Both beautiful and functional ceramic tile kitchen counter tops serve many roles in the kitchens of today. Ceramic tile is made of clay heated to very high levels just like any other type of ceramic which gives it very high durability and strength.

Ceramic tile offers some of the widest range of color, styles, patterns, and designs of any countertop material on the market and can also be combined for a very decorative effect. If you want to get really creative you can mix and match different patterns to create a mural effect which is very popular for a backsplash to give your kitchen a unique look all your own. Since ceramic tile is a great material for a backsplash as well as the countertop itself it will blend seamlessly from one to another which helps with the flow of the room.

Due to its porosity ceramic tile needs to be sealed which will also help with its resistance to stains and will go a long way in retaining the look over time. Tile is ranked from I to IV in regards to its strength and durability and for kitchen counters you should always pick one with a rating of III of higher because of the way that kitchen countertops are used in comparison to other type of applications using ceramic.

With ceramic tile grouting is more important then it is with any of the other materials. You not only need to make sure that the grout has been applied in the correct manner but you also need to make sure that the right color of grout is chosen to accent your artwork instead of turning it into an eyesore.

Pros:

-Comes in the widest array of colors, designs, patterns, and styles

-When sealed properly they are stain, moisture, and wear resistant

-Has a strong resistance to both fire and water

Cons:

-Biggest downside is that they are prone to breaking under heavy weight and especially if a heavy object is dropped on them. (Good news is that you can replace just one tile however that may damage surrounding tiles if you are not careful or if you do not know what you are doing)

Because there is such a wide range of choices when it comes to ceramic kitchen countertops there is also a wider range in price then in other materials. Priced anywhere from $1-45 dollars a square foot for materials plus installation. Installation of ceramic tile floors is something that a normal homeowner probably would not be able to accomplish unless they have some experience or a lot of time and extra money so it is strongly recommended to get a professional. If you want something a little bit artsy but also functional then ceramic tile kitchen flooring would be a great pick for your family.