Anyone have any experience with using glass mosaic tile as the kitchen counter material (not just as the backsplash)? This would be for a lightly used area of my kitchen counter by the sink - not the primary work area. Would love to hear any pros and cons. Thanks!
Kitchen tile can be inexpensive, such as vinyl and linoleum tiles or they can be expensive, such as custom designed ceramic tiles. Do your homework before getting married to an envisioned look in your head! Tile and home improvement stores can help you estimate the amount of product that will be required for your kitchen. Before you select a material you will need to decide what surface the tile will be applied. Tile can be placed as a backsplash behind a stove, or on the wall to the underside of the upper cabinets. Tile is a popular countertop material, and can also be used on the kitchen floor.
I have not yet run across a glass tile that is rated for use on a kitchen counter top. They will scratch too easily for use on a kitchen counter, and are more for a wall application. Ceramic is ok for a counter top, but does not usually come in a mosaic. Ther are a few though. Maybe you are making your own mosaic? Ceramic would be the easiest to work with. If it has a shiney finish though, it will show scratches with wear. Porcelain comes in mosaic sheets and is very durable. I personally wouldn't want a mosaic countertop because it would be uneaven, and have lots of grout. But if you are sure that's what you want, be sure to buy grout sealer, and use the correct cleaners so that sealer stays on! Or grout with an epoxy grout, it won't stain. It is hard to work with though.
Great question. I install custom high-end tiles and I retailed such for many years. I have to say... just about every answer to this quesiton that I have read thus far is incorrect. If you do choose to use a glass mosaic tile, be sure and use one that is manufactured by a reputable company. I recommend Bisazza... IT IS GLASS, sold in the US, and its found in many European countries in social areas where people actually walk! Anotherwards, it is very durable, difficult to scratch and when installed correctly, nearly impossible to break. Also, with a glass mosaic tile, you want to be sure and use an epoxy grout. These grouts are much more difficult to install but will not stain, fade, or change color... EVER. As for cons... the first would be price. Bisazza starts at $8.00 a sq and that would be for a very basic looking glass mosaic tile. Also, if you're paying for the installation, contractors do get more money for installing glass... you need an installer that has experience installing glass (not just ceramic tile)... very important. Lastly, most contractors also get more money for installing the epoxy grouts... but whether you use glass or any other kind of tile on a COUNTER TOP, make sure you use epoxy grout so you don' t ever have to worry about stains and maintenance of your grout. I say if that's what you want... pay for it and do it. Tile installations are already costly and it's worth paying for what you want. I just can't stress enough that you want to use good material, a tile setter that is well-experienced working with glass, and an epoxy grout. Good Luck
I just have to say this. I'm in the tile business and sell glass tiles on a daily basis. I might reccomend them for a light duty bathroom counter,but I most certainly woul NOT reccommend them for Kitchen counter use. They will withstand the heat just fine,that isnt the problem. They WILL scratch and the grout maintenance involved (even if sealed) would be horrendous. Save them for the backsplash use. Good Luck. Ballzie
