I would be afraid a typical tiled counter - white tiles large grout that they did in the 80's - would look dated. But if you used something unique that would be a different story. Don't know what style you are going for, but check out this cute tiled counter with hexagon tiles. I would love to do this - I just can't get hubby to agree.{{gwi:1578547}}

Or what about or some cool decorative tiles. I love these painted cement/encaustic tiles (see link) and am brainstorming on how to incorporate them into my kitchen. I don't know how you would do the edges, and don't know about upkeep but they sure are gorgeous. And if you minimized the grout lines that would make the grout easier to upkeep.

I am pretty sure the price of doing a tiled counter is WAY better than most other surfaces. That's why I have been giving it a lot of thought....

Here is a link that might be useful: Cement cuban tiles

Yeah, we started considering the tile because we could not afford much right now but I have to do something. The counter that is there from when we moved in is this nasty flat brown board material. Don't even know what it is but it is very thin and impossible to clean. It always looks dirty! Thank for the pic. I was picturing larger sized tiles in my head but I may look at something smaller like this instead.

we had a 6 by 6 inch porcelain tile counter in my old kitchen. it was really pretty....looked like tumbled marble. EVERYONE always commented on how nice and different it was.

i didn't have a problem keeping the tile or grout clean. i do think you have to consider what type of cook/cleaner you are! i am one to clean the counters after every meal and don't let stuff sit out on the counters for too long. some times cleaning took a bit longer when you want to give the grout special attentions, but generally speaking, i'd just spray it down with 409 and wipe. i do think they make grout now that is pre sealed before install, but don't quote me on this!!!!!

i now have granite and do find it easier to wipe down without the worries of grout lines, but by no means, did i feel like my old counters were hard to clean.....

also, our tiles were randomly laid and they varied from cream to darker brown tiles so we went with a tan grout which helps. i'm sure white grout would be harder to keep clean.......i'll look through my photos to see if i can find one and get back to you!!!!

also, take a look at granite tiles. they come in 12 by 12 inches pieces and 24 by 24 inch pieces. i have a tile shop in my area that has a lot of kitchen displays with granite tiles and i really like the look......good luck!!!!!

My BIL did granite tiles in his kitchen in California and they look really nice. Personally, I wouldn't do it just because tile isn't great for rolling dough and pastries, but that's probably not a major concern for most.

here's a pic of my old kitchen with tile counters.....

{{gwi:1578548}}

We used granite tiles. I do not find the grout difficult to clean. The grout lines are very small and the grout is epoxy grout. The tiles, of course, just wipe clean. The grout I do specifically clean whenever I feel the need, but it isn't difficult or too time consuming. Our tile is a small grained granite with a pretty consistent grey color, so we chose a grey grout to minimize the look of the seams. I use a marble board to roll out dough (just set it on top of the counter) and don't find this too inconvenient. We did tile because we wanted the old fashioned grey granite look and found tiles in that color. Also, the granite slab estimates in our area (rural) were way too high and the tile was affordable for us. I am quite happy with it. I don't seem to have a close up out on photobucket, but here is a shot from above. Hope this helps.

Here's an old picture of our through-body rectified 12" porcelain tile counter with 1/8" black epoxy grout and Schluter trim. Those are 30" deep counters, so that's 2.5 tiles deep. (We thought the 18" tiles and 1/16" grout would be too hard for us DIY-ers) Please don't look too hard at our still-unfinished kitchen! (I'll decide on a backsplash one of these days....)

Most folks think we have slate counters, which is exactly the look we wanted without using natural slate (didn't want the work of sealing and cleaning of real stone). And I LOVE being able to put hot, hot pots & pans wherever I want (and I do quite frequently).

Cleaning is easier than other counters, IMHO. The epoxy grout is impervious - a bit difficult to work with but worth it and when dry, does not absorb bacteria that regular grout (and any natural stone counters such as granite) might hide.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful:

Thanks to everyone for all the comments and pictures. I'm liking the tile idea more and more!