Why Drew And Jonathan Scott Can't Stand Tiled Kitchen Countertops

The 1970s and 80s saw a boom in tile usage for bathrooms, flooring, and kitchen countertops; however, tiles aren't as on trend today, and Drew and Jonathan Scott have expressed their dislike for the feature in several different episodes of their show. In an episode of HGTV's "Property Brothers: Buying and Selling," Jonathan simply stated, "I hate tile counters. They just suck up all of the grime and the grease!" (via Realtor.com)

In a more recent episode of "Property Brothers: Forever Home," Jonathan explained their reluctance to tiled countertops in more detail. "Back in the day, this is how people did it. But it only takes a month or two for it to discolor," he said, according to Realtor.com. "Out with the gross tile counters that are sucking up bacteria! They'll have beautiful stone going in here now that's not only a clean, sanitary surface, but there's also more prep space, and it's brighter." Although tiled countertops are heat-resistant and affordable compared to other natural stone alternatives, the downfalls of porous grout and the likelihood of chipping or cracking make them a less-durable choice in the long run.

After considering Drew and Jonathan's opinions on tiled countertops, it's pretty clear that their number one qualm with the material is how easily it builds up dirt and grime. Since grout is porous and quickly absorbs drink spills and food crumbs, tiled countertops stain easily and become a breeding ground for bacteria. While grout can be cleaned, it is a tedious task. These types of countertops will require daily maintenance after use and grout cleaning at least once a week.  

Moreover, tile countertops aren't as durable. Usually made from ceramic and porcelain, tiles are susceptible to cracking and chipping. Unfortunately, these cannot just be repaired, and the entire tile needs to be replaced when breakage occurs. Replacing tiles can cost anywhere between $100 to $600, and with how often tiles can fracture, this expense can rapidly add up. Lastly, keep in mind that because of the grout and space between tiles, there will be an overall uneven surface with many fissures throughout. This may be an aesthetic issue for some, but it can also pose some hazards when using sharp utensils to prepare food. Unless you're completely sold on infusing the retro look into your kitchen, there may be better options for your surfaces.

Of the many alternatives to tile countertops, the most commonly loved are granite or quartz. These full slabs of stone don't run into issues of bacteria accumulation and low durability, as seen with tile. In Season 6 of "Celebrity IOU," Johnathan expresses his preference for quartz countertops to their guest Heidi Klum, saying, "This is all quartz, so it never has to be resealed, never has to be refinished... this will never stain. You're not going to have an issue" (via Realtor.com). Additionally, the Boston Globe notes that the brothers are adamant about choosing durable surfaces in their book Dream Home. "We love materials like quartz and Neolith for durability, and no maintenance, but other products add beauty and value, too, like marble and granite — they just need more maintenance. Try to avoid materials that scratch too easily because you'll shed a single tear when you scuff them up within the first week."

Despite being both fantastic options, quartz is often preferred to granite because it doesn't require any sealant. But, quartz will usually be more expensive than granite, the former costing $75 to $200 per square foot and the latter $40 to $60 per square foot. The good news is regardless of which material you choose to incorporate into your kitchen, you'll have peace of mind knowing that the countertops are beautiful and durable.