Best Tile Types Kitchen Countertops

When renovating or designing a new kitchen, choosing the right countertop material is an important decision. Countertops see a lot of action and need to stand up to daily wear and tear. Tile is an increasingly popular choice for kitchen countertops because of its durability, easy maintenance, and design versatility.

With so many tile types available, it can be tricky to determine which is best for your countertops.

Kitchen Countertop Tile Types

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile ranks among the most popular choices for countertops. Made from finely ground clay, porcelain tile is fired at high temperatures, making it incredibly dense and durable. It resists moisture, stains, and scratches. The non-porous surface makes it easy to clean and sanitize. Porcelain comes in a range of styles from stone and wood looks to vibrant solid colors and patterns.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
• Stain, moisture, and heat resistant
• Easy to clean and sanitize
• Wide variety of colors, textures, and styles

Cons:

• Harder to cut than ceramic tile
• Higher cost than ceramic

Ceramic Tile

The other most popular countertop tile option is ceramic. Also made from clay that's shaped and baked at high heat, ceramic tile comes in a vast range of colors, shapes, textures, and patterns. While not as tough as porcelain, ceramic tile is an affordable, attractive option suitable for most kitchens.

Pros:

• Durable, scratch-resistant surface
• Heat and stain resistant
• Easy to clean
• Most affordable tile option
• Huge selection of styles and designs

Cons:

• Prone to chipping on edges
• Not as strong as porcelain

Stone Tile

For a natural stone look, popular options include granite, marble, slate, and soapstone. Granite is hugely popular for its speckled pattern and durability. Marble offers an elegant, polished look but requires more maintenance. Slate has an earthy, textured appeal, while soapstone has a soft, smoother finish.

Pros:

• Natural beauty and unique patterns
• Withstands heat, scratches, and stains
• Marble and soapstone offer classic elegance

Cons:

• More expensive than ceramic or porcelain
• Marble stains easily and requires sealing
• Natural stone has color variations

Glass Tile

Glass tile makes a gorgeous choice for kitchen backsplashes. The shiny, smooth surface resists moisture and food stains for easy maintenance. Glass tile comes in endless colors, shapes, and designs. Illuminated glass can create a unique focal point. Use caution with glass near heat sources.

Pros:

• Eye-catching, vibrant colors and designs
• Easy to keep clean
• Illuminated options available

Cons:

• Not as durable as ceramic, porcelain, or stone
• Can crack if subjected to extreme temperature changes
• Usually used only for backsplashes, not full countertops

Mosaic Tile

Mosaics use small tiles arranged in decorative patterns, often combining colors and textures. Popular for backsplashes, mosaics create visual interest with less commitment of a full tile countertop. Tiny grout lines require diligent cleaning. Glass, ceramic, porcelain, and stone mosaic tiles are available.

Pros:

• Artistic, one-of-a-kind designs
• Inexpensive way to add flair
• Combines tiles with different colors, textures

Cons:

• Tiny grout lines trap dirt and grime
• Challenging installation
• Not recommended for heavy use countertops

Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Countertop Tiles

Durability and Stain Resistance

Kitchen countertops endure heavy daily use. Durability and stain resistance should be top priorities when selecting tile. Porcelain and ceramic offer the toughest surfaces. Natural stone also holds up well, except for marble which stains easier. Glass tile is better suited to backsplashes. Consider traffic levels and activities when choosing tile. Opt for maximum durability around stoves and sinks.

Style and Design

The style of your kitchen and personal taste should guide tile selection. Sleek, modern designs pair well with solid porcelain or glass tiles. Rustic kitchens look best with stone tiles that have natural pitting and markings. Traditional kitchens can benefit from classic marble tile. Vintage or cottage style kitchens complement ceramic tile designs. There are endless options for colors, textures, and patterns to match your desired aesthetic.

Cost

Budget plays a role in choosing kitchen tiles. Ceramic and mosaic tiles offer the most budget-friendly options starting under $5 per square foot. Porcelain tiles run $7-25 per square foot. Natural stone tiles like granite and marble cost $40-100 per square foot installed. Advanced glass, metal, and recycled tile also sits at the higher end of the price spectrum. Factor in labor, adhesives, and grout when calculating total installation costs.

Ease of Maintenance

Preventing stains and keeping surfaces hygienic are essential for kitchen counters. Non-porous porcelain and glass are the easiest to wipe clean. Stone requires yearly sealing to limit staining. Small mosaic tiles also need vigilant cleaning to avoid grime buildup in grout lines. Opt for tiles with durable glazes that resist scratches and etching from acidic foods. Also consider the effort needed to clean the tile's texture, which can trap soil.

Heat Resistance

Selecting a tile that withstands heat is vital, especially near stoves and ovens. Porcelain is highly heat resistant. Stone and ceramic also hold up well to heat. Glass tiles can crack if subjected to extreme temperature shifts from hot pans. Some porcelain and ceramic tiles come with a heat warning for direct contact with hot pots and pans. Always use trivets and hot pads when setting extremely hot items on any tile countertop.

Most Popular Tiles for Kitchen Countertops

Based on their advantageous characteristics, these tile types rise to the top for kitchen countertops:

Porcelain

Porcelain tile earns its popularity thanks to an extremely durable, easy to clean surface that withstands heavy daily use. From polished modern designs to textured stone looks, porcelain offers style versatility. Colors stay vivid over time since the glazes are baked in.

Granite

Prized for indestructible durability, granite brings timeless elegance with unique natural patterns. The hardest natural stone resists scratches, stains, and heat. Granite requires little maintenance besides yearly sealing.

marble makes a statement. A marble countertop becomes the focal point with its dramatic veining. Although prone to etching and stains, marble countertops bring classic elegance to kitchens.