A tile countertop is strong, durable, and low-maintenance. Resistant to water and heat and impervious to most food spills, ceramic tile is a hard-wearing and functional kitchen surface. Available in thousands of colours, shapes, sizes and patterns, they allow a great scope for creativity. A hobbyist can tackle tiling a countertop, but make sure the surface is level, use a suitable grout and waterproof sealer, and reapply the sealer every six months. Remember that all unglazed tiles must also be sealed. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a tiled kitchen countertop.

Advantages

o Colorful mosaic tiles or mosaics create a great decorative impact in a kitchen and provide a slight relief to white and stainless steel cabinet extensions.

o Tiles are relatively cheap and easy to lay.

o A tiled countertop is strong.

o It can be easily replaced if you accidentally break one of the tiles.

o You can easily match your kitchen countertop to the rest of your kitchen wall.

o It will look great if you put a wood profile border instead of a regular tile border.

Disadvantages

o It will not be completely flat and therefore will not work effectively on its own as a kneading surface.

o If the grout is not flush with the tiles, dirt will collect in the cracks. Regularly clean with a small brush to prevent staining.

o Tiles can chip, so buy extra in case you need to replace any at a later date. (Note: Countertop needs a thicker tile grade than a wall)

o It will need to be precisely cut and shaped to fit around pipes and sinks.