Tile CounterTops - Design & Material Information

We’ve come to expect glamorous style from the Italians, and tile makers did not disappoint this spring as they presented their latest designs at the Coverings Tile and Stone Show April 29 to May 2 in Orlando.

Sustainability and green design are at the top of the mind for today’s architects and designers, and tile is a practical choice for countertops. “We saw it starting commercially at the high end, but now this isn’t just a trend—it will be a mainstay,” says New Jersey designer and self-proclaimed “tile fashionista” Anna Marie Fanelli. One of the most popular options available for countertops is wood-look ceramic and porcelain, which not only have a long lifespan but also help to preserve our natural forests. These tiles are available in elongated planks, squares and chevron patterns that replicate almost any species of wood.

For countertops, patterns are strong this year and range from bold geometric shapes to sensual fabric looks. Checks, herringbone, houndstooth, damask and floral patterns make a glamorous statement on backsplashes and as accent walls for designers who want a touch of opulence.

Color palettes have gone classic again, with black, white and shades of gray taking precedence this season. Just like the dresses worn by the top actresses on Oscar Night, red is also a hot color in the design scene, along with grey-plum, mustard yellow, marigold, emerald and cobalt blue.

Metallic continues its stronghold on the luxury market, and many Italian companies are infusing glazes with metals to capture iridescent qualities. Though metal can be used as a tame accent, today some manufacturers are showcasing metals in large formats that cover an entire wall application. These sleek and shiny surfaces will be presented in all shapes, sizes and patterns. Edgy designs that are embossed or in bas-relief are a unique take on this trend.

Choosing a backsplash is a bit of an art. Functionally, it must be an easy-to-clean surface that protects, and yet aesthetically, it must work well with the myriad other surfaces and finishes in the room, from cabinetry and appliances to flooring and countertops. While sometimes the backsplash becomes a room’s focal point, sometimes it needs to fade into the background to let other materials shine.

Read more: Understated Elegance in Backsplashes

With granite still the most popular countertop material, the focus is changing to the backsplash. What will not only complement the countertop, but give it that extra sense of style? Should you use the same material, metal or tile? Or is there something else?

Today, the hottest look is tile, but not just any tile. The small glass tiles, such as . . . [read the rest of Choosing the best countertop backsplash]

Looking for more information on countertops? Click one of these links: Countertop Trends, Laminate Countertops, Recycled Countertops, Concrete Countertops, Metal Countertops, Glass Countertops, Engineered Stone Countertops, Countertop Fabrication

The low-porosity nature, strength and realistic stone appearance of porcelain tile today make it an attractive and low-maintenance option for countertops. Pair the installation with a stain-free grout, and you’re good to go.

Read more: Porcelain tile countertops

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Upscale, unique styles are what women customers are looking for in interior finishes, according to tile experts who spoke at the recent Surfaces Show in Las Vegas. One way to get this look is by using porcelain and glass tile for backsplash and countertop installations.

“The kitchen continues to be the area where people congregate, and most women want a gourmet kitchen even if they eat out seven days a week,” says Lori Kirk-Rolley, marketing director for Daltile, a Dallas-based tile manufacturer.

Read more: Tile Countertop Trends 2008

This spring, Walker Zanger has combined old world looks with brilliant finishes to create four new families of tile that boast glamour and shimmer. “This notion of glitter and luster can be applied to almost every surface,” says Tristan McManaman, marketing director for Walker Zanger. “This trend takes handcrafted looks and brings them into the 21st Century by pairing them with new, updated accents; it’s taking ancient motifs and burning them down to their essences.”

Read more: All that glitters - Tile Countertops

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CounterTop Business is a free digital magazine that focuses on laminate countertops, solid surface countertops, cultured stone countertops, granite countertops, concrete countertops, tile countertops, and other countertop materials.

CounterTop Business also provides an extensive database of articles related to the tools and products used to design and fabricate countertops.

This digital magazine is for anyone involved in the specification, sale, fabrication and installation of countertops. It is delivered to readers via e-mail, in an advanced format that does not require extra software to read.

