We make our own kitchen countertops from tiles. Making a kitchen countertop from tiles Making a countertop from tiles with your own hands

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There is a certain set of interior items that you can’t imagine without. modern kitchen: stove for cooking, sink for washing dishes, various equipment and, of course, the countertop. There are a lot of materials from which it can be made, laminated chipboard, MDF, stainless steel, glass, marble and other natural and artificial materials. All options have their own list of pros and cons, but not all of them can be implemented at home with your own hands.

The kitchen, due to its specificity, is a room with a number of unfavorable factors and impacts on equipment and countertops, among others. These are steam, drops of fat and hot water, household chemicals, mechanical loads. A tiled kitchen countertop can minimize the negative impact of these factors.

Strengths and weaknesses of choosing a tile countertop

To make the right and informed decision about using it as a desktop covering ceramic tiles Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this choice.

Strength

• The opportunity to do the work yourself, while you adjust all the parameters of the tabletop, shape, size, height, thickness to your requirements;
• Durability. Regardless of the operating conditions, ceramic tiles above the second class actually do not wear out and do not lose their original qualities for a long period of time;
• Resistance to mechanical stress. Thanks to its strength properties, it is almost impossible to damage the tabletop;
• Moisture resistance. The structure and coating of the tiles provide good performance against moisture;
• Impact resistance high temperatures. Even a hot frying pan can be placed on a tiled surface, after which no traces will remain;
• Unpretentious care. Maintenance consists of standard cleaning using conventional means. household chemicals;
• Wide range of options. The tabletop can be made to suit every taste, with almost any design, because there are a great variety of types of tiles, there is even the opportunity to order the desired tile pattern yourself;
• Good maintainability. A failed surface element can be replaced without much difficulty with another, and this can be done with your own hands without resorting to the services of a specialist;
• Relative ease of operation and short time tabletop manufacturing.

We are all adults and we understand perfectly well that there are no miracles in the world and that making a tabletop with your own hands cannot be done without drawbacks.

Countertop - the bottom of the required kitchen elements

Weak side

• During long-term use and improper surface care, the aesthetic properties of the tiles deteriorate;
• Possibility of damage to the surface when applying targeted strikes;
• The edge of the tabletop is a weak point in terms of chipping;
• High probability of contamination of tile joints and difficulty in caring for them;
• Impossibility of using abrasive materials for maintenance.

After deciding that you don’t need a craftsman and you will make the tile countertop with your own hands, you can start choosing necessary tools and materials.

Preparation of tools, equipment and materials

To obtain a high-quality countertop, you should also carefully select the material of the tools. Here's a list of what's missing House master will not cost during the production of work.

Tools:

• tile cutter;
• jigsaw with a file for plywood or chipboard;
• construction level;
• roulette;
• notched spatula, regular and rubber.

Materials:

• plywood or chipboard;
• ceramic tile;
• tile adhesive;
• silicone sealant;
• grout for seams.

How long the resulting surface will retain its aesthetic and functional qualities directly depends on the choice of tile and the base on which it will be laid.

Tile selection

The tile must have the appropriate class and be impact-resistant, indifferent to the effects of alkalis and acids, with a high moisture resistance. And, of course, match the style and design of the kitchen.

Large tiles are easier and faster to lay, and they are easier to maintain during use.

The optimal tile size for any kitchen is 15x15 cm. Smaller elements are suitable for a small room. To create the edge of the tabletop, you can use a suitable-sized frieze. The surface of the ceramics should not be corrugated, where dirt quickly accumulates and, accordingly, the process of caring for the surface becomes more complicated.

Selecting a base

The base of the tabletop can be made of plywood. The two most common types are:

1. FSF. It is obtained by gluing together several layers of veneer, sometimes birch or coniferous;
2. FB. Waterproof plywood impregnated with a special bakelite varnish.

The base can also be made from OSB boards or chipboard.

The base material must be impregnated with antiseptics and water-repellent compounds.

To obtain the required thickness of the tabletop, plywood can be glued together. The first layer is attached to the base on which the tabletop will be located, then it is mounted on it upper layer plywood using glue and additional fixation with self-tapping screws.

