Tile Countertops

Buy on Wayfair

Countertops are an important space in any home. In the kitchen, they are where we prepare meals, wash up, and even store extra items. And of course in the bathroom, they serve as a place to help us get ready for the day and retire for the night. Even though tile is mostly thought of for use on the wall and floor, tile countertops are highly functional, often inexpensive, and can add some serious beauty to your home. Here are a few of the top tips you need to know when considering them.

Don’t Overlook Porcelain And Ceramic

There’s a reason that both porcelain and ceramic tiles are commonly seen on countertops, it’s because they do a great job. While there are other more luxurious options both of these can look fantastic so be sure not to overlook them. They also can be very reasonably priced and come in a huge variety of colors. Porcelain and ceramic tile countertops make durable surfaces that are also heat-resistant which are musts for anyone who will be doing cooking or food preparation.

Porcelain tiles usually have color which is even throughout the body of the tile making it hard to notice if it were to become damaged but of course, ceramic and porcelain are easy to touch up if the need be. If you do decide on either ceramic or porcelain, it’s best to stick with tiles that are glazed instead of un-glazed as the glaze will protect the tile from staining.

Stone Tile Instead Of Slabs

Natural stone can add beauty and elegance to your home like no other. The good news is virtually all stone tiles are cheaper than purchasing an entire stone slab for your countertop. Each type of stone has its own properties and not all are suited for use on the counter so be sure to take your time when deciding.

Many will also need to be properly sealed. Granite tile countertops are probably the most sought after of all, not just for their looks but the fact that granite is impervious to liquids, extremely tough, and very resistant to heat. Granite tiles can offer homeowners who are on a tight budget the chance to own and experience this stone in their home even when a slab would be too expensive. Other common options include travertine, marble, and slate tiles.

Tile Countertops

Buy on Wayfair

 

 

Tile Size

It’s ultimately up to you what size tiles you decide to go with, many people prefer the look of smaller countertop tiles. But, it’s smart to keep in mind that the larger the tiles you use the fewer grout lines there will be. And that means less cleaning as tile grout can end up attracting grime if not properly taken care of.

A lot of homeowners decide to go with larger-sized floor tiles not only to minimize how many grout lines there the project has but because they are tougher than wall tiles so they add extra durability to your countertop surface.

Darken Your Grout Lines

Another trick is to apply a grout colorant. These are easy to use and come in a ton of colors so you can change the color of your grout from white to a darker color to conceal any dust or grime. You can also use it to help your grout match the color of your tiles themselves.

Keep Things Flat

When preparing meals on your countertop you’ll need a flat surface. This will be something you’ll need to keep in mind when looking at certain types of stone tile such as slate which often come with a natural cleft finish.

You don’t want the plates, bowls, or pans you are using on a surface that isn’t flat as this can cause spills or accidents which sometimes can even be dangerous. Even though tiles with beveled or round edges may be attractive, they are better suited for other applications.

These tips will help keep your countertop project on the path to success. So be sure to keep them in mind during the planning process. Whether you decide to do it yourself, which is often a very realistic option even for beginners, or go with a pro, tile countertops are an alternative that will be sure to impress!

Choosing Your Tile Color

Choosing Your Tile Color

Buy on Wayfair The tile color you choose is one of the most important decisions you can make for your project. It can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels and can even be a factor if there comes a time in the future when you would like to sell your...

A Quick Glossary Of Tile Terms

A Quick Glossary Of Tile Terms

There can be a lot of new terms that come up when purchasing or planning to install tile in your home. So we've compiled a quick list of some of the most commonly used tile terms along with their definitions to help you on your way. Let's get started! Back Buttering:...

How To Touch Up Your Tile On A Dime

How To Touch Up Your Tile On A Dime

Buy on Amazon Chipped and cracked tiles can be a major eyesore. They not only take away from the look of your installation but from the room as a whole. However, oftentimes you can get away without having to remove any tile whatsoever, saving you time and money. When...

The Best Practices For Dealing With Cracked Tiles And Joints

The Best Practices For Dealing With Cracked Tiles And Joints

Adding tile to your home is always a smart decision and one that will add to its looks and function. However, sometimes problems may arise after the job has been completed. Without a doubt two of the most frequent are both cracked tile joints and cracked tiles. Here...

Six Wet Room Tile Design Tips

Six Wet Room Tile Design Tips

A wet room is a completely waterproof shower room that offers a more stylish and contemporary alternative to a traditional bathroom. They can be installed in virtually any home and are fantastic for increasing the value of a property. Tiling is one of the key design...

Deck Tiles: An Easy and Inexpensive DIY Option

Deck Tiles: An Easy and Inexpensive DIY Option

Buy on Amazon A new deck or patio can not only be a very time-consuming project but also an expensive one as well. A much more convenient and inexpensive option are deck tiles. Made from a variety of great-looking materials these tiles are an easy way to give your...

Tiling Tips That Can Save You Time, Money, And Effort!

Tiling Tips That Can Save You Time, Money, And Effort!

When purchasing, laying or working with tiles, a little good advice can go a long way. Most mistakes that cause you to lose time, money, and effort are easily avoidable. Here are some tips that could help you save one or all of these: -Before you start your project...

Larger Tiles Tend To Make A Small Room Appear Bigger!

Larger Tiles Tend To Make A Small Room Appear Bigger!

Buy on Wayfair There are many tricks used by interior designers, builders, and contractors that can really affect the way a room is viewed. And while most homeowners don’t know about them, they are simple enough to be applied by anyone and can really work wonders to...

Learn Tile Removal In 5 Minutes!

Learn Tile Removal In 5 Minutes!

There are many reasons you might need to remove a single or even multiple tiles. The good news is you don’t need to pay someone else to do it for you. While it might require a little “elbow grease,” tile removal is a very simple DIY repair that any homeowner can do...

Rubber Tiles Made Easy!

Rubber Tiles Made Easy!

Buy on Amazon While rubber tiles are not known for their beauty or stunning appearance, that’s not what they’re built for. Instead, these tiles are all about function. So here is your complete guide to this helpful flooring option. Safety The reason most people...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This