Tiles have been used for years to create durable, user friendly and attractive surfaces in all areas of the home. A tile countertop may not first come to mind when designing or updating a kitchen or bathroom, but tile counters can be an inexpensive or interesting option for those looking for a choice.
Materials Used in a Tile Counter
Any tile that is rated for floor use can be used easily on a kitchen counter. This can include granite or marble tiles for those who want the look of natural stone, but cannot afford the expense of a slab, as well as porcelain, ceramic and even some types of glass. Bathroom counters can use nearly any type of tile at all, as they tend to get less wear than kitchen counters do.
Beware of using ceramic tiles with a green glaze on a kitchen counter, however, as the copper used to make the glaze can interact with acids, such as lemon juice or tomato sauce, and may discolor over time. If a green tile is desired, be sure to ask if the manufacturer uses copper or other minerals in their glazes, and if they have a rating for counter use for their glazes.
Designing a Ceramic Tile Counter
Tile counters done in a ceramic tile make sense for a few options. They can be an inexpensive option for a bathroom counter, if done in either the floor or wall tile, or they can add a design element to the room. Ceramic counters made of heavy, Mexican style tiles can add appeal to many art tile designs, while kitchen counters tiled in multi-color ceramic tiles, can continue the design onto the backsplash, enhancing and enlarging the design.
If using a console, or open style sink in the bathroom, try tiling the face of it, adding decorative tiles as cut ins or a border to enhance the look, and then use the field tile on the counter itself, going back to the decorative tile again for the backsplash or to frame the mirror. This look can be mirrored across the room, by tiling the surround of a tub, including its face and surface with the same design.
The Elements of a Tile Counter
Any tile counter in a wet area will need to use a drop in, or surface mounted sink, to cover the cut edges of the tiles. To hide the edges of the tile on front of the counter, some type of transition strip will be needed as well. This can be accomplished by using a bullnose tile of the same material, and laying it either on the front or top edge of the counter, or using a type of molding. A “V-tile” cap is molding specifically designed to edge a counter, and give a finished appearance, but any chairrail molding, or pencil molding can be used as well, if care is taken with its placement.
Try using a contrasting color on the bullnose or molding, to help border the counter and give more interest to the design. If using stone, consider using a half round molding in a solid color, around the edge as a finished piece, to help add the appearance of thickness to the counter.
Metal edging or strips can be used to transition the tile into the wood of the counter as well, if using a metallic or glass tile, to help give a modern appearance. These strips are normally used as floor transitions, and most tile retailers will sell them in a variety of finishes.
A decorative wooden molding or edge can always be used on the front of the counter, with the tile finishing straight into it, if no tile moldings or bullnose pieces are available. The wood can be stained the color of the vanity, or painted to match the wood trim in the rest of the room for a decorative look.
Be sure to use caulk wherever the grout meets a 90 degree angle, to help keep it from cracking, as well as around the edges of the sink to help prevent leaks. Consider using a grout additive, like Tec’s Grout Boost to help impede staining of grout lines, and to keep the counter looking new, longer.
In kitchens, try to use straight edged tiles that can be placed close together to minimize the use of grout as much as possible. Use the tiles to decorate and enhance any bathroom or kitchen design, and have the counter become a seamless part of the style.
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