Tile countertops

12 years ago

Counters have stumped us, and now suddenly we're considering tile, which is clearly not a popular choice right now. (I've lived with tile counters before, and know they do have their drawbacks...)

But we know we can DIY it (have bathroom tile experience) and the cost is such that if we hate it, it doesn't have to be a forever feature.

If we go for it, I'd love to mimic a vintage 20s/30s black and white tile look. Any inspiration or sources, cautions or suggestions?

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lathyrus

11 years ago

Update: we did it, or at least 3/4 of it... White porcelain hex tile, sandless grout, red oak edging, diy install with some imperfections. But: total cost for materials, including plywood underlayment, was $150. Quotes for quartz were $2000. Other than price, I don't know what I think of the tile yet or how long we'll keep it. Still, progress.

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Comments (10)

menopers
12 years ago
I would go with wood. Beautiful, safer and healthy.
powermuffin
12 years ago
I just put in tile countertops and love them. I also have wood counters on the island. Of the two, the tile is much more durable. I also have no issues with grout, but then I have had tile in other homes and never had issues with grout. I wish we could have had a more vintage look with our tile, but my husband was not on board for that.

So I say go for it. If you google vintage tile kitchens, you will find many examples. Also look on Houzz and Retrorenovation.com.
Diane
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plllog
12 years ago
I love my new tile countertops. The quality of the installation can make a big difference. There are things to know about how to keep the tile from cracking during installation, and just loads of stuff I've heard from tilesetters, but don't know the details of. You might find thisbook interesting. Educate yourselves, then go for it!
debrak2008
12 years ago
Check out this thread. Many of the photos are no longer available but continue to scroll down and you will find enough pics to make it worth the trip.

Here is a link that might be useful: Design around this: 1920's kitchen
Fori
12 years ago
I'm gonna do it. I love the vintage counters with stripes and stuff. (I won't be doing that because it would be weird in my house, but I love them.)
gyr_falcon
11 years ago
When you finish, lathyrus, I would love to see some photos!
mudhouse
11 years ago
Me too, please post some photos when you can!
lathyrus
11 years ago
Will do. Maybe later this weekend.
PRO
StarCraft Custom Builders
11 years ago
Tile is an excellent choice. It is reasonably "green", extremely durable, and, if care is taken, costs no more than a quality laminate countertop that will not last nearly as long.

Some caveats, however.

Good installation is the key, and unless you are very skilled at setting tile, let the pros do it.

Be careful of the edge of the countertop. Standard tile mastic or thinset is not strong enough to hold tiles on the edge where they get bumped a lot. The edge tiles need a stronger bond. We like Powergrab as the mastic for anyplace a strong bond is required. (Pro tile setters are going to go crazy when they read this -- but, then, we are not your conventional remodelers.).

Use the newer formulations of urethane (fairly easy to use) or epoxy (fairly difficult to use) grouts that do not stain in favor of the old cement-based grouts that do.

When my boss (spelled W I F E) insisted that our kitchen be updated (again), I choose two coordinating tiles for my own counter tops and backsplashes. After three years they still look like new.

For more information on kitchen countertop choices, the pros and cons of each, and their relative environmental impact, see our article: New & Traditional Countertop Choices.