Flooring for countertops (granite, laminate, counter top, painted)

[VegasGrace]

I'm building my own countertops and cabinets and wondered how it would look to use flooring...tiles. I thought grout lines might not fare well but HGTV has houses that have them from time to time.

Anyone ever use tiles to make your countertop? Is the grout hard to keep clean?

Thanks.

[texdav]

I have sen them many times. Most in a black color with a thin black grout line.

[loves2read]

people have used tiles for decades for countertops--usually the smaller, glazed ones--
some people use granite tiles vs slab granite for their kitchens because those tiles are less expensive and they can DIY vs cutting slab granite
you just need to make sure that you do it level and don't have the countertops too high because of the backer board and tile on top of cabinets...
you have to have a grout line--can't set them too close---saw some people using nails as spacers--put them in upright vs the plastic spacers that are normally used
make sure you use a grout that is sanded and I think you can get grout now that has sealer in it but would definitely make sure I used the best grout and then sealed it---countertops get lots of abuse and you don't want unsanitary residues from cooking/eating

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by VegasGrace

I'm building my own countertops and cabinets and wondered how it would look to use flooring...tiles. I thought grout lines might not fare well but HGTV has houses that have them from time to time.

Anyone ever use tiles to make your countertop? Is the grout hard to keep clean?

Thanks.

They look horrible. They look about as cheap as painted cabinets. That is no opinion, that is a fact. Dont put much faith in what you hear on HGTV, it's all done for entertainment. In the real world life is not all made in TV land.

If you want to make that mistake I can only offer one piece of valuble advice. Your cabinets are 24" deep, your countertop is 25" deep. If you use 12" tiles then you will have a 1" sliver left to cut which looks real stupid. Instead search for 13" tiles then you will be cutting off a 1" sliver in the back.

If you must do this then at least go with an expensive tile. Go for marble or granite squares. If you use those 4x4 squares then you will be going backwards in a time machine to the 1960s.

Yes the grout is impossible to keep clean. Even if you use a grout sealer. You will be filing out that grout every 6 months.

Why not just go with the pre-made laminate tops? Yes they are cheap and out of style but geez.....tile is just not acceptable.

[poconoproud]

I agree with Desertsun that if you do it, use the larger, upgraded tiles as he suggested. Slate would be beautiful...

I think this application looks best when it continues into a back-splash, using some of the same and comlimentary tiles, and with a grout color that is not contrasting, try to match the colors in the tile well, and seal with a high-quality sealer.

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by poconoproud

I agree with Desertsun that if you do it, use the larger, upgraded tiles as he suggested. Slate would be beautiful...

I think this application looks best when it continues into a back-splash, using some of the same and comlimentary tiles, and with a grout color that is not contrasting, try to match the colors in the tile well, and seal with a high-quality sealer.

I did not mention the slate because most people like to look at it but hate to have it. I thought about doing slate floors in my own place till a fellow Designer mentioned to me that couches, tables and chairs will forever rock. Slate is very uneven and no chair or table will ever stand flat.

Nice looking stuff though.

[poconoproud]

yeah, you are right... again

[misplaced1]

I rent a house with tiles set for the bathroom counter. I used to love tiles and wanted them but they are harder to clean and the grout cracks out. I'd never have them in my own house.

Have you given any thought to wood counter tops? Counter Tops - Kitchen Countertops - Recycled Countertops: Elmwood Reclaimed Timber has a few examples. I am leaning toward wood.

[jhlcomp]

Rule #1 - do not use use tile flooring for countertops - it looks just like what it is and does not look attractive and, besides, the grout will not stay clean after a while. People do this with granite tiles and try to pass off their kitchen as having granite countertops - not so.

Try to stay away from tiles on countertops - which (the non-flooring type) are used frequently, but don't tend to pass the test of time and wear.

There are so many products available. Have you thought about polished and/or stained cement? Wood? - we have granite that we love. Silestone is also lovely.

[desertsun41]

Originally Posted by jhlcomp

Rule #1 - do not use use tile flooring for countertops - it looks just like what it is and does not look attractive and, besides, the grout will not stay clean after a while. People do this with granite tiles and try to pass off their kitchen as having granite countertops - not so.

Try to stay away from tiles on countertops - which (the non-flooring type) are used frequently, but don't tend to pass the test of time and wear.

There are so many products available. Have you thought about polished and/or stained cement? Wood? - we have granite that we love. Silestone is also lovely.

I agree with everything you said. Probably because you are rght.