In the past, consumers didn’t give much thought to the idea of larger format tiles as a surface option for kitchen countertops. Historically, ceramic tile was likely very close to the bottom of the list of surface options consumers would consider. Style and design weren’t necessarily at the forefront of this application, and smaller size tiles led to more grout joints on the surface – which wasn’t something most consumers wanted to contend with.
In recent years, though, more and more consumers are considering the use of large format tiles for their kitchen countertops for a number of reasons. Below are just a few of the common reasons we’ve taken note of in the rise of the use of larger format tiles for this purpose:
- The demand for larger tile sizes for flooring applications has led to more available options for counters as well. Tile manufacturers are now producing tiles in dimensions of 24”, 32”, 36”, and even up to 48”.
- In addition to sizes increasing, the overall visual appearance of many of these products is more likely to create a statement in the home.
- With the continued increase in rectified tiles (rectification is a production process that either cuts or grinds the edges of tiles to create a true 90-degree edge); the tiles can be set very tightly, thus minimizing the grout joint between neighboring tiles.
- Larger format tiles are an affordable option. While the price of natural stone for counters (like granite) has dropped in the last few years (mostly due to the competition between fabricators and not so much a reduction in the cost of raw materials), tile surfaces are very competitive and offer as durable a surface as any competing product, including granite.
Image from Schluter.com
Image from Schlueter.com
Larger format tiles make for a unique and very beautiful surface option for kitchen countertops. If you are interested in learning more about incorporating this option into your kitchen, please contact Conestoga Tile at 888-415-5689. We have consultants ready to speak with you and discuss the options available.