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Tile Counters Break up the Monotony |
 If your kitchen needs a quick makeover but you can't
afford to make major renovations with expensive materials, you may want to
think about alternative arrangements. Though all the home design shows on TV
use natural stone (such as granite, marble, and slate) to finish off surfaces,
most of us can't afford such high-end investments. Do you really want to take
out a home equity loan to pay for a kitchen counter? To make countertop your
interior design trendy, you don't have to buy into the trends. Instead, with a
little imagination, you can make old standards look modern and chic. Therefore,
when remodeling your kitchen, it's economical to remember that ceramic tile
countertops never go out of fashion.
Sleek, Clean, and
Cheap
The best thing about tile
counters is that their appearance matches their utility. There's a reason
they're installed in so many bathrooms around the nation: they're non-porous,
heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to wipe clean. Plus, they come in any
shape, size, or color to match any décor. And not only do they retain a
modern look, they do so at a reasonable price. Depending on the dimensions and
materials, most ceramic tile countertops cost around $5-10 per square foot
(more or less depending on quality and quantity, so make sure to measure
precisely before purchasing them). Then, all you have to really invest in is
the installation, but a lot of work can be done on your own. And if you already
have a pre-existing substrate, much of the work is already taken care of.
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Calling for
Reinforcements
Tiling can be a
do-it-yourselfer's dream since it only involves adhering material to a surface
and waiting. Plus, it's so cheap that if you make a mistake it's no big deal.
However, things can get a bit more complicated, especially if you have to build
a new substrate. A lot of steps go into constructing a support system since you
have to work around plumbing, appliances, outlets, pre-existing dimensions, and
everything must still remain level, flush, and watertight. So, if building from
scratch, think about hiring a contractor to do the dirty work. Also, tiling
over an already-installed substrate causes its own dilemmas: sometimes the
areas are too big or not level. And you have to realize that putting another
layer over a surface will raise it slightly, creating interference with sinks
and appliances. Plus, you're going to be dealing with grout work, which can be
a taxing job if you've never done it before. So once again, call for
reinforcements when needed. |
Specialty Designs
The fun part about tile
counters is their diversity. Though they're all fairly inexpensive, easy to
install, and appear sleek and chic, a lot can be done with them in terms of
design. First, they can be placed on any surface to finish the look: walls,
backsplashes, and even flooring. But for the actual counter space, many
homeowners install tile counters in a seamless block style: it's popular,
uniform, and grout lines create an interesting lined design. However, why not
have fun with it. Buy two different colors and make a checkerboard pattern.
Invest in several distinctive shades and break them up into small pieces before
you install: a shattered effect can be a real head-turner. Or maybe if your
contractor is very skilled, they could even create a specific mosaic on the
surface. Either way, these specialty designs take a lot of time and artistic
ability, so make sure to hire someone you trust. If that person happens to be
you, in order to prevent mistakes, make sure to practice on a separate piece of
material or dry-fit them before gluing the overlay to the real thing. |
Tile Counter
Challenges
Of course ceramic tile
countertops aren't absolutely perfect. There's a reason they're inexpensive and
easy to work with. They may be durable in a lot of ways, but they can also chip
or crack if heavy objects are dropped on them (which isn't rare in kitchens).
So it's always a good idea when you buy materials that you invest in some extra
squares in case replacement is needed (get about 5-10% more than you're
planning on using). Also, though they're easy to wipe down, grout will
eventually discolor and need repair: it's an easy thing to do but professionals
are available to help with the cleaning. Plus, they get cold in the winter,
perspire in the summer, and become slippery when wet, so don't be afraid to
warm them up with accessories, cutting boards, or rubber grips. |
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