Tile Counter Tops

Sometimes nothing beats the craftsmanship of a tiled countertop.

Tile counter tops are not only durable, but also offer the most variety in terms of color and pattern. Tiles can be made from marble, limestone, quartz or some nonmetallic material such as porcelain. Tile countertops are also noted for their beauty and resistance to heat; however, they are not scratch proof. While tile is more durable than laminate counter tops, one drawback of tile is the continuous maintenance required of grout. Although some manufacturers now offer a grout that is stain resistant, called an epoxy grout. Ceramic tile is resistant to stains and heat. According to This Old House, basic ceramic tile (4 1/4 or 6 inches square) including installation runs about $25 to $30 per square foot. Some countertop experts claim that tile is a risky choice as the potential for water leaking through a hairline crack in the grout is significant and can cause permanent damage to the counter's substrate. Additionally, tile is a very hard, brittle surface and fragile items are likely to break when dropped on it. Installation of tile is tricky not only due to the delicate nature of caulking around each tile, but also as a foundation of plywood must be built before the tiles are laid. In short, while tile is beautiful, it does have some maintenance issues that should be considered.