What type of tile is best for kitchen countertops: some helpful information for you
Suppose you’ve shifted to your new house and are busy with all the decorations. You are planning to renovate your kitchen countertop. Now there comes the question of what type of tile is best for kitchen countertops and how to choose one.
Are you worried about it? Nowadays, the kitchen countertop is an essential part of a kitchen. Here’s a bunch of information for you that would be very helpful.
Why Do We Need Kitchen Countertops?
Kitchen countertops are essential for a kitchen from a wide range of perspectives.
- Our cooking-related tasks are generally performed on the countertops.
- Some of us also use kitchen countertops for both eating and dining purposes.
- Smart-looking countertops can lighten up the entire look of our kitchen.
Tile Types for Kitchen Countertops:
Do you want to know what type of tile is best for kitchen countertops? Then have a deep study on the types of countertop first. However, there are ten types of kitchen countertops that you can consider to upgrade your kitchen. So let’s have a look!
1. Marble Countertops:
Marble is considered to be the king in terms of high-end & aesthetic new development. It is a natural stone, and it gives a clean, contemporary feel. Generally, the color is white. However, marble countertops are also available in gray, brown, taupe, green colors.
This countertop (Marble) is ideal for baking because it can maintain a naturally low temperature. It is softer than other natural stones. So you can’t cut directly on marble. Also, you’ve to clean the surface regularly because marble is porous to risk permanent stains. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly marble, then Carrara can be a good option for you.
2. Quartz Countertops:
Suppose you have a large family and you have to cook a lot. Then going for quartz is the best alternative to get heavy-duty performance. Unfortunately, quartz countertops aren’t made of 100% quartz. In addition, they are a combination of natural quartz and resin binder. This stone is non-porous and incredibly hard.
Quartz is a manufactured stone. The countertops have a look of natural stone like marble or granite. So there’s nothing to worry about durability.
3. Granite Countertops
Natural stone granite provides durability with maximum excellence. It’s available in a great variety of light & dark colors. In addition, it can be cut with different edge choices. Finally, granite countertops are easy to maintain.
You can clean granite by using a little soap and water. But try to avoid harsh cleaning products. It’s heat-resistant and allows you to put the hot pot directly on the counter as granite is tough. That’s why I avoid cutting something now on the stones.
4. Concrete Countertops:
Concrete countertops are excellent for farmhouse kitchens or modern industrial kitchens. It’s almost indestructible. That’s why this material is used for making roads and highways.
You’ve to remember that concrete needs 28 days to dry completely. So it’s not perfect for a tight schedule. Concrete can be cracked, but it’s effortless to repair. As they are not perfect, you can choose something else if you want your countertops to be stable for years.
5. Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops are traditionally made of wood like cherry, maple, oak, walnut, etc. What type of finish you want depends on the entire design of your house and kitchen. However, take it as an affordable option to stone countertops.
It is a huge cutting board. That’s why the butcher block allows for direct cutting and slicing. However, these countertops can be used as sealed or unsealed. Once it’s sealed, it’s no longer appropriate for food making; you’ve to use a separate cutting boardfrom that time. Also, if you use an unsealed block, then you must oil it twice a year.
6. Soapstone Countertops:
Soapstone is an example of a natural stone. It’s mainly imported from the Appalachian Mountains, Finland, and Brazil. However, it has a high percentage of raw talc, which gives the surface a soap-like feeling. As a result, soapstone has some advantages compared to marble and granite.
It’s stain-resistant, entirely non-porous, heat-resistant, and bacteria-resistant. In addition, it’s available in gray shades with blue and green undertones. For that reason, it gives the countertop an antique-looking patina. Oil the countertop once per month in the first year to oxidize the surface. Then the patina will develop.
7. Stainless Steel Countertops:
Stainless steel is very suitable for commercial kitchens. It can give your kitchen a stylish and industrial look. First, however, clean this countertop with stainless steel cleaner or soap water.
It isn’t ideal for a house with young children because fingerprints and water spots are shown. However, it’s incredibly durable and non-porous.
