Ceramic tile countertops options

A ceramic tile countertop is the perfect choice if you want a more creative or artistic-looking kitchen. The use of ceramic tiles allows versatility as ceramic tiles come in a wide array of choices. Ceramic tiles can make a countertop – just place tiles with different shades in different areas or alternate the tile colors. Ceramic tiles give you the freedom to play around with different concepts, designs, and hues.

Edge details and backsplashes

The edges of a ceramic tile countertop should be polished and have eased curves or cuts. The most common edge detail options for a ceramic tile countertop are the bevel and radius edge. They are the most reasonably priced edge details, and they are easy to do. Other edge types can be expensive and impractical for ceramic tile countertops.

Backsplashes are usually placed between two-level countertops. They are about six inches high with receptacle cutouts. The backsplashes of the cutouts are seamed.

To maintain a good color match, the backsplashes should come from the same lot material as the countertop tiles. The common sizes of ceramic tile backsplashes are three centimeters and two centimeters. If you want full-height backsplashes, the most cost-effective option to get is two-centimeter-thick slabs. To ensure that the backsplashes are leveled with the countertops, they should be installed only after the ceramic countertop tiles have been completely installed.

Size and color

Ceramic tiles are fired in a kiln and cooled at varying degrees of temperature and humidity. Because of contraction and expansion, ceramic tiles tend to vary in size even if they come in the same lot. Make sure that you only accept those with a one-eighth margin of difference in thickness when buying ceramic tiles. The thickness of ceramic tiles is usually one and one-fourth-inch thick or three-fourth-inch thick. For kitchen countertops, ceramic tiles usually measure 8 inches x 8 inches, and they come in every color and shade possible. Ceramic tiles are differentiated by the lot number and shade number, so make sure you purchase tiles that are made in the same batch. This ensures that the ceramic tiles are even and uniform.

Finish

Ceramic tiles can give you a bright glaze finish or a matte finish. Glazed ceramic tiles have poor abrasive resistance and can be slippery, so make sure you get relatively smooth tiles with straight flush edges to make the grouting job easier. Most ceramic tiles are rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute, and they are rated according to the wear resistance of the tile surface. Ceramic tiles are rated from Class 1 to Class 5+. The recommended rating for ceramic tile countertops is Class 3 for light to moderate usage.

Absorption

If your kitchen countertop is going to be used a lot, purchase ceramic tiles with an absorption rating of 3% or less. They are more expensive, but they have greater impact resistance and breaking strength.