The next step is to make notches on the surface of the plywood and attach it using a stapler. plaster mesh, after which you can carry out measures to waterproof the structure and, after drying, the hand-made base is ready for tiling.

It is necessary to take into account the large mass of the finished tabletop and take measures to additionally strengthen the frame on which the structure will be mounted.

Laying ceramics

Beacon slats are installed flush along the perimeter of the base, with which the cement mortar is distributed and leveled using a spatula. After the preparatory layer has dried, it is puttied, the beacons are removed and the traces from them are sealed with a solution. After the surface has completely dried, preliminary markings are made on it for convenience when laying tiles. Then prepare the tile adhesive, apply it to the base and spread it using a notched trowel.

It is recommended to start laying tiles from the outer corner of the tabletop; in this case, if there is a need to trim the ceramics, the cut elements will be in far corner near the wall. Tiling the base is done in any traditional way, but do not forget to control the width of the seams; special plastic crosses are used for this. The end of the table top can be made with the same tiles as the facing of the main body, or you can use a ready-made frieze.

Final finishing

After tiling the base, we begin processing and grouting the seams. The color of the composition is selected to match the tile or a neutral one is used. White color. Due to the specific operating conditions in high humidity, use better than grout based on epoxy resins. The mixture is evenly applied to the tiles in the area of ​​the seams and thoroughly rubbed into the spaces between the tiles. After drying, the remaining mastic is washed off with a wet sponge.

Having made a tabletop with your own hands, having spent a lot of effort and money, you can count on its long-term operation, and for this you need to follow simple recommendations:

• regularly wipe the surface with a sponge, avoiding long-term exposure to water and grease;
• do not use abrasive substances for cleaning;
• if the surface is glossy, you can use glass care products;
• Special attention should be paid to the seams, cleaning them regularly.

Handle the countertop with care and it will long years will make you happy.

To create an original kitchen interior, use tiles for countertops and backsplashes. It can transform a set. One of the advantages is the ability to do the work yourself.

Original decorative solution

Role

The kitchen countertop is the main place where you prepare food; it is constantly exposed to various types of influences: mechanical, chemical, temperature, etc. It is important to provide a material that will withstand endless cleaning, impacts from dishes, drops of water, grease and other substances. Some housewives prefer to cut food directly on the work surface, without using a cutting board, so make sure that there are no scratches from the knife on it.

All this must be taken into account if you decide to make a tile countertop with your own hands. However, do not forget that in addition to its functional properties, the work surface also has a decorative purpose. Thanks to her, the kitchen takes on a complete look. Using the countertop you can completely change the style of the set.

It is important to follow the rules for combining the material, its color and texture.

Interior solution in the kitchen

Advantages and disadvantages

A tiled countertop has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• practicality;
• aesthetics;
• the ability to create a pattern and combine elements of different shades on one surface;
• relatively low cost;
• absence of harmful impurities;
• quick installation;
• when selecting quality material will last a long time;
• good tiles are not afraid of moisture, exposure to high temperatures and changes in these indicators;
• the damaged element can be replaced with a new one.

To prevent the countertop from cracking, the tiles for it must be of high quality

The disadvantages include the following indicators:

• pinpoint impacts will damage the surface;
• high probability of chipping along the edges;
• Dirt gets stuck in the seams, which reduces the hygiene level;
• When cleaning, do not use abrasive materials;
• over time and with improper care the aesthetic characteristics of the surface are reduced.

How to choose material

Service life and decorative characteristics depend on the tile. What should you pay attention to first? Of course it is specifications tiles For operating conditions in the kitchen as a work surface covering, it must be impact-resistant, not afraid of temperature changes, exposure to alkalis, acids and various types of contaminants, and minimally absorb moisture.

If you choose a specific material, it is better to choose porcelain stoneware. It has increased strength and unique properties wear resistance. Simple tiles will last less.

In addition, pay attention to the type of surface. For the kitchen it is better to choose smooth semi-matte materials. Firstly, dirt will not clog into the pores, and scratches will be noticeable, and secondly, such tiles look attractive.

