Recently, tile kitchen countertops have started to look very modern. There are numerous ideas that can give your kitchen a modern look. Once a kitchen staple in the 70s, 80s and 90s, today's thrifty homeowners see tile as an affordable alternative to more expensive countertop materials like quartz, marble, and granite. Even better, anyone with basic DIY skills can install the tile. So, if you're looking for creative ways to update your cooking space without breaking the bank, take a look at these inspiring tile kitchen countertops. While the idea of tile countertops is sometimes considered outdated, we have seen a revival in recent years, with people looking for a decorative alternative to classic stone, composite, and wood countertops. Whether used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or outdoor kitchens, tile countertops are a great way to bring color, pattern, and texture to a utility space because there are endless designs and configurations.
To see if the tile is right for you, we've rounded up some tile countertop ideas and some expert advice. If you're considering installing tile countertops for your kitchen, there are some practical considerations you need to keep in mind. While they don't require resealing and maintenance like stone countertops, some tiles tend to crack and require regular cleaning to prevent grout stains. Economy tile countertops (ceramic and tile start at just $10 per square foot) are also a great way to get an updated look on the cheap. For example, if you particularly like the look of granite, granite tiles are much cheaper than planks. However, even ceramics and tiles are designed to mimic the look of stone and metal finishes and even the feel of leather and other textiles. For the discerning homeowner, tiled kitchen countertops offer the opportunity to get creative. Consumers may want to work with contractors, installers, or even artisans to create patterns, mosaics, or interesting color or texture combinations to give the look a unique appeal. Despite their low cost, tile countertops are extremely durable, but if cracked, the tiles must be completely removed for replacement.
Homeowners looking to forego a complete countertop replacement can consider laying tile over their existing laminate surface for a low-cost renovation.
- Hexagon Tile Kitchen Countertop Adds Pattern
This retro-inspired kitchen space with Seattle Custom Cabinetry in the Pacific Northwest pairs a hex tile countertop with a subway tile backsplash. The winning combination adds visual interest by adding a contrasting pattern to the predominantly white kitchen. Above the sink area are two vintage style milk glass pendant lights. This collection is a vintage Wedgewood double oven from the 1940s.
- Modern Square Tile Countertop in White
Ditch those straight lines in the kitchen with curved architectural tiles. This will ensure that the floor-to-ceiling tile pattern isn't marred by sharp corners, as seen in this small kitchen from DTILE in the Netherlands. Even small sinks are covered with square tiles. Dove gray grout upgrades the advanced layout.
- Handmade Tiles on a Kitchen Island
Handcrafted square yellow tiles by DHD Architects in New York bring a lovely rustic touch to this vibrant kitchen. Tiles like this are best for countertops that won't see heavy wear and tear.
- Marble Hexagon Tile Countertop
Hexagonal marble tile countertops make a stylish first impression in this Swedish kitchen, featuring Fantastic Frank. The backsplash is an affordable construction grade tile.
- Custom Kitchen Countertop Covered With Baby Blue Tiles
It's your kitchen after all, so it's perfectly okay to be very creative when designing your cooking space. The counters in this custom kitchen are covered in pale blue tiles. A small storage space adds more functionality to this elegant and functional open concept home. The kitchen was designed by DTILE based in the Netherlands.
- Tile Over a Laminate Countertop Using Marble Floor Tile
Laminate countertops can be covered with a few new tiles. Use marble floor tiles to get the job done, with a twist.
- Green Porcelain Tile Kitchen Countertop
Tile is perfect for a hard-working kitchen. This material is made up of different clays and minerals which, when fired, create a very durable surface that is much harder than ceramic. Tile covers the counter and backsplash of this traditional cooking space. Pretty green tiles coordinate perfectly with the copper range hood and butcher block kitchen island.
- Large-Format Tile on Kitchen Countertop
Tiles come in different sizes and shapes. For example, in a cooking space on HGTV by Schluter Systems L.P. in the USA installed large tiles to eliminate the number of grout lines that come with using smaller options.
- Gray Tile Kitchen Countertop
Chocolate brown flat front cabinets and cool gray tiles make this modern kitchen by Dutch company DTILE feel very contemporary. Both features lean against crisp white walls.
- Handcrafted Tiles Give a Modern Kitchen a Rustic Vibe
There is some beautiful key tiles tile on that are 100% handcrafted and hand cut. They add a rustic European flair to the kitchen counter.
- Makeover a Laminate Countertop With Subway Tile
Here's another example of how tiles can be used to transform an old, ugly laminate countertop. The best part? Best of all, the job was done in a single afternoon.
- Yellow and White Retro Kitchen
You might not have guessed that everything about the retro kitchen space is brand new. Some technicians use tile countertops because they complement the kitchen's retro theme. The yellow range is very cold. The checkerboard floor is Marmoleum.