Ceramic Tile is a great material to be considered for a counter top in any Bathroom space. These tiles can add texture, be integrated with back splashes and are available in many different color palettes. Primarily made from clay and various natural minerals and materials, Ceramic tiles get their strength once exposed to extreme heat. From a bathroom design perspective, this product can be a great fit.
Cost
Ceramic tiles for bathroom counter tops are available in many sizes, shapes, thicknesses, colors, textures, and strengths all at various prices. You can spend as little as $.99 a sq foot to as high as $45.00 a sq foot for designer tiles.
Color/Design
Ceramic tiles are a porous material thereby requiring a sealant or in other words a glaze. A natural glaze application would allow for the tile to gain a hard surface but would also leave the tile with its natural hue. In order for a tile to have a particular color, pigments are then added to the glaze and once fired, become an intentionally colorful tile.
The options truly are endless for tiles with respect to color, texture and style. The difficult part is really deciding which one best fits with your space!
* Glass tiles can be a beautiful addition to your bathroom counter tops as well. Remember that glass tiles are clear with color pigment inside the tile themselves. They change color with light, grout and backing. Durability
With respect to durability, all tiles are ranked using a Roman numeral grading system of I to V. Today the internet and discount tile supply stores are a fantastic option for getting great prices on tiles, but beware that not all packages will be properly labeled to distinguish a strength grade.
In bathroom counters it is vitally important to have a tile with at least a grade III strength rating. With respect to durability, a grade III or higher glazed ceramic tile is an excellent solution for counter tops in any Bathroom for many reasons: It is very strong and can last almost as long as any other counter top surface product on the market today if installed properly and well maintained.
Scratch resistance - Glazed ceramic tiles rank highly among similar materials for scratch resistance.
Strength - Although the strength of glazed ceramic tiles are ranked in grades and can be very strong with respect to wear and scratching, these counter tops can be more susceptible to damage than laminate and solid surface. Very heavy objects could eventually create enough pressure over time to crack tiles and should something heavy fall onto the counter, breakage will most likely occur. It is possible to fix broken tiles, however this process can also damage surrounding tiles so diligence is needed when doing so.
Fire resistance - Glazed ceramic tiles are fire resistant and will not burn or emit toxic fumes.
Water resistance - Glazed ceramic tiles are moisture resistant with an absorption rate of 3% to 7%. If water is left pooling on a ceramic surface for a prolonged period of time, damage can be expected. Proper cleaning and vigilance will keep tiles looking like new.
Maintenance - Cleaning spills quickly and occasionally cleaning the grout can prolong the life of your ceramic tile counter top.
Construction/Installation
It is not necessary to have Ceramic tile counter tops professionally installed, make sure you follow these few rules and you'll be fine.
1. Do your research and seek out credible advice. There are several fantastic websites designed to help you install your ceramic tile counter tops and be sure to visit your local building centers where some will host free lessons on tiling. The more information and advice you can receive the less mistakes may be made therefore saving you money!
2. Choosing a color or style of bathroom counter top tile is an important consideration, but so is your grout! Be sure to get the right grout and don't forget to choose the right grout color as well. Be aware of the look you are trying to achieve and realize that your choice of grout color could dramatically change the overall look of your bathroom counter for better and for worse! Space between your tiles is also something very important to consider. Greater effect and style can be created in something as simple as tile spacing.
3. Another tile to consider installing is un-manufactured tile or hand-made tiles. One very important thing to note about using and installing these tiles is that each tile is generally different. This tile can add rustic beauty to your space but beware of inconsistencies; your end result may not resemble your intention!
Environment/Health
Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice for bathroom counter tops in that they are very easy to clean. These tiles are non-conductive and therefore do not attract dust and dirt. From a green perspective ceramic tiles are ideal. Created from natural ingredients they are not harmful to landfills and post consumer recycled glass is a great option if you are so inclined.
In conclusion, Ceramic tiles are Very sexy and allow for much creativity in your bathroom design. Ceramic tiles are very prevalent in Mexican and Spanish design for a reason. They are durable and versatile and you can incorporate your ceramic tile counter tops into your back splash, match them to your floors; create a great space with unlimited possibilities!
The Oops Factor
Ceramic & Glass counter tops can be a scary bathroom choice due to breakage and maintenance! Although easy to clean, tough on spills, heat resistant and sanitary, these counter tops are problematic for damage! The tiles are also subject to breaking when abused so be careful with heavy items and try to always clean spills quickly to avoid staining your grout. With proper care you can have a great relationship with ceramic tile counter tops in your bathroom for years to come.
Michael Kyle is Co-founder of The Sexy Bathroom.Com and The Sexy Kitchen.com Two great web sites dedicated to Kitchen & Bathroom Design, Planning and Materials as well as a great resource for design photo's and entertaining.
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