Choose a tile color that matches the furniture and surrounding interior. The standard solution is to buy the same tiles for the countertop and backsplash.

Finally, pay attention to the size of the elements and their shape. It can be a large square, rectangular ceramic tile or a small mosaic. Large parts are good because the number of seams is kept to a minimum. Small samples look perfect in small kitchen. The traditional solution would be 15x15 squares. For the edge, choose a rectangular frieze.

Preparing the base

Before making a countertop from ceramic tiles, you need to level the surface. To do this, use thick plywood or OSB boards. To provide required thickness several sheets are glued together.

An important condition is waterproofing. The material is treated with antiseptic and water-repellent impregnation.

After complete drying, it is recommended to make small notches on top of the last layer and secure the mesh for the plaster.

The tiles are laid on a perfectly flat surface

To fit sheets to right size and shape using a jigsaw. Small allowances are made along the edges, but keep in mind that after facing, another couple of centimeters will be added. It is best to secure the base using self-tapping screws.

Another nuance: the weight of such a tabletop is ready-made version considerable, so we strengthen the furniture. Add perimeter legs or support strips.

Facing

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Make a cement mortar, place beacons, and reinforce the ends with metal profiles.
2. Apply the mixture to the surface and smooth with a spatula. Leave to dry for a day or two.
3. On a prepared, perfectly level base, make a marking that you will use as a guide during the process of laying the tiles.
4. Dissolve the glue. Place several control fragments according to the markings.
5. Apply a small amount onto the base and smooth with a notched trowel. Start laying tiles from the far corner.
6. If you need to trim an element, make a small mark on the tile and use a grinder or tile cutter.
7. The last stage is end processing. It can be tiled with the same tiles as the horizontal surface or with a specially purchased frieze.

When performing work, pay attention to the ends

Final finishing

After the tile kitchen countertop has dried, take care of the seams. Even if the installation was done end-to-end, it is still necessary to treat the gaps so that water and dirt do not penetrate into them. Typically tile grout is used. It is better to match it to the color of the coating in order to create a feeling of surface integrity. Apply using a small rubber spatula.

Epoxy resin can be used to protect against moisture penetration. It also prevents the growth of bacteria.

After finishing, remove any remaining mortar and grout and polish the tiles until they shine.

To ensure that your tile countertop lasts as long as possible and still maintains its original appearance, take care of it properly.

• wipe the surface with a soft sponge to avoid leaving scratches;
• give preference to gels rather than powders;
• When caring for glossy tiles, use glass spray;
• Clean seams regularly.

The kitchen countertop is the final touch that completes the furniture set. The material and surface texture are of great importance, both from the point of view of practicality, functionality, and from the standpoint of aesthetics.

• Natural marble, granite are expensive natural materials. In addition to the high cost, they have a number of other disadvantages. Stone surfaces are too heavy and require special care, there is a high risk of chipping and cracking. Despite all the shortcomings, such countertops look expensive and luxurious.
• Tile kitchen countertops are a smart alternative to expensive stone. If the installation techniques are followed, they can last for decades.

An interesting solution for a spacious kitchen: the countertop, island and arch are lined with contrasting ceramics

• Plates from laminated chipboard allow you to create a monolithic surface of any shape, and decorative films recreate any textures and shades. Disadvantage: poor moisture resistance, susceptibility to mechanical damage, fragility.

Tile countertops: an inexpensive solution for the kitchen

Covering countertops with ceramic tiles for a small or large kitchen is an inexpensive way to make the set unique: a variety of textures and colors, tile formats allows you to recreate appearance any natural material without investing significant sums in repairs. It is also advisable to use the cladding method when you need to repair or replace an old work surface.

Granite tiles are suitable for any surface

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramics: is it worth tiling the work area?

Ceramic tiles on the kitchen countertop - practical or not? Advantages:

• You can create harmonious space, selecting tiles from one collection for the floor, work surface and interblock space or apron.

