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!

What Causes Tile To Crack?

What Causes Tile To Crack?

While tile can be incredibly strong, it’s not unbreakable. So what causes tile to crack? There are actually quite a few different causes, and here are the most common. Hard Impacts One of the most frequent causes of broken tile on floors and countertops is when...

What To Use To Cut Tile

What To Use To Cut Tile

Buy on Amazon Most tile projects will require cutting of some type. There are a few different tools to help you get the job done quickly and easily. So if you’re wondering what to use to cut tile, here are your options. Tile Nippers One of the most basic tools for...

What To Do With Old Tile

What To Do With Old Tile

Buy on Wayfair It’s very common to end up with excess tile after a project is finished. That’s because when purchasing, it’s standard procedure to buy more than you need. This helps to make up for any tiles which are broken during shipping or installation. Therefore...

What To Do With Extra Tile

What To Do With Extra Tile

Buy on Wayfair It’s always very important to purchase more tile than you need for your project. This ensures that you’ll have enough to compensate for any broken tiles or any cutting that needs to be done. However once everything is installed, what to do with extra...

The Advantages Of Interlocking Deck Tiles

The Advantages Of Interlocking Deck Tiles

Buy on Amazon Unlike what you may have heard, not all tile types require skill, time, or even a place of your own to install them. Deck tiles are a consumer-friendly choice that comes in a highly convenient interlocking format. Here are the top advantages of...

Deck Tiles: Pros And Cons

Deck Tiles: Pros And Cons

Buy on Amazon Deck tiles are a long-time flooring favorite, and for many reasons. But before you make the decision to purchase them you’ll want to know not just their advantages but also their drawbacks. So here’s our list of deck tiles pros and cons to help you. Deck...

What Are Deck Tiles?

What Are Deck Tiles?

Buy on Wayfair Luckily nowadays you don’t have to actually install a costly new deck in order to be able to enjoy the look and feel of one. Deck tiles are a budget-friendly alternative that provide a deck-like flooring surface with many benefits. So what are deck...

Easy Ideas For Using Linear Bathroom Tiles

Easy Ideas For Using Linear Bathroom Tiles

Buy on Wayfair Nowadays there are more tile options than ever. So when it comes time to choose something for your bathroom it can take a while. However, if you want a look that’s different and makes a big impact, linear bathroom tiles might be the right fit. Linear...

4 Simple Shortcuts For Using Linear Kitchen Tiles

4 Simple Shortcuts For Using Linear Kitchen Tiles

Buy on Wayfair Are you thinking about installing linear kitchen tiles? If you are, you’ll want to know these four shortcuts first. Not only are they simple but they’ll be sure to help you meet your goals while enhancing the look of your kitchen space. Linear tiles are...

Getting Started With Tile Stencils

Getting Started With Tile Stencils

Buy on Amazon You don’t have to spend money replacing your tiles to get the look of a new tile installation. In fact, you don’t even have to have any tiles at all. With some time and a few supplies, tile stencils can give your floors, walls, or more a much-needed...

Interlocking Tiles A DIY Dream Come True

Interlocking Tiles A DIY Dream Come True

Buy on Amazon Installing tiles on your own doesn't have to be hard,  in fact, it can be quite easy. Interlocking tiles are made so that anyone can enjoy doing some DIY, and get big results with little effort. There are many types to choose from so you'll want to...

When Is Hiring A Pro The Way To Way Go Instead Of DIY?

When Is Hiring A Pro The Way To Way Go Instead Of DIY?

Doing DIY can be fun and truly rewarding. It can also be a great way to save cash. But it isn’t always the right option; sometimes using the services of a pro can be a smarter choice. And here are some of the situations when you will want to consider employing one....

Don’t Make These DIY Tile Mistakes

Don’t Make These DIY Tile Mistakes

There are many mistakes you can make when working with tile.  A few of them however are made much more than others. Luckily these can be easily avoided and therefore save you some time and effort. Caulk And Grout Have Different Jobs One of the most common of all...

The Top 4 Simple Tile Tricks For Huge Results

The Top 4 Simple Tile Tricks For Huge Results

Sometimes in life, the little things can make a big difference. And when it comes to tile, this is true too. There are some small tricks you can use for huge results and even savings as well. Here are four of the simplest that happen to work incredibly well. Materials...

5 Tile Types For Creating Specific Styles

5 Tile Types For Creating Specific Styles

Buy on Wayfair Finding tile that works with the style of your space doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, there are a handful of tile types that are famous for their ability to add a specific style or feel. So here are five to help get you started. Sleek And Modern When...

Simple Tile Tricks To Keep Dust Out Of Sight

Simple Tile Tricks To Keep Dust Out Of Sight

Buy on Wayfair Dusty floors can take away from the look of your home. While we aren’t encouraging you not to clean them of course, there are a few tricks you can use to cheat a little. Try using one or more of the following ideas to keep your tiles looking cleaner...

Porcelain Vs Ceramic Tile

Porcelain Vs Ceramic Tile

Buy on Wayfair When it comes to choosing a material for their project many people get stuck on whether they should use ceramic or porcelain tiles. Both materials offer different things. So here’s what you’ll want to know about each before you make a decision. What’s...

The Most Common Tile Problems

The Most Common Tile Problems

There are quite a few different problems you can run into when you have a tile installation in your home. A handful of them are much more common than others. So here are some of the ones you are the most likely to experience if you have any problems at all. Chipped...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This