can i use ceramic wall tile for a countertop material or is there a "special" tile for countertops?

Question

i have some 4-1/4" square wall tile left from a previous project that i want to use on a kitchen countertop. is this tile ok to use or is there a certain type of tile to use on a countertop? thanks

Answer 1

Depends on the tile. Most wall tile is made from Florida clay with a gloss glaze on it. This is a very weak tile. If, however, it is Italian tile, it will be much stronger. Gloss glaze will chip and crack. Lowes sells a great venetian stone that works great on counter tops

Answer 2

the best tile to use for countertops is porcelain ceramic. Clay ceramic just wont hold up to the wear and tear of a counter surface. Use 3/8" thick tile for best results. Make sure the countersurface is completely and perfectly level before you apply the tiles.

Answer 3

These tiles are for use on counters, walls and showers, but not floors. Any tile with a white clay base is good for counter tops. Floors require a harder clay to put up with being walked on. Those area red and gray. make sure you use a sealed grout for counter tops, available at the Store. it is a little bit more work putting in, but will not stain or absorb Oder's.

Answer 4

I agree totally with Johnny it is the cheapest way and it will work if you prepare and install them right. If You are looking for best option it is expensive but it is amazing. Put the granite tile on the countertops, for backsplash use 4*4 tumble stone with cigars decoration tile. If you put them on diagonal it looks perfect.

Answer 5

You can use the tile but you are going to get cracks, chips and other problems because counter tops are normally not ridged enough to keep the tile from these problems

Answer 6

if u want to put some thing in the place u have..... i would strongly suggest..... a marble..or a granite top...
or any other natural stone will look amazing....
tiles would also do well...... provided they are strong...
and i would advise u to go for.... edge cut tiles (a.k.a joint free tiles) , this is because non edge cut tiles will have ugly groves b/w them... which will be difficult to clean too....
u can also think of going for VITRIFIED tiles.... which are superior and stronger then any other tile..... i don no if such tiles are available in ur country...... but it is available in my country(INDIA)...

NOW I WOULD SAY GO FOR EITHER OF THESE:-
1. NATURAL STONE( GRANITE has the longest life)
2. joint free tiles....... ( VITRIFIED would be the best.... but can choose b/w diff. designer tiles available....)
3. if u want to do some thing real exclusive.... get a GLASS TABLE TOP(countr top)..... u can get it in many colors....
WARNING: glass tops are more atractive but... needs a lot of care... they are not scrach free... and expensive too!!! (atleast in my country).......

ALL THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

sure . listen go to lowes get a backer board comes i n3ft x 5ft the ave kitchen needs three of them , cost about $40 to buy ,
they sell 4 in tiles buy the box white in color ,for $12 you will need a bout 100 tiles to do your kitchen , give or take a few ,
may i suggest you seal it with a sealer to stop dirt etc gettting in
all tile works you may need a tile cutter , about $25 a day to hire , and place the front row on day one with blue tape to hold them in place , the edge tiles i m talking about