8. Solid Surface Countertops:
A solid surface is a combination of acrylic and resin. An endless number of styles are available, including granite and marble.
Solid surface countertops have many benefits. It’s stain-resistant and seamless. Most of the damages could be sanded out. Besides, don’t forget that concrete surfaces are not heat-resistant.
9. Laminate Countertops:
Are you thinking about what type of tile is best for kitchen countertops at an affordable price? Consider a laminate countertop for your kitchen without any doubt. The brand name of the laminate is Formica. It was popular during the period of 80s and 90s. But today’s countertops are quite different. New laminates have the look of expensive materials like wood and stone.
It’s non-porous and doesn’t absorb bacteria. It also doesn’t need resealing. But you’ve to keep in mind that laminate is easily damaged by heat. So don’t forget a trivet. It isn’t ideal for a large kitchen, but it’s suitable for small rental property kitchens.
10. Tile Countertops:
Tile countertops were favored in the 70s and 80s. Now they are coming back again. Suppose you’re good with DIY and want to stay on budget. Then tile countertops are the best alternative for you.
They are accessible in varieties of sizes & shapes. Different materials are used in tiles like porcelain, ceramic, granite, marble, and quartz. However, there’s one issue in common for all tile countertops. And that’s why the grout lines are easy to keep fresh looking & clean. You could choose dark-colored grout if your kitchen countertop often gets dirty.
You can make your tile countertops look better through various processes. Some examples are stated below for your consideration.
- You can paint your tile countertops. If the countertop looks old-fashioned because of a tacky color tile, then paint it to update.
- If you think painting is not a permanent solution, then you can add odd temporary tile decals to get a modern update.
- You can cover the tile countertops with concrete in case of seriously dated tiles.
- You can decorate the tile countertops without redoing them.
At present, the most affordable kitchen countertop is laminate. This material is available in a huge variety of colors and styles. You can use laminate instead of granite, marble, or other high-end materials. Laminate countertops are attractive and durable.
You need the tools and materials mentioned below to lay tile on a kitchen countertop.
Tools & Materials:
- Carpenter’s Pencil
- 5-Gallon Bucket
- Dust Mask
- Tile Cutter
- Ear Protection
- Saw
- Rubber Mallet
- Chalk Line
- 6′ Level
- Carpenter’s Square Sponge
- Tape Measure
- Rubber Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Wet Saw
- Backer Board
- Tiles
- Screws
- Thin-set Mix
- Tape
- Plywood
These 17 steps are followed to install tiles on a kitchen countertop:
Step-1:
First, you have to apply the thin-set.
Step-2:
Then settle the backer board panels on it.
Step-3:
Take 6″ to 8″ screws and screw the backer board.
Step-4:
Tape the field joints with alkali-resistant backer board tape.
Step-5:
Attach a temporary apron to the countertop and get the tiles dry.
Step-6:
Begin at the 90° corner on your L-shaped counter.
Step-7:
Measure the entire counter by chalking the lines.
Step-8:
Make the marks on the tile and put it in place, then cut the sink opening.
Step-9:
Take a wet saw and cut the tiles.
Step-10:
Mix the thin-set as instructed on the manufacturer’s user instructions.
Step-11:
Take a damp sponge and pre-wet the backer board.
Step-12:
Comb the thin-set at a 45° angle, and you would get a uniform thickness.
Step-13:
Back butter the first time before putting it on the countertop.
Step-14:
Now continue placing the tiles. You can do it in 15 minutes.
Step-15:
Tap the tiles with a rubber mallet. Be careful to tap it lightly.
Step-16:
Repeat these instructions to tile the full counter.
Step-17:
Clean the joints of excess thin-set and let the tileset for 24 hours.
What Countertops are suitable for putting hot pans on?
The best heat-resistant countertops on which hot pans can be put are-
i) Engineered stone,
ii) Granite,
iii) Quartz,
iv) Stainless Steel and
v) Aluminum.
