Red Deer Flooring Services: Pros and Cons of Tile Countertops

If your countertops have seen better days, it may be time to find Red Deer home repair services. Countertops are the focal point of kitchens and can even boost your property value, so replacing old or damaged counters is an excellent investment. You can get countertops in a variety of materials, but ceramic or porcelain tile is one of the most popular. Of course, before you decide if the tile is right for you, you must look at all the pros and cons.

Grout May Stain

Grout keeps tiles in place and is visible after installation. When dry, grout has a rough texture that’s prone to catching dust, food particles and even bacteria. Since bacteria in a kitchen can cause illness, you must pay special attention to your countertop’s cleanliness if you choose tile.

Additionally, grout can stain over time. The dark colouration may make your kitchen look dirty even when you’ve just cleaned it. To prevent staining, wipe up spills as quickly as possible and scrub the grout regularly. The one upside is that the tile itself is naturally sealed, so there’s no risk of staining the ceramic or porcelain.

Porcelain Can Chip

If you accidentally drop something heavy on your tile, it may chip. Since patterns are only printed on the surface of porcelain and ceramic, the white underneath will be exposed. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to repair the chip. Even if you glue the pieces back into place, the edges will be easily visible. The only way to truly “repair” a tile countertop is to replace the damaged tiles.

Cleaning Grout Is a Chore

If you want to keep your grout looking nice, you’ll have to get out the scrubbing brush. Look for something with stiff bristles, and don’t forget to use a cleaning solution.

In contrast, the tiles themselves are easy to clean. In most instances, you can just wipe them down with a damp cloth. Most household cleaners are enough to eliminate any lingering germs.

One way to make grout cleaning easier is to seal it. The seal creates a barrier between the grout and dirt, preventing stains.

Tiles Are Easy To Replace

If your countertop gets chipped, replacing the damaged tile is relatively easy and inexpensive. A professional can remove the affected tiles and install new ones, making the counter look as good as new. In contrast, excessive damage on a stone countertop requires replacing the whole thing, as they’re usually cut in one slab.

Ceramic Is Heat-Resistant

Since ceramic and porcelain are fired in kilns, they’re naturally resistant to high temperatures. That means you can safely put a hot pot on the counter without worrying about burning, cracking or otherwise damaging it. 

Tiles Come in All Shapes, Sizes and Colours

You can find tile in nearly any colour you can imagine. You can even get prints or artwork for a truly unique aesthetic. You also have your pick of size and even shape, though most people stick with the traditional square since it’s easiest to use. You can even mix and match colours and shapes in intriguing patterns.

Additionally, tile comes in a range of prices, allowing you to create a fantastic countertop on a budget. Since you can mix and match tiles, you can use lower-cost tiles for most of the space with more expensive options such as accents.

If you’re looking to install a tile countertop, you need a handyman in Red Deer. Fortunately, the team at Handyman Connection is ready to help. We can also assist with other home improvement projects, such as flooring, electrical wiring and deck building. To get your estimate, contact us online or give us a call today.