Waterproof

• Countertops in both bathrooms and kitchens frequently come in contact with moisture. Most tile options absorb at least a very small amount of moisture, but the more waterproof they are, the better. Stone is the most absorbent tiling material for counters, which is why all stone options are carefully sealed to prevent easy staining. Glazed ceramic tile and plastic options, such as vinyl, are both highly water resistant.
  
  

Heat Resistant

• While heat may not be a large problem on bathroom counters, kitchen countertops are more likely to come into contact with frequent heat. Too much heat can be a problem, especially for plastic-based tile such as vinyl, which can burn and melt. Ceramic tile is highly heat resistant but may suffer damage to its glaze or crack. Stone is the usually the most heat resistant option.
  
  

High Quality

• Quality kitchen countertops last a long time and do not need to be refinished or repaired as often as other options. High quality materials also tend to have better aesthetic qualities and fit better with a wide range of interior design ideas. Stone has the longest life and best durability, but ceramic tiles are close behind, with an average lifetime of 50 years.
  
  

Structural Integrity

• Countertop tiles need good support in order to be installed correctly. This often depends on how the counters were originally made. Vinyl options are very lightweight and can be installed with only a light baseboard. Ceramic tiles may require slightly better or more level support, but they can be used in most kitchens. Stone tiles require unique counter support and often need very thick baseboard or cement back board installed to work properly.
  
  

Cost

• Vinyl tiles are by far the least expensive option for countertops. They are easy to install and the materials themselves are inexpensive. Stone tiles are by far the most expensive, with weighty materials that have high costs and a more difficult installation process that may require extra investment. Ceramic tile prices can vary, but they tend to fall closer to stone tile options than vinyl.