Tile Kitchen Countertops: Pros and Cons

A kitchen’s countertops have the power to complete the room. It’s an important piece of the kitchen remodel because the surface has to be practical for daily use, but also appealing and (ideally) good for resale.

From quartz and granite to laminate and tile, how do you know which one is right for your kitchen? If you’ve considered tile countertops but aren’t sure it’s the solution for your kitchen, we’re here to showcase all the advantages and disadvantages of choosing this unique countertop style.

Tile Kitchen Countertop Pros

Trendiness

Of course you want to choose a kitchen countertop that’s trendy and stylish. So, is having tile on your countertops a smooth move? Some design experts say yes.

Kitchen tile surfaces are regaining popularity after being prominent in the 1970s and 1980s. That’s right — tile kitchen countertops are making a comeback! More homeowners are opting to remodel their kitchens with this durable, affordable material.

Heat Resistance

One of our favorite reasons to like tile kitchen countertops is its resistance to heat. Ceramic tile is completely impervious to heat, so you can take hot pots and pans out of the oven or stovetop and place them directly on the counter. The heat will not cause any damage to your countertop. No more fussing around with potholders underneath hot dishes!

Stain Resistance

The fact that ceramic floor tile is stain and spill resistant is a main reason people choose it for kitchens, and this holds true as a countertop, too. It doesn’t require much upkeep and messes are generally easy to remedy — a must-have for kitchen countertops. Keep in mind that less glossy finishes can help mask damage, but all finish options include:

• Smooth glazed
• Matte
• Hand-painted
• Crackled
• Printed

Easy Maintenance

Worried about grout lines between the tiles getting dirty from messes and spills in the kitchen? Choose larger tiles over smaller ones. If you use bigger tiles, they’ll cover a larger area with fewer grout lines. Also, a proper sealer helps ensure that grout won’t discolor or stain.

Affordability

Kitchen countertops are often one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel, and depending on the material, choosing tile can keep you in budget. Ceramic tile is one of the most affordable options out there, especially compared to surfaces like quartz, marble and granite.

Versatility

Many homeowners favor tile since it’s a timeless, classic, and aesthetically-pleasing material. We can’t blame them — it’s hard not to like the many colors, patterns, and sizes available in tile. Your opportunities to create a unique kitchen countertop are endless!

Tile Kitchen Countertop Cons

Installation Difficulty

Because tile kitchen countertops are not installed as large slabs, they take longer to install. That could mean higher labor costs from whoever is installing and finishing your countertops.

Price (Depending on Material)

We stated above that tile kitchen countertops are affordable — and they are when you choose ceramic tile. But keep in mind that porcelain, quartz and granite tile are all pricier and more difficult to install than ceramic.

Uneven Surfaces

For cooking surfaces near ranges and cooktops, tile kitchen countertops work great. But for baking purposes when you need a perfectly flat, even surface, tile countertops aren’t the best option. Because each tile is unique and comes together with grout, the surface won’t be perfectly even. Keep that in mind for baking tasks like rolling out rough.

We want you to love your kitchen countertops, and if you like the look of tile, this might be the perfect option for you. Talk to your kitchen designer about the pros and cons of tile kitchen countertops to get their opinion. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to make your kitchen remodel a success.

Kitchen Remodels & Refacing Solutions

Every home deserves a kitchen that’s beautiful, welcoming, and functional — designed for the way you live. Established by two long-time central Ohio homebuilders and craftsmen, The Creative Kitchen Co. offers customized kitchen remodeling and refacing solutions. Contact us for more information.