Multicolored mosaic tabletop

• A properly treated surface is absolutely sealed and does not swell from water or steam.
• Ceramics has sufficient strength - the surface does not scratch.
• Easy to care for: easy to clean, unlike wood or particle boards, there are no traces of fat, moisture, or products that release coloring juice.
• Repairability: A chipped or cracked area can be easily repaired by replacing the damaged tile.

The main disadvantage of cladding is the inability to make the surface completely monolithic, without seams and gaps.

When choosing tiles for a new kitchen countertop, you need to consider 3 parameters:

• Texture of the top layer. For the kitchen it is worth choosing ceramics with the most even decorative layer. Porous textured tiles perfectly imitate stone, but over time there will be a problem with cleaning: dirt easily eats into small cavities. Mirror glossy glaze is also not practical. You will have to clean the tiles several times a day with special products.

Smooth surface without glossy glaze

• Size. When choosing a size, only the area of ​​the working surface matters: you need to choose the tiles so that there is less waste during the work, and only the end elements need to be cut. Ceramics of any size are suitable for cladding - from small mosaic to large, which is mainly used for floor coverings.
• Material. It is advisable not to save money and choose a material for surfaces with intensive use. Porcelain stoneware tiles – perfect option. The material is resistant to abrasion, moisture, temperature fluctuations and mechanical damage.

Cornice on the side areas: ideal combination with tiles on the work surface and wall

In addition to ceramics for the main area, it makes sense to purchase special textured end border tiles. This will help save time on fitting and cutting edge tiles.

Techniques for making and finishing countertops: instructions

Making a new kitchen countertop from ceramic tiles consists of 3 stages:

1. Removing the old countertop.
2. Installation and preparation of the base.
3. Facing.

Tools and materials: what you will need for work

First of all, you need to buy ceramic tiles for the countertop. Calculate required amount for all surfaces: main, apron (if provided), ends. For the main slab, you need to calculate the area, purchase tiles with a margin of area: add 10 - 15%. The reserve is necessary for laying incomplete tiles and so that a broken part can be replaced.

On factory packaging, the markings indicate the size and quantity in the package (in pieces or square meters)

For the apron, the amount of material is determined in a similar way: it is advisable to provide a strip height equal to the length of the tile: there will be no need to cut pieces of the required length. End (or edging) borders are selected by calculating the number of elements along the length of the surface. Add a few pieces for stock.

For the base on which installation is carried out, it is necessary to prepare:

• Chipboard - special moisture resistant board. If the old work surface is made of chipboard, you can leave it as a substrate.
• Moisture-resistant plywood. It is necessary to form a two-layer coating. Sheet thickness – from 10 to 15 mm.

Tools and materials:

• Primer for tile adhesive (water-repellent), adhesive (dry composition) for tiles, decorative grout.
• Self-adhesive mesh for reinforcing the side surfaces, masking tape.
• Self-tapping screws - preferably with anti-corrosion coating, up to 38 – 45 mm long, depending on the thickness of the base.
• A screwdriver, an electric drill with a mixer attachment, a grinder or a cutting machine with a circular knife for ceramics, a jigsaw.
• Ruler, level, pencil, spatulas (wide and narrow).
• Plastic tile skirting boards.

Base: surface preparation for ceramic tiles

The old countertop will have to be removed. Before cutting a new slab, it is worth calculating the total height from the floor to the top of the working surface: add the thickness of the slab and 2 cm - the height of the adhesive and tiles - to the height of the cabinet. You should be especially careful about preliminary calculations if the kit includes not a built-in, but a free-standing stove. It is necessary to check whether the height of the stove and the set can be leveled using the legs.

After dismantling the old slab, cutting begins. Measure out the required width and length, and use a pattern to draw out the shape of the corner cuts. Precisely mark the shape and edges of the openings for the sink and hob. It is advisable to choose a slab so that the surface consists of one whole piece. Cut holes with a jigsaw and round the edges.

Holes are cut with a jigsaw

The countertop on which the ceramic tiles will be laid is fixed to the frame with self-tapping screws in increments of 5 - 10 cm. The entry points of the screw heads are rubbed with putty. After installation, the edges are sanded and the holes for the equipment are checked for correct formation. The edges of the sink recess are treated several times with a waterproofing compound.

