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

The countertop plays an important role when it comes to the functionality of the kitchen. It must meet all the requirements: to be moisture resistant, heat resistant and shockproof. But that is not all. Primarily working the surface should be beautiful and delight the hostess's eye, then food will always be obtained, and the pies will be delicious and lush.

A tile or mosaic countertop in the kitchen is chosen by those who are distinguished by creative thinking. In addition, this type of countertops has a number of advantages that are inherent in natural stone, but cost the consumer much cheaper. Hot objects can be placed on this surface without fear (a boiled kettle, a pan with fresh borsch and so on). It is quite easy to clean and has a bright appearance.

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

• Ceramic tile It is made by special technology using high temperatures. It is used to lay out the surface of the countertop. Tile can also be used (it has a porous structure). To lay out the surface with this material is not difficult. It is enough to lubricate the surface of the tile with a special adhesive solution and gradually lay it out in a certain order. Seams must be repaired with a special substance (sold in the same stores where tiles are sold).

• Marble and granite - these are the components of stone tiles for countertops. Mostly squares of 30x30 cm are used, and even mini-slabs are 45x45 cm. The seams should be invisible so that the countertop looks like a solid material. The cost along with the installation will be from 2000 to 5000 rubles.

• Mosaic coating has the following categories:
  • smalt tile (reliable and high-quality, but not quite budget);
  • glass (the most common material, its main advantages are low cost, variability of performance: 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 conclude:

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

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

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

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

• agglomerate (highly durable and impeccable in operation, but not repairable, has a high price);

• stainless steel (capricious in leaving, subject to scratches, frequent polishing is necessary).

Democracy and durability - these advantages of ceramic tiles are undeniable. So, consider the following best points.

• You can mount it yourself;
• quick 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 and does not fade with time;
• perfect moisture resistance, not prone to swelling;
• easy to wash and care;
• a very large selection of different options;

Of course, ceramic tile, nevertheless, has its own flaws, namely:

• chips on the edge of the countertop - this is a pretty big problem, but if you are careful, then do not worry;
• with poor care and after a fairly long time, the appearance worsens;
• contamination of tile joints.

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

People who have already tried ceramic tiles or mosaic coatings in practice, even give the following tips to beginners:

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

Another material is stone tile. It is durable. She is not afraid of either moisture or fungus. There is a glass tile. She is very effective. Its structure is transparent and colored.

Countertop in the kitchen must close floor cabinets. The best option is a cladding that has no joints. Cut holes for the sink, hob and so on must be arranged so that moisture does not penetrate. Of all the materials in question, countertops, finished with ceramic tiles or mosaics, has the greatest number of advantages.

• This is the price side. This material can be afforded to anyone who wants to beautifully and correctly update the kitchen space.
• This is the satisfaction of all the requirements that can be presented to the quality of the coating. It is the intensity of operation that puts forward these requirements. And as we know, a penny saves a ruble.
• A tabletop made of natural or acrylic stone may seem more respectable to some, but the price will cool the ardor. Ceramics and mosaics can replace the natural coating and will not be inferior to it in quality in anything.
• You can make your own work area with a quality worktop.

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

• Ceramic tile - This is a long and well-known material. The production of this material has long been established. Therefore, there is practically no marriage in production. The same applies to the so-called related materials: adhesives, grouts, putties. In addition, this material is laid by experienced craftsmen who have long been "stuffed with a hand" and perform all the work efficiently.
• Mosaic is more elegant. It is convenient to paste over any, even the most difficult, surface, 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. And this means that you can lay out the most difficult turn without even resorting to a tile cutter. Mosaic components are twice as thin as tiles. And this plus also plays a role in ease of installation.

Ceramic tile itself has already established itself as a reliable material, and mosaic is only gaining momentum. This promising material allows you to make such surfaces that look very rich and elegant. New items appear every day, perhaps soon the mosaic will catch up on its full popularity. It is worth noting that there is still little competition in the mosaic market, so it costs twice as much as tile.

Tile grout is cheaper than mosaic grout. This is not surprising. Mosaic seams require more grouting material. However, ceramic tiles and mosaics can be perfectly combined with each other.

Design ideas for countertops made of tiles, see the next video.