Tiling kitchen worktop

bruciebounus · 4 July 2012 at 1:55PM

To cut a long story short, I have decided to put tiled worktops into my kitchen.

I know a lot of people aren't keen on them, but I like the look. I am on a budget, so would like some advice on suitable products.

Can I use any type of tile, e.g wall or floor, and can they be any finish, do they need to be glazed etc and does the material matter?

Many thanks

cyclonebri1 · 4 July 2012 at 2:28PM

To be blunt;

Bad idea, the grouting will be a constant source of stain and bacteria concern plus;

Some tiles have a glaze that is toxic and should not be used on food preparation surfaces, be careful.

cddc · 4 July 2012 at 2:43PM

Most people use mosaics or 10x10cm tiles but large porcelain glazed or unglazed would be just as good.

The days of glaze with lead in have long gone but I would use something that is floor suitable as they have tougher glazes and are more scrach resistant.

Use epoxy grouting which is both stain and mould resistant, a pig to work with though products such as BAL Easypoxy are better to work with than those of old.

Tiles make perfectly good worksufaces, though they are rather out of fashion at the moment.

southcoastrgi · 4 July 2012 at 2:45PM

totally agree with cyclonebri1 & to use tiles you will still need something to put them on & as i guess it's gonna be timber you will need flexible adhesive & grout both of these is more expensive, if you have limited funds just get cheap work tops.