Considering a tiled countertop? We’re here to help.

The worktop is an essential part of any kitchen, and it can play a big part in making or breaking the aesthetic of a room too.

With so many options out there, it can be hard to know which surface is right for you.

So, to help you along in the decision process, we’re going to run through the pros and cons of a tiled kitchen worktop – just one of the options available.

The tiled work surface has recently made a comeback from the 80s along with the rustic, country cottage trend, complete with a more sophisticated edge.

Now more than ever is a great time to consider a kitchen worktop with tiles. Here’s everything you need to know...

Pros

Endless design choices

The power of HD printing technology means both ceramic and porcelain tiles come in an array of patterns and colours.

Choices for your kitchen worktop aren’t just limited to wood and stone; instead, with a tiled countertop the possibilities are endless.

You could even match your tiles with the floor or wall.

Choose one colour and let the texture of the tiles do all the talking, or turn things up a notch by experimenting with a statement look.

Mosaics are great for creating your own unique design, whilst kitchen worktops with patchwork tiles offer a stylish Moroccan influence. The choice is yours!

Credit: Apartment Therapy

Budget-friendly

Installing marble or granite in a kitchen can come with a heavy price tag that some budgets won’t allow. The perks of having a tiled worktop means you can get the quality and longevity of a high-quality countertop at a fraction of the cost. From hard wearing porcelain to designer ceramics, installing a tiled kitchen worktop is likely to be a more cost-effective option.

Unlike some premium kitchen surfaces, you won’t need costly cleaning products either, and if you happen to damage a tile or two by mistake, then they can easily be replaced.

Fully functional

First and foremost, a kitchen worktop needs to be practical. The kitchen sees a lot of action, so you need a surface that’s up to the job as well as looking great too.

Kitchen worktops made with tiles provide a functional and affordable option for busy homes.

Hot pots and pans won’t be a problem with heat-resistant tiles and they’re less likely to stain from food and grease, too.

Credit: Apartment Therapy

Easy to install

If you’re a dab hand at tiling, then installing a tiled countertop will be a breeze. The nature of tiling means to can customise the layout to fit the specific shape and size of your worktop – your very own DIY bespoke surface, if you will.

Our top tip for tiling a kitchen worktop is to use epoxy or acrylic grout, which offers more protection from staining than other types of grout.

Cons

Risk of cracks

As with all tiles, there’s always a risk of cracks and breakages. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are hard wearing and made to withstand areas with lots of footfall. That said, when used on a work surface, tiles become at risk from heavy duty kitchenware, such as cast iron pots and pans. A dropped pan in the wrong place could leave you with unwanted damage on your kitchen worktop.

When it comes to tiles, porcelain is the most durable of the two, and if cracks do appear, you can replace them for a ‘good as new’ finish.

Problems with grout

Grout lines, wherever you are in the home, can be tricky to keep spick and span. Even more so in a busy kitchen where too often food and drink end up on your work surface. Staying on top of spillages means permanent staining is less likely to happen and keeps inevitable resealing of your grout to a minimum. Opting for large format tiles on your kitchen worktop will reduce the number of grout joints you need to contend with and makes for easier installation.

Ensuring your grout is installed evenly and with a stain resistant product will help you keep on top of things later down the line, too.