Tile countertop in the kitchen: interesting options and tips for choosing

The worktop plays an important role when it comes to the functionality of the kitchen. It must meet all the requirements: be moisture-resistant, heat-resistant and shock-resistant. But that is not all. First of all, a working the surface should be beautiful and pleasing to the eyes of the hostess, then the food will always be obtained, and the pies will be tasty and fluffy.

A tile or mosaic countertop for the kitchen is chosen by those who are distinguished by creative thinking. In addition, this type of tabletop has a number of advantages that are inherent in natural stone, but they are much cheaper for the consumer. You can safely put hot objects on this surface (a boiling kettle, a pot of fresh borscht, and so on). It is quite easy to clean and has a striking appearance.

The kitchen surface must withstand a variety of loads. Therefore, for its cladding, ceramic or stone tiles are taken. Let's consider the options in more detail.

• Ceramic tile manufactured using a special technology using high temperatures. It is used to lay out the surface of the countertop. You can also use tiles (it has a porous structure). It is not difficult to lay out the surface with this material. It is enough to grease the surface of the tile with a special adhesive solution and gradually lay it out in a certain order. The seams must be sealed with a special substance (sold in the same stores where the tiles are sold).

• Marble and granite - these are the components of stone tiles for countertops. Mostly squares of 30x30 cm are used, and also mini-slabs - 45x45 cm. The seams should be invisible so that the tabletop looks like a solid material. The cost together with the installation will be from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles.

• Mosaic flooring has the following categories:
  • smalt tiles (reliable and high quality, but not quite budget);
  • glass (the most common material, its main advantages are low cost, variability of execution: transparent, matte, silver and gold, and so on);
  • metal mosaic;
  • stone mosaic (jasper, lapis lazuli, marble, travertine);
  • ceramic (made of porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles).

Definitely, there are other types of material that are used to make countertops. We list them so that you can compare and draw a conclusion:

• wood (environmentally friendly, fashionable, beautiful, inexpensive);

• Particleboard and MFD (available, inexpensive, there are many different options);

• acrylic (beautiful, no problem with creating any shape, durable, but expensive);

• plastic or glass (futuristic, easy to care for, will easily fit into the interior, but expensive);

• agglomerate (highly durable and flawless in operation, but beyond repair, has a high price);

• stainless steel (capricious in care, prone to scratches, frequent polishing is required).

Democracy and durability - these advantages of ceramic tiles are undeniable. So let's take a look at the following best things.

• you can mount it yourself;
• fast production time;
• independent design - your requirements (size, height, shape and thickness) will be fully met;
• this surface is not afraid of scratches, unpretentious, easy to clean, does not lend itself to chemical influences;
• this material does not wear off or fade over time;
• perfect moisture resistance, not prone to swelling;
• easy to wash and care for;
• a very large selection of different options;

Of course, ceramic tiles, nevertheless, have their flaws, namely:

• Chips on the edge of the countertop are a pretty big problem, but if you are careful, then you should not worry;
• with poor care and after a long time, the appearance deteriorates;
• contamination of tile joints.

Another material that can compete with ceramics is mosaic. It, like the tile, is laid on a chipboard, MDF or plywood substrate. Mosaic is practically no different from ceramic tiles and has the same advantages as well as disadvantages. The only differences may be the originality of the performance and the finer texture visually. However, according to the reviews of specific consumers, it becomes clear that this material can satisfy the whims and needs of any person.

People who have already tried ceramic tiles or mosaics in business even give the following tips for beginners:

• you can finish the floor with tiles, but there is less dirt on the table than on the floor, which means that taking care of the tabletop will not be difficult;
• it is undesirable to make white seams, use the simplest plasticizers, then the seams will be less dirty;
• do not use grout containing silicone;
• if after some time you decide to update the finish of the kitchen space, then you can simply change the boring tile to a new, more modern one; if there is a lack of funds, simply rub the seams with new grout.

Another material is stone tiles. It is durable. She is not afraid of moisture or fungus. There are also glass tiles. She is very effective. Its structure is transparent and colored.

Kitchen countertop should cover the floor cabinets. The best option would be a cladding that has no joints. The cut holes for the sink, hob, and so on must be equipped so that moisture does not penetrate inside. Of all the materials considered, the countertop, finished with ceramic tiles or mosaics, has the greatest number of advantages.

• This is the price side. This material can be afforded by anyone who wants to beautifully and correctly update the kitchen space.
• This is the satisfaction of all the requirements that can be imposed on the quality of the coating. It is the intensity of operation that makes these requirements. And as we know, the ruble protects a penny.
• A countertop made of natural or acrylic stone will seem more respectable to some, but the price will cool the ardor. Ceramics and mosaics can replace natural surfaces and will not be inferior in quality to it.
• A work area with a high-quality worktop can be made by yourself.

It remains to choose - ceramics or mosaics. Both coatings are wear-resistant. They easily withstand high temperature shock, drops, spill of various aggressive liquids. These coatings are identical in quality. But their differences lie in completely different reasons.

• Ceramic tile Is a well-known material for a long time. The production of this material has long been established. Therefore, there are practically no defects in production. The same applies to the so-called accompanying materials: adhesives, grouting, putties. In addition, this material is laid by experienced craftsmen, who have already "got their hands on" for a long time and do all the work with high quality.
• The mosaic is more elegant... It is convenient to paste over any, even the most complex surfaces, such as columns, arches, and, of course, kitchen tables and countertops. The side of the plates (they are either square or round) is 13–20 mm. This means that you can lay out the most difficult bend without even resorting to a tile cutter. Mosaic components are twice as thin as tiles. And this plus also plays a role in the ease of installation.

Ceramic tiles have already established themselves as a reliable material, and mosaic is only gaining momentum. This promising material makes it possible to create surfaces that look very rich and sophisticated. New items appear every day, perhaps soon the mosaic will catch up with its popularity in full. It is worth noting that there is still little competition in the mosaic market, so it costs twice as much as tiles.

Tile grout is cheaper than mosaic grout. No wonder. Mosaic joints require more grouting material. However, ceramic tiles and mosaics can go well together.

For design ideas for tile countertops, see the next video.