![]() The jury is still out on whether tiled kitchen countertops are a practical choice. What tile works best on a kitchen countertop? So maybe the solution for making this trend more kitchen friendly is the type of tile used and grout-to-tile ratio. ![]() And Glenn's right, the products I was using to try to bring the yellowing grout back to its once bright white, were definitely not the kind of products that should go anywhere near food. It just never felt clean enough for a space that's so heavily used. Leave tile for the floor and walls, but if you're sold, go for a water-resistant, stain-proof grout in a dark color, choose flat-profile tile so that debris doesn't catch, and remember that the smaller the tile, the more grout there will be.' Individual tiles can be replaced but do bear this in mind before you make your choice.'Īnd our Global Editor in Chief Lucy Searle, agrees 'While I love the texture and color play possibilities of tile countertops, they are by no means practical, with the grout lines catching debris and staining easily. As well as requiring regular maintenance and upkeep, tile finishes can also chip more easily than composite countertops. Even with stain-repellent products the porous nature of grout makes it susceptible to collecting dirt and bacteria so it’s even more vital to clean your kitchen tiles thoroughly. 'Tile surfaces will need far more maintenance than standard countertops due to the amount of grout that’s used. 'As with most alternative solutions and trends there are downsides,' explains Ben Burbidge. I also like stone countertops and while they too can have their issues of porosity, for me stone countertops or today's high-tech synthetic stones are the preferred material for countertops,' concludes Glenn. While scratches can easily happen on a wood surface the ability to refinish is an asset. 'If one is seeking a more rustic kitchen look, I would be inclined to consider using wood with a polyurethane finish. While tile can be made of low-tech and high-tech materials, they have relatively thin and often brittle surfaces that may not survive pots or pans, accidental dropping of items, etc. You cannot really clean and keep clean a tile surface that has grout between tiles – the grout will not only stain but bacteria will thrive and grow in this porous environment. 'Oh let me count the ways tile countertops don’t do it for me! One thing tiles can have over other materials for a countertop is the initial cost, however, I prefer materials that will endure over time.' he says. And don't even get him started on cleaning grout. Tiles – no matter what type – are an impractical choice for kitchen countertops, he says. (Image credit: designer Glenn Gissler (opens in new tab) is of the opposite opinion.
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