Tile countertops were quite popular up until the ’90s; a unique and cost-saving alternative to a marble or granite slab, plus a tile countertop is somewhat straightforward to homeowner who is self installing. However, what tile countertop may offer in style, they lack in practicality.
Let’s walk you through as we take a deeper look into the history, pros and cons of tile kitchen countertop to see if it is still in demand today. This article will also unveil the strength and challenges of tile kitchen countertop; category of tile best suited for this busy area of your home.
Click to read the article: Are Tiles Sustainable?
History of Tile Countertop
History of Tile Countertop ,countertops were primarily made of more porous wood surfaces and the actual countertop itself wasn’t the continuous surface that we expect today. Instead, countertops were simply the tops of furniture chests and cabinets.
These furniture surfaces were the first to receive the tile treatment. Due to its proximity to the sanitary movement of its day, tiled countertops in the early 1900s also often featured very tight grout lines in order to cut back on lurking bacteria.
The style evolved over the years, taking over surfaces that are more in line with modern countertop designs found atop rows of base cabinets. Color, shape, and grout lines all evolved as tile countertops ebbed and flowed in popularity as the years went on, eventually leading to the resurgence we see today.
Lifestyle Considerations
Porcelain and ceramic tile are the most commonly used tiles for countertops today, which have the benefit of being able to withstand heat and avoid stains. Both of these features make them compelling choices for families, home cooks, or those who need their kitchens to work for them while also providing a style-forward approach.
When it comes to any kitchen design decisions, practicality needs to come first. So the first thing to establish is whether tiled kitchen countertops can be a practical addition. Are they safe; are they hygienic, will they stand up to the everyday wear and tear a kitchen can face?
After its first emergence in the 80’s and 90’s, tile countertops are making a comeback again. It is a budget-friendly alternative to composite or ceramic designs; they are highly customizable, offering homeowners a chance to install a creative, eye-catching finish.
There’s a wealth of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials available, thus making to create a unique finish.Durability and the capacity to withstand stains, scratches, and heat are key practical considerations when choosing any kitchen countertop, tiles can be a really good option but it is necessary to always check that the tiles you have in mind will be suitably robust.
While they might seem pretty resilient on walls – simply needing the occasional wipe – tiles will need to cope with an intense level of wear and tear if they’re used as a countertop.For example, many kitchen Interior Wall Tile have delicate glazes that will be damaged by heat and scratching if the tiles are used as a surface.
Porous materials such as stone will require sealing and resealing from time to time so to protect them from stains, so if you can’t envisage clearing your countertops to allow for occasional resealing, suitable non-porous porcelain tiles would be a better option.
Hygiene Consideration
Another factor to consider when deciding whether or not to go for tile kitchen countertop is hygiene.
As with most alternative solutions and trends there are downsides, tile surfaces will need far more maintenance than standard countertops due to the amount of grout that’s used. Even with stain-repellent products the porous nature of grout makes it susceptible to collecting dirt and bacteria so it’s even more vital to clean kitchen tile thoroughly.
As well as requiring regular maintenance and upkeep, tile finishes can also chip more easily than composite countertops. Individual tiles can be replaced but do bear this in mind before you make your choice.’
Uses of Tile Countertops
When you think of tile, you most often think of flooring in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as backsplashes in kitchens. They have many other uses, including added texture to any kitchen. Tile countertops are most often found in a house that is decorated in the Arts and Crafts style homes.
They are used to create timeless beauty within your kitchen. You are able to create a variety of patterns by mixing different shapes and colors. Tile countertops provide you with many options from which to choose when designing your kitchen. Tile can be made out of various materials, but the most common materials are natural stone, ceramic or porcelain.
Ceramic tiles are affordable and low maintenance. Ceramic tile is waterproof and can handle the heat from most hot dishes.
Mosaic tiles are small colored tiles that are quick to install. They are really durable and the entire tile is colored, so cracks and chips are not seen as easily on this type of tile.
Granite tiles are natural stone but are much more affordable than traditional stone. The surface of granite tiles is patterned in such a way that it can hide fingerprints and dirt. These tiles are strong and last a long time.
Quartz tiles are created to look like granite but provide a more durably performing tile. This tile has a surface that is smooth and uniform grain. This type of tile does not need to be sealed and is long-lasting. This tile is also nonporous which means that it will not trap bacteria beneath the surface.
Challenges of Tile Countertops
While there are many reasons why you would decide to install tile countertops, there are also some challenges of which you should be aware of. One of those challenges is that tile is textured and the surfaces are not smooth, which makes them hard to clean.
The surfaces of tile are porous which means they are likely to harbour bacteria. They may also be susceptible to stains. The tile does require sealing which will protect the tile from staining. The grout can also collect bacteria and hold it, especially when uncooked food is put on the countertops.
Tile countertops are not often durable. While they are resistant to heat and slightly resistant to scratches, they can chip easily. Depending on the material you use in your tile countertop, the tiles may be softer and more easily damaged. All you have to do is drop something heavy on the countertop and it will get damaged.
Popularity of countertop
Tile countertops have been in use since the late 1800s. This was the time when ceramic tile manufacturing really began but most people did not really catch on until after the Second World War. This was a time when kitchens really began to become more functionally and larger.
The countertops reached the top of popularity during the 1970s and the 1980s. The tile countertop lost some favor when solid surfaces were created.There was the increased availability of stone slabs which made became more popular than the tile countertop. Since that time, the definition of the tile countertop has expanded.
The tiles today are fired ceramic or porcelain and are cut from larger stones. There are now tiles available in glass, which is newer. Tiles are even used in showers and roofs in addition to the classic floor and bathroom tiles.
Cost implication
Depending on the material you choose, you could pay anywhere from $1 per square foot to $15 per square foot.
Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive to install than other countertop materials and the new gauged porcelain tile panels and slabs that are available are comparable in price to other materials. Because you are not generally purchasing material that encompasses a lot of square feet, it is best to focus on the right product, design, and suitability.
Click to read A Guide to Understanding the Costs of Installing Floor Tiles
With enough research and the proper preparation, homeowners may be able to handle certain installations themselves, but larger panels and slabs should be left to the professionals. At georgeceramic, we are known for raising the bar for quality tile production so that your purchase can worth the value.
Installation rates will also vary by project, so reach out to us for our best quotes and compare to the cost of other surface types.From the article, we trust you have seen tile isn’t just for backsplashes and bathroom floor.
Mosaics can also make up the material for countertops. Popular in the ’70s and ’80s, tiled bathroom and kitchen countertops are still being found today, especially in Arts and Crafts-inspired homes. But when it comes to installing new tile counters, experts have mixed opinions.
Admittedly, tile adds pattern and texture to a room. However, since the surface isn’t as smooth as, say its butcher-block and concrete countertop, tile can be tough to keep clean—especially the grout, which is quite porous.
From the different types and costs to the pros and cons, are all what homeowners should consider before taking a walk on the tiled side for kitchen countertop.Conclusively, tile kitchen countertop are not only in style but they also still in popular demand in today’s construction.
If tile kitchen countertop is your preferred choice, you have chosen right; choosing elegance and unique feel for your kitchen. You will do more good to your tile countertop investment with regular, consistent cleaning and maintenance routine.
Click to follow George Ceramics and we will take you to learn more professional knowledge.