Tile Kitchen Countertops

Tile kitchen countertops are not just for the Mexican or Spanish style kitchens anymore. In fact, tile kitchen countertops have become enormously popular because they are made with the same heat resistant material that stone slab countertops are made of. Not only do they provide a feasible alternative to granite or other expensive natural stone countertops but they also are quite affordable. When ordering and purchasing one large piece of granite or quartz it can be very costly however, kitchen tile countertops provide the high quality and natural beauty of the stone without the enormous associated cost. Tiles are small and can be transported much easier than one colossal slab. They are typically manufactured using either granite or ceramic and are both a beautiful addition to any kitchen.

The actual size of tile countertops vary according to manufacturer however, the standard norm is twelve inches square. Typically the tile for countertops come in quantities of ten to a box. While shopping for tiles be sure to pay particular attention to how the hardware store handles the tile boxes. Tiles should always be stored upright to prevent the breakage that takes place when tiles are thrown together horizontally.

When purchasing tiles for a new countertop it is highly important that the tiles be strictly intended for kitchen use. The thickness and type of tile is dependant upon the wear and tear of that specific surface. For example, a tile floor will require a completely different set of particulars than the tile for the kitchen countertop. The thickness will be very different for decorative tile as well and will not hold up well under normal wear and tear for a tile countertop. Tile kitchen countertops must be able to withstand the heat from the kitchen, literally!

With that said, it is important to note that many experts question the validity of this practice. Experts that work with tile countertops challenge this practice by stating that any granite tile, if installed correctly can withstand anything that a kitchen can throw at it! Figuratively speaking, of course! Heat is a huge decision contributor in that granite tiles cannot be damaged by heat. Take the challenge and try to burn a piece of granite tile with a lighter or hot pot. The tile countertops are heat resistant and do not damage easily. There isn’t a sharp knife in the world that can scratch or damage the granite tile countertops.

There are a couple of slight downfalls to installing a tile countertop. In order to make an educated decision on what kitchen countertop would be most suitable for individual kitchen workspaces. One of the major complaints from those that have installed tile countertops is that the spaces between the tiles are prone to staining. When the proper epoxy grout is used however, it eliminates this aspect.

The other often heard complaint about tile countertops is that the joints are a difficult burden to overcome when rolling out dough. For those that bake frequently, it would not be suggested to install tile countertops for this reason.

Apart from these deterrents, tile countertops are a much more affordable option to a natural stone countertop at a fraction of the cost of one-piece stone slabs. As well, the do it yourself option is always a way to be frugal while enjoying the rich benefits of the granite or ceramic tile countertops.

In closing it should be mentioned that if ceramic tile is selected it is much more labor intensive and expensive than other tiles. Ceramic tiles are often hand painted and highlight intricate detail and design. In general, one should expect to suffer a much more dramatic impact financially when selecting hand painted, detailed tiles. It pays to be fussy when it comes to ceramic tiles, as they need to be waterproof, heat resistant and resist staining.

Whichever tile countertop is chosen should be specifically selected to cater to the needs of individual kitchen workspace usage. Whether granite tile or ceramic tile, either one will be a welcome and warm addition to the ‘new’ kitchen.