The prepared surface must be primed. Only after the primer layer has dried can you begin laying.

Side surfaces needs to be sanded

If plywood is used instead of chipboard, you will have to cut out 2 layers. The bottom and top surfaces are overlapped so that the seams of the bottom and top sheets do not match. Joints and places where equipment is inserted are sealed with silicone, acrylic sealant, primed.

A waterproofing film is laid under the substrate or the surface is primed

Gypsum fiber sheets or cement-based sheets are used as a substrate for tiles: the thickness of the sheet is usually 10 mm. The substrate is fixed with ordinary tile adhesive. The composition is applied over the entire surface of the countertop with a spatula with a serrated edge, the sheet is installed and pressed. Apply one layer of moisture-protective primer.

Instead of a rigid sheet base, craftsmen form a cement pad on the formwork

Laying tiles: technique and order of cladding

On a long and flat surface, you need to make a marking for ceramic tiles for the kitchen countertop. Mark and draw the central horizontal and vertical lines. The laying is done from the center to the edges, or from one corner if there are no holes on the surface for inserting equipment.

You can lay from the edge

Calculate the number of rows: incomplete (cut) tiles should be in the extreme top or bottom row. If a plinth is used, its edge is placed under the end row.

The plinth is placed under the edge, and the laying begins from the center

An adhesive solution up to 0.8 cm thick is applied to the primed surface with a wide notched trowel.

No adhesive is applied to the tiles

The tiles are installed according to the markings, pressing evenly, but not strongly, over the entire surface. Check how accurately the tile is laid, then lay the next one. Gaps are marked with dividing crosses. The width is selected according to the size of the tile, standard size gap – 2.5 – 4 mm.

Laying is done in horizontal rows

End surfaces: masonry options

There are 2 options for edge design:

• Lay the outermost tiles of the main surface of the tabletop with a 1 cm indentation from the edge outwards, and lay the end elements under them end-to-end.
• The end tiles are laid with the protrusion upward, overlapping the edges of the outer tiles of the main surface.

The end surface should protrude beyond the top edge

The easiest way is to buy special cornices and borders. The thickness is equal to the thickness of the main tile, the elements are easily cut and installed on the treated adhesive composition table top.

Final processing– grouting of joints

Finishing: decorative grouting

The finished surface of the countertop with ceramic tiles is left for several days. It takes up to 3 days for complete setting and evaporation of moisture from the adhesive solution. Immediately after finishing the work, remove any remaining glue with a damp cloth. The surface should not be used for several days.

Final processing – grouting of joints. Prepare a small amount of grout: the solution loses its properties in 20 - 30 minutes, so the composition is diluted in small portions. Apply the mixture with a rubber flexible spatula.

Use a spatula to carefully process the joints

Remove excess. 24 hours after application, the surface can be cleaned of any remaining solution.

Additionally, after drying, you can treat the seams with a transparent water-repellent primer. The composition should be applied with a thin brush. This treatment will protect the grout from darkening and mold.

Video: installation and cladding of an apron and countertops in the kitchen

Video tutorial on how to tile an apron and countertop with ceramic tiles.

The process of laying tiles is quite simple if you have the skills. You can actually make a ceramic countertop yourself if the surface is smooth and you don’t need to cut out complex edge shapes. If the surface is multi-level, and you need to work with porcelain stoneware, it is better to entrust the process to a master. Tiles damaged during cutting will have to be thrown away, and improperly laid ceramics will crack and peel off.

The kitchen cannot do without an element that is so popular now – the countertop. Many materials are used to make this product. Today, a very popular solution is tiling. This surface looks very attractive, and it is very practical to use. The material perfectly withstands all the loads that act on the tabletop.

Material selection

For the kitchen, it is better to use porcelain stoneware rather than standard tiles. Its strength will ensure high performance qualities comparable to the properties of stone.

Porcelain tiles have excellent properties in terms of use in the kitchen. When choosing it, it is important to pay attention to its surface. If you settle on a textured finish, it will cause dirt to accumulate. Therefore, it is better to use samples with a flat surface.

