Tile on kitchen counter top?
by
Rebecca
+6
Does tile on a kitchen counter top look dated? I know solid surface tops are the latest, greatest thing but they are so expensive. I was considering tile as an alternative. I have actually seen several shows on HGTV lately that have shown "retro" kitchens with light colored tile and dark grout. What do you think? Thanks, Rebecca
8 answers
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I grew up with a tile kitchen top and it is terrible on maintenance. Grout must be kept clean and even with sealing the grout, it is still hard. Now I have seen giant granite tiles at places like Floor and Decor and if you use the new grouting system that has levels, you can make extremely small grout lines. If your kitchen is not too big, go to some granite yards and see if they have leftovers to fit your kitchen. I found 2 slabs of granite big enough for each of my bathrooms and hired a fabricator to put in the sinks. Total cost for 2 bathrooms was under $400.
Dee
on Jul 14, 2014
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17 years ago I did a remodel in our kitchen and used tile and regretted it every day with 4 kids. It looked awesome for about a month and then the stains and maintenance set in. Countertop is not that expensive at Lowe's or Home depot and the choices are really great. I have granite for island and cooktop area and can tell you that it is absolutely beautiful but high maintenance and to my sadness someone leaned against the cooktop area and cracked the granite! If anything, I would paint the countertops and go from there but I would get estimates for replacing countertop-laminate is still a great option for kitchens and I find nothing wrong with them. hope this helps.
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Jul 14, 2014
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As a medical professional, I am always concerned with the contamination grout can allow. Even with scrubbing with anti-bacterials, those small spaces around and in the grout an harbor tons of unsafe gunk. This is much more of a concern with kids. Avoiding the Home Depots and Lowes, and going straight to the stone yards can cut out so much of the expense. Good luck.
Sally
on Jul 15, 2014
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My husband is a pediatrician and he had no concerns about putting tile countertops in our 1910 bungalow. He and his dad installed them - bought the retro looking white and black tile at Lowe's and used black grout. Had them for a year with no problems. We LOVE them!
Shelley Ellis
on Jul 15, 2014
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Had tile countertop in my bathroom, too hard to keep clean switched to solid surface
266335
on Jul 15, 2014
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??? One of the big rages today is concrete counters...concrete is akin to grout? Tile is actually a baked surface and if you seal the grout, easy to clean. The problem is a lot of people use a silicone grout. I would prefer a solid surface, but even the naturals like granite are porous...and you have to seal it! Just make sure you get all the facts about the choices before you make a decision.
Jeanette S
on Jul 15, 2014
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You can get granite tiles, and if they have honed edges, butt them together without grout. You will still have to seal the stone every now and then.
Darla
on Jul 17, 2014
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Thanks for all the input. I have tile on a bathroom counter top and love it. I have done some research on grout and would definitely use an epoxy. I was more concerned about it looking dated when we try to sell.
Rebecca
on Jul 17, 2014
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