Tile countertops are being produced using ceramic tile, glass tile and porcelain tile. Tile is one of the most versatile materials because it comes in a nearly-endless variety of styles, sizes, shapes and color. For this reason, it has never gone out of vogue as a material for use in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects.
This tile countertops guide will help you decide if tile might be right for your home. Browse all our countertop guides to compare tile with stainless steel, laminate, hard surface materials, quartz, granite, concrete, recycled glass, reclaimed wood and many other choices.
What Are Tile Countertops?
Tile has been used as a building material for thousands of years. Ceramic tile is the most popular because it is affordable and comes in the greatest array of style options. Porcelain tile is a wonderful choice for countertops and backsplashes too, since it is easy to clean and resistant to moisture. Glass tiles are also easy to clean, and they offer exciting options when installed over LED lighting.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Tile Countertops
What are the pros and cons of tile countertops? This section will help you compare this material with others you may be considering.
Strengths: Tile offers unlimited opportunities to create a kitchen or bathroom countertop that looks tailor-made for your home. Tile used for countertops ranges in size from about 1-inch square to 12 inches square or more. Rectangles from 1”x2” to 6”x10” are also popular for countertops and backsplashes.
If you really want a custom design, hire a tile contractor with skill in specialized designs integrating different tile sizes, colors and shapes. Imagine a tile mosaic behind your kitchen’s range or outlining the bathroom mirror!
Tile is versatile enough to go with any kitchen style, from very traditional to retro to contemporary. All types of tile are generally easy to clean, but you’ll need to make sure that grout is sealed every few years to keep that porous material from harboring bacteria and becoming stained. Tile is very durable, and may last 50 years or more.
Weaknesses: Besides the need to seal the grout, tile can be expensive to install. The tile itself is one of the more cost-effective countertop materials, but the installation is labor-intensive. This is especially true if you select an elaborate design for your bathroom or kitchen tile countertops.
Who Should Consider Tile Countertops?
Tile is a “fall-back” option for many who can’t figure out what else to use. Then, once they begin to discover the possibilities that tile offers, they fall in love with it. No matter what style you are pursuing in your kitchen or bathroom remodeling, explore the looks, shapes, sizes and colors offered by this timeless option for bathroom and kitchen countertops.