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Laminate Countertops
Well known by trade names such as Formica®, these countertops have stood the test of time. New innovations make for a broad range of colors and patterns and more recently, the addition of textures.

Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface is basically a plastic but that’s where the blandness ends. Many styles and colors are available and the seamless characteristics work well for expansive countertops and integral sinks.

Natural Stone Countertops
Granite, slate, soapstone, quartz, marble, gemstone… . Natural stone has an inherent beauty but there is some maintenance involved in keeping them ‘healthy’.

Engineered Stone Countertops
Predominantly a quartz material that’s been crushed and combined with resins to form a hard surface like stone, but without the maintenance requirements like periodic sealing. Some of the colors and patterns do a pretty good job of mimicking natural stone.

Wood Countertops

Wood countertops no longer mean just butcher block. Large full-expanse wood kitchen countertops are available and offer a beautiful warm look. There is some maintenance involved to keep them looking good however.

Metal Countertops
Stainless steel is probably more widely known but if that’s too clinical for you, picture your kitchen countertops in the rich color of copper, which gain a unique patina over time. Or consider the interesting gray pallet of pewter countertops.

Concrete Countertops
Concrete offers endless design options since they’re fabricated to your specifications, either right in your home or in a design studio and then shipped to your kitchen. Concrete offers a smooth surface in just about any color along with a stoutness that embodies solidity.

Composite and Recycled Materials Countertops
Composite and recycled materials deliver some interesting alternatives for kitchen countertops. Some are made from recycled paper and combined with resins to form a surface that’s hard yet warmer than stone. The eco-friendly nature of these choices may also give you the satisfaction of having helped the environment.

Lavastone Countertops
Lavastone is volcanic lava that’s hardened into a stone-like consistency. Most Lavastone countertop material is covered with a hard enamel that makes the surface similar to tile, except you don’t have to deal with grout lines like you do with a tile countertop. It can be expensive but you have a virtually unlimited supply of colors.

Tile Countertops
Tile’s another choice that’s been available for years but you’re not limited to just the basic 4-inch squares anymore. Natural stone tiles like granite are available and come in large sizes which means you could have a granite countertop with just a few grout lines for less cost than a granite slab.

Glass Countertops
Glass offers a sleek, modern style that doesn’t have to look like a bland glass tabletop. You can find various colors and different textures to give it some distinction. Glass countertops are sturdy enough to stand up to their role however you’ll still want to be sure you avoid dropping something large and heavy on them.

Need more kitchen remodeling ideas? Looking for great bathroom remodeling ideas? Read our countertop magazine.

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Read our countertop blogs:

Countertop Design
Green Countertops
Granite Countertops
Marble Countertops
Eco-Friendly Countertops
Stone Countertops
Concrete Countertops
Paper Countertops
Tile Countertops
Laminate Countertops
Solid Surface Countertops
Countertop Materials
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CounterTop Business is a digital magazine that focuses exclusively and entirely on the $7 billion countertop industry. Our digital magazine and new companion Web site, CounterTopBusiness.com, is for anyone involved in the specification, sale, fabrication, and installation of countertops.

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Our target market includes architects, designers, builders, specifiers, and fabricators. The digital publication is currently delivered via e-mail to over 25,000 readers each month. CounterTop Business is an excellent source of information and is the premiere resource for what’s hot in the countertop industry: laminate countertops, solid surface countertops, cultured stone countertops, granite countertops, concrete countertops, tile countertops, marble countertops, paper countertops, glass countertops, green countertops, and other materials.

On our new companion website, CounterTopBusiness.com, you will find material information, fabrication tips, and the latest business intelligence for the growing countertop industry. Join the CounterTopBusiness.com community and meet other professionals in our discussion forum. View industry related videos and download free white papers.

Countertop Design

Green Countertops

Granite Countertops

Marble Countertops

Eco Friendly Countertops

Stone Countertops

Concrete Countertops

Glass Countertops

Paper Countertops

Tile Countertops

Laminate Countertops

Solid Surface Countertops

Countertop Materials