A Ceramic Tile Counter Top in the Kitchen

The latest trend in kitchen counter tops or worktops, as they are also called, is to cover them in ceramic tiles. The ceramic tiles are the same ones that go on your floor or walls. individuals no longer care for the old MDF plastic coated worktops, pretty as they seemed to be until not so long ago. They are now so old-fashioned, darling! You simply must have a ceramic tile counter top in the kitchen.

There is such a broad assortment of ceramic tiles as well. There are thousands of styles of tiles in dozens of materials. There are stone, slate, ceramic and quarry tiles to name but a few of the materials used to make tiles. However, most individuals go for the ceramic tiles for their counter top, because there is more choice and they are not so expensive.

Some of the designs obtainable for a tiled counter top are plain, riven, patterned, mosaic, floral, rustic, country or artistic, but really, the world is your oyster when it comes to selecting ceramic tiles. They are also available in different sizes, but the most common are: 25 mm (one inch); 150 mm (six inches); 225 mm (nine inches) and 300 mm (one foot).

As you probably already know from your preceding experience with tiling the kitchen and bathroom, ceramic tiles are very versatile. They can be cut or snapped fairly easily, once you get the hang of it and they are easily bedded down although some tilers would rather one method and others another.

In Europe tiles are usually laid on lines of adhesive which have been laid down with an adhesive applicator. This technique uses approximately half the adhesive you would normally use. In Asia they tend to lay tiles on a full bed of cement. It does not matter which technique you use for walls or your counter top as the tiles will not be subject to any weight.

A ceramic tile counter top in the kitchen is an outstanding idea because there is lots of variety, they are simple to lay, hard-wearing and heat-resistant. It is a surprise that they did not catch on a long time ago.

Some individuals count the ceramic tiles above the work surface as part of the counter top although it is not really. It is part of the wall tiling. Anyway, choose your tiles carefully, because you will be seeing them often. A lot of people choose to have an off-white splashback with a number of picture tiles placed at random but with a panel of six or eight tiles making a fresco in the centre. A granite counter top cut neatly around your hob and sink looks great. This style works best if you have a built-in sink and cooker.

Black is too harsh for many, so they might pick a lighter, say, marbled tile. This looks great too. It is all a matter of getting the colours of the splashback and the counter top co-ordinated well, but it is not hard. You could also have a panel in the ceramic tile counter top. If you are stuck for ideas, just walk around a home improvement centre and look at their show kitchens. What they have in MDF, you can do in ceramic tiles.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on quite a few subjects, but is at present concerned solid fuel cookers. If you would like to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at Electric Freestanding Cooker.