.
- Joints of 1/8 inch or more in width require the use of sanded grout when tiling with ceramic, porcelain, or stone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Countertops
Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. It also has a very low absorption rate, meaning it's virtually impervious to water damage, even after prolonged exposure.
Heat-Resistant—ceramic tiles are highly heat-resistant, which makes them a great option to install around areas like the stove. Affordable—ceramic tile countertops offer an affordable way to elevate your kitchen design.
Porcelain, while extremely durable once installed, is very fragile during the fabricating process and can easily be chipped or cracked, which also makes finding an experienced fabricator highly important.”
You can expect a tile countertop to last 50 years or more with reasonable care. Porcelain tiles are more resistant to damage than ceramic. Light colour grout will show stains and dirt more than dark, and all grout must be sealed and may require repairs over time.
Ceramic tiles can range between $. 50 to $35 per square foot, while porcelain will typically cost between $3 and $35 per square foot. The average cost to install 30-square feet ceramic tile is between $1,000 and $2,000.