Large Format Tiles Part II

They're Not Just for Floors Anymore!!

Often potential users of ceramic tile for countertops are concerned about cleaning the grout should it be stained during the normal course of use. This fear many times translates to the use of Formica, Corian or other seamless or near seamless countertops rather than ceramic tile. With the use of large format tiles, set close together and sealed the grout problem is much reduced.

              When using large format tile we don't split the tile down the middle of the countertop. Instead whether we are using sink rail or a brass or metal edge we install the full 16x16 or 18x18, etc. as the front tile and make our cut toward the back of the countertop. We do this for two reasons. We want the work area to have the maximum amount of tile as the work surface and we want the cuts toward the back were they are often covered up with cookie jars and toasters!

              We similarly do not split fireplace hearths in half when we use large tiles. In our opinion the large tile set in the front with maximum exposure to it's design gives a better appearance. We do often split the tiles when constructing the side legs and often the top half of the surround, particularly if a wood mantle and surround will be covering the end of the tile. We have also successfully utilized brass or painted metal edging to trim full size tiles as the full surround without wood mantles.