Why Choose Ceramic Tile for Your Countertops
We recently took a trip down to the tropics and stayed in a beautiful house in the mountainous jungle. (It was a great winter getaway to get out of the bitter cold of the DC area.) We were far away from the United States and all of its well developed channels for materials and kitchen accessories and appliances from around the world. This particular location doesn’t have access to all of the same supply chain commodities. Here, things are built with simpler materials and products.
Here they used ceramic tile as a countertop work surface. It’s not exactly as common anymore in the Washington DC region. However, when houses were much less expensive and when the economics of our region were different, only about 20 years ago, ceramic tile countertops were more prevalent.
Here,it does it gets the job done, and is particularly cost effective, especially where granite or solid surface countertops are much less available and much more difficult to procure. Today’s discussion is specifically going to focus on the benefits of using tile as a countertop surface. There are significant Cons, however, to counter balance or work against all of the positive aspects of this material choice, but today we will focus just on the positive elements. Then later in a follow-up log this coming week, we’ll discuss some of those negative tradeoffs.
The kitchen countertops here, used in this kitchen, are much thinner than a typical standard 24 inch cabinet depth. This simple customization and deviation from typical standardized layouts helps the kitchen fit Into a smaller floor plan space, a much better fit, overall. Effectively, they have full use of functional elements of the kitchen, yet have a commensurate amount of avilalable floor space to fit or ergonomically balance the work surface area. When the total overall floor space is abundant, the standard 24 inch depth base cabinet allows for ample room and space to work at the countertop. However, in alternative types of smaller layouts, the ability to customize The cabinet depth helps significantly.
Some of the advantages of ceramic countertops:
- Ceramic tile countertops are dimensionally customizable. By comparison, with granite or solid surface countertops, they have to be factory modified to change to custom dimensions but with ceramic tile countertops, sizes can be easily customized and modified in the field to fit the surface areas and this is particularly helpful with unique dimension surfaces.
- Cost-effective compared to solid surface materials. The labor, for installation, of countertops made with ceramic or stone tile, it’s generally much less expensive than the cost of granite or solid surface countertops. The labor to create these types of countertops can be done right in the field without having to outsource ot procure customized countertops from third parties.
- Easy local availability in most regions, worldwide. Here in Washington, DC, there are a sufficient number of suppliers, but in other areas, where houses are more remote, travel time and distance can be costly whereas ceramic tile can be sourced locally, or delivered, in almost all areas.
- Relatively low tech is required for ceramic tile installation, compared to granite or solid surface countertops. This is not to say that skill is not required to install ceramic tile. In several previous blog articles, we have discussed and looked at several of the types of reasons that skill is required for installation of ceramic tile. However, there is a big difference in the technology required to cut and custom fabricate countertops made with granite and solid surface materials. In comparison, ceramic tile can be installed with a relatively simple setup of tools and equipment.
- Heat resistance. Moderately to hot pans and pots can be placed directly on most ceramic / stone surfaces without significant damage to the surface. In the past, here on our website, we’ve looked at several examples of wood countertops. We’ve also discussed some of the options related to formica countertops. By comparison, wood and or formica countertops are easily damaged by hot pans. Ceramic tile, by comparison, has natural resistance to temperature because it is formed and created through a kiln firing process which renders it largely resistant to heat within generally reasonable ranges.
- Near limitless customizable design patterns and layout possibilities. Unlike natural stone, like granite, which comes with its natural veining and variation that’s in the stone, and unlike solid surface countertops which have a relatively consistent pattern throughout, tile can be arranged in different patterns to add visual interest.
- Easy replacement of individual damaged tiles. When solid surface or granite stone tops are damaged, there are a few options for repair. Generally these options are very expensive and often the entire countertop has to be replaced to really effectively repair damage. By comparison, ceramic tile or stone tile can be replaced in individual pieces. Replacement isn’t always easy and needs to be done with a degree of care, but it’s possible to replace sections without replacing the entirety of the countertop surface. It’s a very good idea for every building owner or homeowner to label and store a set of attic stock type extra materials from the original installation. If our company is the contractor, make sure to talk to us about it and get extras planned, up front, before we start the installation and will give you a box or a portion of tile to keep one hand for the future years to come. Generally the additional cost is minimal and worth every penny.
- Durability against scratches and cuts (depending on specific material). Stone is generally relatively hard and able to resist many different types of typical wear. Ceramic tile is fired in a kiln type process which transforms it into a vitreous type of material which has notable durability and resistance to much of the typical types of surface wear.
- Water and stain resistance (when the grout is properly sealed). Unlike wood countertops, ceramic tile resists water absorption and staining.
Dupont Kitchen & Bath Can Help
As dedicated and local DC metropolitan kitchen and bath builders and installers, we pride ourselves on turning your visions into reality. Your kitchen can reflect your unique style and be designed with personalized aesthetics. It can be a process from creative designs to the realization of your dream space. Specializing in kitchen and bath construction, we bring expertise and skills to every project. If you’re contemplating a renovation, upgrade, or modernization in the local market, we’re happy to be your team. Consult with us, and we can start together on a path to redefine and elevate your DC living experience.
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