Can You Use Floor Tiles On Countertops?

Floor tiles are resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. With that said, have you wondered if floor tiles can be used on countertops too? If you want to know if it’s feasible, you’ve come to the right place. We have done our research to come up with the answer for you.

Floor tiles can be used for countertops apart from the usual material like granite, laminate, and concrete. Floor tile, such as porcelain and ceramic, is more affordable than its usual counterparts.

In this post, we will help you decide if you should put floor tiles on your countertops or not. We will also discuss why floor tile is a good choice. Keep on reading to get more information on this matter.

Modern kitchen interior with checkered white and blue tile, Can You Use Floor Tiles On Countertops?

Why Use Floor Tiles On Countertops 

You may have reservations about tilling your countertops because you’re afraid that your kitchen will look dated. However, you have to consider that trends make comebacks.

Although tiles as countertops were popular in the 70s and 80s, you don’t have to worry about your kitchen looking old-fashioned because tiles nowadays come in different modern designs.

Affordability is the best reason for choosing floor tiles over their usual counterparts. Generally, ceramic tiles are cheaper. On average, you can get a square foot of tile for $2 to $30.

Floor tiles are good on countertops for the same reasons you use them on the floor.  Most tiles are easy to maintain. Ceramic tiles are water-resistant. If the finish is applied properly, stains will not be a problem.

Repairs of a damaged tile are also easier than a broken granite countertop because you just need to remove and replace only the broken part.

Tiles are also heat resistant so there are no issues when setting hot pans on them.  These are also easy to install and DIYers can choose from an array of colors, shapes, and finishes. It is easier to cut and polish tiles now that modern tools are available.

With the advantages comes the disadvantage, of course. You have to be careful with chipping. It may break if a heavy object is haphazardly placed or accidentally dropped on top of the counter. Apart from this, you must seal the tile annually to keep the grout from staining.

Overall, floor tiles are a good choice for countertops.

Things To Consider Before Installing Tile Countertops

It was mentioned earlier that floor tiles are cheaper, however, if you contact a professional, installation costs will hurt your budget. The good news is you can do the installation yourself. However, there are reservations about doing a DIY tile countertop installation.

Before jumping on this project, be sure to watch someone perform the job, especially if you’ve never done this before. There are plenty of videos and books to further guide you on the process.

Once you have decided on the style or design of your tile, be sure to lay out the tiles first for a trial run. You don’t want to regret the tiles' arrangement once you have already glued them.

Once you have decided on the style or design of your tile, be sure to lay out the tiles first for a trial run. You don’t want to regret the arrangement of the tiles once you already glued them.

Be sure that the substrate is even or else, your counter will have bulges as well.

Use the correct adhesive. Thinset is for ceramic and natural stones while porcelain requires a different adhesive.

Check out this tile adhesive on Amazon.

How To Maintain Countertops

In any type of countertop, maintenance is always the top priority. Generally, floor tiles as countertops are easy to clean. However, apart from cleaning you have to watch out for other things.

The grout, if made of cement, is porous and can attract bacteria if not properly sealed. Sealing the grout should be done at least once a year.

The good-old vinegar and water solution is good for cleaning tiles. Mix one part vinegar with one part water to create a cleaning agent. This helps remove stains and dirt in the grout area.

You may also use baking soda and a brush to clean the countertop. Leave the baking soda on the tiles for a couple of minutes before scrubbing. This will help loosen stubborn dirt that’s stuck in the grout.

If you decide on stone tiles, be sure to maintain them by sealing them because stone tiles absorb liquid well. This will cause mold and mildew to form.

As with other countertops, make sure that the tiles are dry. Even though tiles are water resistant, it is still a must to keep the water away.

Click here for this grout sealer available on Amazon.

What Is The Best Tile For Countertops?

There are different types of tiles: ceramic, glass, and porcelain.

Among these types, porcelain is often recommended for countertops. However, you can choose any of these tiles based on your needs and style.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain stoneware square samples laid on kitchen countertop

Porcelain tiles are made of clay. The clay is molded and then baked at a high temperature to release moisture. The finished product is a compact and durable material.

Ceramic Tiles

Tile flooring samples on display

Ceramic tiles are a relative of porcelain. The finished product is from clay placed in an insulated chamber to bake. This tile is less expensive than porcelain and is often used in bathrooms and countertops because it is more flexible.

Glass Tiles

Amazing decorative wall made of small smooth glass blocks

Glass tiles are stain-resistant. However, these tiles are thin. These are often used for bathroom walls and decorations, but they can also be used for floorings.

Can you Paint Over Tile Countertops?

Over time, tiles may lose their luster. Ceramic and porcelain last a long time and you may want to change the color at some point.

Painting the tiles is possible and a good way to make over an old countertop. You must remember though that not all paints are suitable for tiles.  Epoxy, latex, acrylic latex, enamel, and silicone-based paints are good for covering tiles. Steer away from water-based paint as they don’t adhere to tiles well.

When painting tiles, follow these easy steps:

  1. Prepare the area. Sanding and checking for damaged tiles are necessary.
  2. Avoid applying too much pressure when sanding the tile to avoid deep scratches.
  3. After you’ve sanded the tiles, make sure to dust them off.
  4. Coat the surface with a primer. Apply the first coat of primer and let it dry thoroughly. Once dry, you can apply the second coat. Let it dry at least overnight.
  5. Apply the paint. Like the primer, you should apply a first and second coat. Let it dry completely. Limit traffic to the area while the paint is still wet.
  6. Seal the coat with a urethane finish. This protects the color of the paint.

Click here to see this tile paint on Amazon.

Do Floor Tiles Have to Match The Countertop?

Restaurant kitchen with white cabinets

The floor tile and countertop don’t have to match, but their colors have to coordinate to create a unified look. Choosing the same color or design for the flooring and countertop will look dull and flat.

The color scheme ties up the look. The color wheel will greatly help in choosing what colors complement each other. Avoid using too many colors to avoid looking too busy and chaotic.

If you are starting from scratch, it is better to choose the countertop first. The countertop’s color can set the tone of the floors.

Can You Use Peel And Stick Floor Tiles On Countertops?

Peel and stick floor tiles can also be used to beautify your countertops inexpensively. This is something that can be temporary. So if you are not decided on how to style your countertop or don’t have enough budget yet, this is the way to go.

This is also an option if you are renting and you want the countertop to adhere to your style. This is easy to install and easy to remove as well.

The good thing about peel and stick is that they can last up to 5 years when used in areas with low traffic.

Here's a peel and stick countertop on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Floor tiles are versatile and should not be limited to floor use. You can also use these on your countertops. Depending on your style and needs, many tiles you can choose from.   

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