Kitchen Tile Ideas

Kitchen countertops can be made of various materials like granite, laminate, and ceramic tiles. The ceramic tile variants are becoming increasingly popular,as they give an elegant look similar to that of granite. Additionally, they are much cheaper and it is easier to transport them as compared to granite. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.

Advantages
Ceramic tiles are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and finishes. You can choose ones that complement the design and color of the kitchen cabinets. These countertops make the design practical and versatile. They are easy to install and do not require any professional help. They are available in many designs and motifs providing an artistic look to the room. Besides possessing robustness and strength, they are available in a wide variety of textures and shades. There are two types of textured tiles available, viz. tactile and visual.

The tactile texture can be felt with hands; while on the other hand, the visual-textured tiles do have a design on them, but have a smooth texture. The glazed ones are the most common. Hand-painted tiles are also available, and they give a rustic, countryside look to the kitchen. The grout that fixes them together is available in various colors to match the color of the tiles. They are highly durable and help you maintain a customized style for your kitchen. These countertops are anti-allergenic and are suitable for people who suffer from allergic reactions.

Limitations
The biggest disadvantage is that it is quite difficult to clean the grout applied between two tiles. The tiles must be installed with utmost care, without any gaps in the grout joints. Water seeps through the cracks in the grout joint as a result of which, molds and mildew may develop. The grout joint is not resistant to cracks and stains, unlike the ceramic tiles. However, epoxy grout is available these days, which is resistant to cracks and also easy to clean. If you have not installed the epoxy grout and still are struggling with the conventional one, the best way to clean it, is to use a toothbrush and a mild detergent to clean the uneven surfaces of the grout. You must clean them with a non-oil based cleaner. It is advisable that you hire a professional for installation of the countertop with the conventional grout, in order to avoid any cracks. Another limitation is that the tiles may chip off and break at times. The grout joints may also get discolored over time. Sometimes, the countertops require re-grouting if the grouting is chipped or has developed molds and mildew on it.