TILES

Kitchen countertops made from tile offer many options to consumers. Homeowners must determine what features are most important to them, such as cost, color preferences, other kitchen design elements, and durability. You can make tile countertops yourself with minimal experience and research.

Ceramic tiles:

Ceramic is available in almost any color, making it an attractive option if you want to design a custom countertop incorporating multiple colors to create a theme for your kitchen. You can also match the kitchen work surface to existing features in the room, such as wall paint, backsplashes, or cabinet or drawer fronts. Ceramic should be the first choice of countertop material for the homeowner on a tight budget.

Stone tiles:

The most popular choices of stone tiles for kitchen countertops are granite or marble. The main advantage of a stone tile countertop is that it offers the same durable, scratch-resistant, polished surface of a solid stone countertop, at a fraction of the cost. A single granite slab, cut to countertop dimensions, costs about three times as much as granite tiles and can save even more on labor.

porcelain tiles:

Although more expensive than ceramic tile, porcelain is a durable choice for kitchen countertops. Porcelain tiles are made by pressing porcelain clay powder and firing it at high temperatures. The main benefit of porcelain is its resistance to heat; however, they are not scratch proof, so knives should not be used directly on their surface. Be careful when cutting porcelain tiles because they break and chip easily.

Grout and sealer:

For those who hate grout lines between rows of tiles, an aesthetic alternative is now available. Many manufacturers offer mortar that is tinted to match the shades of the tile so that the entire surface appears uniform when the countertop is installed and sealed. Homeowners who choose to make their own countertops should perform an absorption test by pouring a small amount of water onto the tile. If the tile absorbs water, it must be sealed, as water seepage can rot the underlying surface.

BACKSPLASHES

A kitchen backsplash is used to prevent food and water particles from being absorbed into the plaster behind the sink or stove. There are different types of materials that can be used to create a backsplash and many of these come in patterns that allow you to create your own custom backsplash design.

Ceramic tile:

Ceramic tile is a common choice for backsplashes. This is relatively easy to install and is very easy to maintain (simply wiping them down with a sponge will remove dirt and debris). Cleaning between the tiles will be necessary, however, to prevent grout staining. Ceramic tiles are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns and range in price from cheap for plain colors to very expensive for hand-painted tiles.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel sheet is a new kitchen backsplash material used in designs where appliances or countertops also have a stainless steel finish. Cleaning is very simple, requiring only a damp cloth. Although stainless steel is easy to clean, it can be scratched if abrasive cleaners or sponges are used on it. Care should be taken to use only soft cloths and it should be buffed occasionally to maintain its shine.

Natural stone

Natural stone can also be used for backsplashes and is often combined with existing countertops. For example, if the countertop is polished marble, a matching backsplash can be placed behind the sink. This makes the kitchen design look good. Polished and sealed marble does not require much care: you can usually use a damp cloth to clean it, making it ideal for a backsplash. Tile tiles are less common because they are porous and more difficult to clean.