• The polished surface is pleasant to the touch and easy to clean.
• Relief surface requires frequent care, but thanks to this solution you can get a unique design.

You can also use mosaics to create a tabletop with your own hands. This option looks especially good in small room. For a larger area, use a size of 30x30 cm or more.

The color should be selected based on the interior design, as well as the color scheme kitchen set and an apron. Examples can be seen in the photo. You can learn more about the procedure from the video provided.

Creating the Foundation

If you have furniture, you need to do the following:

First, the plywood needs to be cut so that it hangs a little. Considering the standard tabletop size is 60 cm, do not forget about a tolerance of 2 cm on each side and 1 cm on the front.

When the cutting is completed, the material can be processed protective agent in several layers, especially the ends.

Securing the Foundation

We fix the first layer with self-tapping screws to the cabinets so that their caps are recessed. Next we apply glue to the surface, you can use PVA.

Preparation of the solution

It's time to prepare the solution. You can purchase a special one or make a cement-sand one. A little PVA is sometimes added to the latter.

To prepare the solution you will need cement and four times more sand. First, a certain volume of water is poured into the container. Then a mixture of cement and sand is gradually poured in in a ratio of 1 to 4. In this case, the composition must be constantly mixed. This is convenient to do with a drill with a mixer attachment. When the consistency of sour cream is reached, you can stop adding powder. Then the composition should be allowed to stand for about five minutes. Then before use it must be stirred again.

Application of the solution

Using a trowel, it is necessary to apply the solution to the prepared base, distributing it evenly. To do this, it is better to use a wide spatula with teeth. It will allow you to get better surface for adhesion, while saving solution. You need to create a flat surface.

Laying tiles

We will consider the easiest way to do it yourself - seam to seam. First we make markings to understand what will happen in the end.

We start laying from the corner that is best visible. Apply the solution, focusing on the marked lines. In places where porcelain tiles need to be trimmed, they should be cut with a tile cutter rather than a grinder.

When the tiles are completely laid, you need to take care of the ends.

Decorating the ends of the tabletop

1. The end tiles can be laid with an overlap, or the horizontal ones should be placed with an overhang, which will correspond to the thickness of the porcelain stoneware, in order to then substitute the tiles at the ends.
2. You can cut the material at an angle of 45 degrees. This requires a special tool, which is not always possible.

Seam processing

Even if you lay the material without joints, they will still be present, so grouting will be needed. It is better to use a composition based on epoxy resin. This material has good durability, considering the operating conditions in the kitchen.

You can use or ready-made composition, or a dry mixture, which is prepared similarly to tile adhesive - mixed with water.

• For grouting it is better to take rubber spatula, which definitely will not damage the finishing material.
• To protect adjacent surfaces, it is useful masking tape, which does not leave marks behind and is conveniently glued.
• It is better to remove excess grout with a sponge after 24 hours.

Original solution - excellent repair

If you create a countertop in the kitchen from tiles, you can get a non-standard interior look. At the same time, it will be no less practical than using a regular countertop. Thus, the design created by yourself will be harmonious and comfortable.

Almost all industrially manufactured kitchen furniture has cutting and dining tables, the working plane of which is made of solid wood, various types of furniture polished, glass or artificial stone. Many housewives, dissatisfied with the consumer qualities of the countertop, ask their husbands or male acquaintances to cover it with ceramic tiles, which have a number of advantages. The main one is the high strength of the tile covering, which is able to maintain its original appearance for a long time, regardless of the work performed on it.

Functional purpose of the kitchen countertop

The kitchen countertop, especially the cutting table, constantly twitches in various ways during operation. negative impact:

• chemical - when food and organic acids and alkalis come into contact with its surface;
• mechanical - upon contact with a knife and accidental impacts with utensils;
• thermal - when placing dishes with hot food on it.

