I have mixed feelings on ceramic tile countertops. I prefer highly efficient and nearly indestructible items throughout my kitchen. Ceramic tile just doesn't fit into that category.
However, I do realize that I am quite hard on my kitchen and everything in it. Not everyone treats cooking like an extreme sport.
Ceramic tile countertops are great at dressing up a kitchen on a budget. The budget gets even lower if you're willing to delve into tiling yourself.
Ceramic tile countertops also allow you let your creativity loose. Use any colors, shapes and styles to create your own unique pattern.
My biggest problem with ceramic tile is it's usability. Because of the grout lines, the surface is uneven. The uneven surface makes it uncomfortable to work on and difficult to clean.
Ceramic tile cracks and chips easily too. Not only am I an extreme cook, but I'm also an extreme klutz. It wouldn't be too long until I dropped something heavy enough to chip a tile.
I'm not too keen on the grout maintenance either. It needs to be sealed every 6 months to avoid staining and keep it sanitary.
Overall it's a good choice if you want a great look on a budget. But if budget is the only concern, laminate countertops are more user-friendly.