12 Kitchen Countertops Ideas with Short Description:
Are you wondering about what type of tile is best for kitchen countertops within your budget? Good news for you! You don’t need to cross your budget because there is a sufficiency of inexpensive products for countertops. That will let you get an elegant kitchen look.
Black Shale Stone for Natural Stone Look
Black shale stone countertops are available in deep charcoal gray color patterned with black accents. They are in a high-resolution laminate. In the case of Formica Group, the price is $2 per square foot.
2. Pure White for Bright & Reflective Look
This may look like an ordinary white countertop. But a white countertop in a gloss or natural finish can mirror the natural daylight, even on a misty day. White quartz products are suitable for that. You can get them from Corian for $70 per square foot.
3. Piatto Black for Wrought Iron Look
This textured and matte finish presents a more dramatic look to modern kitchens. Piatto black offers a bold look in your new kitchen. However, the price starts at $10 per square foot from Caesarstone.
4. Watercolor Lamination for Canvas Look
Watercolor laminate can turn your kitchen countertop into handy craftwork of art. The price starts at $3 per square foot by Formica. However, it’s available in watercolor porcelain and darker watercolor steel.
5. 3Form Chroma Countertop for Glass Look
Glazed and tempered glass countertops offer an ethereal feeling in a kitchen. But they were expensive. In addition, an alternative is a 3form chroma countertop. These countertops are cool-looking. Also, they come in a variety of colors that are more eco-friendly. The price starts from $30 per square foot.
6. Planked Walnut & Carrera Bianco for Mixed Surface Look
A mixture of planked walnut and Carrera Bianco gives a mixed surface look at an affordable price. The price of laminate starts between $2 and $3 per square foot by Formica Group.
7. Marble Laminate for Original Marble Look
A real benefit of laminate is it makes a countertop look like a thick and expensive slab. Another advantage is it needs lower maintenance over natural marble. You can afford painted black marble from Formica, the price of which starts at $3 per square foot.
8. Ferro Grafite for Black Granite Look
The rich color of dark granite is replicated wonderfully in Ferro Grafite. It’s available in two standard finishes, which are high gloss and satin. The price starts at $3 per square foot by Formica Group.
9. Maple Laminate for Light Wood Look
High-quality faux wood countertops can give a natural wood look. And you don’t have to take any headache about the extra sealing or permeability. On the other hand, the Amber Maple product from Formica prices at $2 per square foot.
10. High-Gloss Countertop for Shiny Look
You can choose the right product for a high shine look. Glass options, for example, high-end laminates & high-gloss, are designed to resist heavy-duty wear. Price starts from $30 per square foot.
11. Trillium for Rust Oxidizing Effect
Trillium countertops composed of browns and grays can give a rusted effect. The material is eco-friendly. It’s also highly heat- and scratch-resistant. You can choose it, especially for your outdoor kitchen. The price is $60 per square foot from Dekton, USA.
12. Modern Tile for a Fresh Look on an Older Style
A tiled countertop is both cost-effective and highly customizable. Suppose you expect to change the view of your retro kitchen. Then you can choose a tile. Materials are available at a wide range in price and styles.
Probable Costs of Kitchen Countertops:
The probable costs of kitchen countertops are from $40 to $100 per square foot installed. A shortlist is given for you below.
Type | Cost (per square foot) |
Granite | $50-$250 |
Tile | $10 |
Butcher Block | $30 |
Solid Surface | $35 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Ans: You can use ceramic, mosaic, granite, or quartz tile for your kitchen countertops.
Ans: Quartz, granite, marble, laminate, solid surface, recycled glass, butcher block- these are the best materials for kitchen countertops.
Ans: If you have a laminate countertop that is in good condition, then you can put ceramic or porcelain tile directly on top of the laminate.
Ans: The best countertops according to your pocket are granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite countertops.
Ans: Yes. You can cover your kitchen tiles with Lixio technology without removing them.
Final Verdict:
I am sure you’re feeling wonderful after going through this content about what type of tile is best for kitchen countertops?
A well-balanced answer to that question is now available for you, as mentioned earlier. So get ready to give a marvelous look to your new house!
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