Therefore, the use of a material for its manufacture or protection that can withstand the intermittent impacts of metal utensils, the ingress of drops of hot fat and water, and that is not critical to the appearance of scratches from sharp objects is a quite urgent task. Besides, protective covering must have an attractive, aesthetic appearance, harmoniously combined with the color scheme of other items kitchen interior and have an acceptable cost.

On a note!

Particularly good tiled work surfaces for kitchen and cutting tables look good in kitchen areas lined with tiles, giving the interior design of the kitchen completeness and aesthetics.

All these requirements are sufficiently met by various types of ceramic tiles, which today are available on the construction market in a surplus assortment, among which even the most capricious housewife will be able to choose the most suitable samples in color, shape and pattern. It is the diversity of the material and the high resistance of ceramic tiles to negative external influences allows you to use it for covering the countertops of furniture located in the bathroom or placed in the garden.

Pros and cons of tile countertops

Main advantages workers surfaces kitchen furniture lined with ceramic tiles can be considered:

• Practicality, which is ensured by the high physical and mechanical properties and strength characteristics of ceramics.
• Aesthetics guaranteed by a variety of shapes, colors, surface textures and tile patterns.
• The ability to create unique, designer countertops by combining different tile elements.
• Adequate cost indicators.
• Environmental safety of most types of ceramic cladding.
• Opportunity self-made tabletops with minimal alterations to the industrial furniture base.
• Resistance to changes in humidity and temperature.
• The durability of the cladding, which, if treated with care, will last much longer than the base made of furniture board.
• High maintainability of the countertop - if one tiled element breaks or cracks, it can be easily replaced by another, intact one.

The main disadvantage protective and decorative lining of working surfaces of kitchen tables with ceramic tiles is its low resistance to impact loads.

Accidentally dropping a knife or glass cup can cause cracks. In addition, as experience in operating tile countertops shows, they have the following disadvantages:

• high probability of damage to the tiles with a precise impact of even low intensity;
• when installing a tile covering, the possibility of chipping the edges, edges and corners of individual tiles cannot be ruled out;
• Poorly or incorrectly sealed joining seams become accumulators of dirt, which significantly reduces the hygiene of the countertop;
• When cleaning surfaces from contamination, do not use household chemicals containing abrasives.

Material selection

Durability of countertops lined with tile material and its aesthetic qualities largely depend on the material from which the tiles are made. For use in kitchens and bathrooms, various products based on ceramic materials are most often used to cover the working surfaces of tables and cabinets.

The requirements for the protective and decorative cladding of kitchen furniture were discussed above, but if we talk about the advantages of specific ceramics, then it is better to opt for porcelain stoneware products. Thanks to him high strength and wear resistance, cladding made of porcelain stoneware will last much longer than regular tiles. In addition, covering with porcelain stoneware details looks more modern, and big size tiles can reduce the period of facing work and reduce their labor intensity.

When choosing a specific material, you need to pay attention to the type of its surface:

• glossy or matte;
• smooth or textured.

For kitchen furniture, it is preferable to choose smooth semi-matte samples, on the surface of which scratches are not so noticeable, and the absence of surface texture eliminates unnecessary contamination. In addition, smooth materials are available in a wider range of patterns and colors, which can further enhance the decorative appeal of the countertop.

On a note!

When decorating kitchen cabinets and sink stands or hob You should purchase material of harmonious color and pattern for the top panel and apron.

The size and shape of an individual element are of no small importance when choosing a material. The optimal solution for decorating furniture placed in a standard kitchen of a city apartment would be to choose square products measuring 15.0 x 15.0 centimeters. In accordance with their color and texture, you can choose a narrower rectangular frieze or ceramic corner plinth.

In order for the table top kitchen table, supplies or bedside tables have lasted for a long time, while maintaining its original appearance and without losing operational properties the hostess should respect simple rules:

• with daily care tiled surface You should use a soft sponge and liquid, non-abrasive cleaning agents;
• when cleaning a glossy surface, you can use a window glass cleaning spray;
• During daily maintenance, special attention should be paid to the connecting seams between the tiles;
• despite the high thermal resistance of ceramic tiles, for placement hot dishes a stand should be used.

From the video you will learn how to tile your backsplash and countertop with your own hands.