There are many different materials on the market, but the pros recommend natural stone and porcelain for bathroom and kitchen countertops. Natural stone won't show chips or imperfections as clearly, explains Angelica Baeza of Arizona Tile, one of the state's leading showrooms, but it does require regular sealing.
Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. It also has a very low absorption rate, meaning it's virtually impervious to water damage, even after prolonged exposure.
Tile countertops can be installed by an enthusiastic DIYer who has some experience with tile-setting; slab countertops should always be professionally installed. Tile is heat resistant, which makes it a good choice next to a stove or oven. You can set hot pans right on the tile surface without fear of damage.
Tile Over a Laminate Countertop Using Marble Floor Tile
It's possible to cover a laminate countertop with some new tile. Here Timisha, the blogger behind Tool Box Divas gets the job done using marble floor tile—ingenious.
Gauged porcelain tile is lightweight, affordable, and only 1/8” thick. It is nonporous, etch-resistant, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
For countertops that will see heavy use in a wet location, install cement backerboard over the plywood base, and a trowel-applied or sheet membrane, before installing tile.
Porcelain, while extremely durable once installed, is very fragile during the fabricating process and can easily be chipped or cracked, which also makes finding an experienced fabricator highly important.”
Countertops have one of the biggest visual impacts on a space, yet many refurbishing options are either too time consuming to complete or not financially feasible. A relatively inexpensive and quick way to resurface countertops is to install small peel and stick tiles on top of the existing surface.
Hard, dense, and solid, porcelain is resistant to most heavy stresses and can even be used in commercial environments. Be aware, though, that the hardness of porcelain can make it slightly more brittle than standard tiles, which means they can be more susceptible to cracking.
Cost: It costs more to manufacture porcelain tile. This means a higher price compared to ceramic tile. It's long-term durability, however, offers savings over time.
If your tile countertop is seriously dated, paint or decals may not be enough to help it. But you still don't have to rip it out and replace it. Instead, use self-leveling concrete to cover the entire surface and create a smooth, modern look for your countertop.
Granite is a good choice for kitchen countertops; using tile rather than solid granite cuts the expense drastically. Make sure tiles are spaced closely to minimize grout staining; you can use tinted grout to achieve a more seamless look as well. Both the tile and the grout should be properly sealed.
The common thickness of porcelain slabs is around ¼ inch (6-mm) to ½ inch (12-mm). Likewise, the largest possible slab size you can buy is around 10 feet x 5 feet. Aside from kitchen countertops, if you plan to use a material for floor and wall remodeling, buying a large size of granite or quartz can come quite costly.
Porcelain counters typically cost from $45 to $65 per square foot. For comparison sake, granite is usually $35 to $150 per square foot. A porcelain slab kitchen countertop may be less expensive if porcelain is used. Porcelain cost is one of the best features of this wonderful material.
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Kitchen Countertops
Ceramic tile is impervious to heat and water, and when properly glazed, it won't stain. Proper sealant helps ensure grout won't discolor or stain, and large-format tiles cover a lot of area with minimal grout lines. Still most popular out west, ceramic tile is a solid option worth a second look.
Tile adheres most effectively to construction or exterior-grade plywood that is cut to fit your countertop. For added protection, top the plywood with a sheet of plastic that serves as a moisture barrier and a cement board top layer.
For Tile. The standard requirement for ceramic tile or natural stone tile installations is 3/4-inch plywood under a 1/4-inch concrete or fiberboard. Tile counter tops require the thickest types of plywood in comparison to all other types of finish materials.
No, bullnose tile isn't necessarily outdated. In many home designs, it could be the best choice for achieving a finished tile look. However, it's not the only option for tile projects these days, so you'll want to think about whether bullnose really fits your style.
Subway tile is by definition a rectangular, thick, low-fired, glazed ceramic tile, traditionally 3" by 6", though it comes in a variety of sizes for home use.
Use a Caulked Edge (No Transition)
Some tile types don't offer a bullnose because a bullnose is not necessary. Glass tiles, tumbled stone varieties, and porcelain tiles have naturally finished edge. They do not need a separate edge piece to create a polished look. Simply install up to the edge and caulk.
Porcelain floor tiles are not just a source of beauty and enjoyment, though that is what they do best! They are also an investment in the value of your home.