The '80s Kitchen Trend HGTV's Property Brothers Cannot Stand

Retro trends cycle in and out, especially when it comes to spaces like the kitchen, where utility and convenience are often at war with style and aesthetics. Tile counters, which once had their heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, may be just one of the many options when it comes to tiling your counters, but HGTV's Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott have often gone on record to suggest they are never a good idea – even if some designers are loving their fun vintage look. Issues with cleaning and durability can be some of the challenges they pose, which may be at odds with having your counters looking good for years to come.

While the options for tile materials are many, including 80s chic glossy ceramic tiles and rustic clay tiles used to add a chic Mediterranean style to your kitchen, the Property Brothers warn that these options are often more trouble than they are worth. There are some ways to make them work, as well as some great alternatives to tiled counters that can give your kitchen a similar feel.

One of Drew and Jonathan Scott's major concerns with tile counters is their tendency to harbor filth and grime in the grouted spaces between them. While you can seal your grout to give it a less porous surface for dirt and bacteria, this often breaks down over time and needs to be reapplied every couple of years. Discussing a remodel where they removed the dated counters, Jonathan says, "I hate tile counters. They just suck up all of the grime and the grease!" (via Realtor.com). They can also become subject to discoloration over time as a result. In another remodel on "Property Brothers: Buying and Selling," they discuss how this can easily happen in just a couple of months with regular use.

While tiles vary in their durability, some tiles fare better on walls than on counters, where they may be subject to wearing, chipping, cracking, and other kinds of damage often suffered by kitchen surfaces. While one of the benefits is that you can always replace just a segment if damaged, this can usually prove difficult with matching older tiles to new ones.

If you still love the look of the outdated countertop trend, look for tiles made of non-porous materials, like durable, stain-proof sealed tiles with an epoxy grout that is also less porous and easier to clean. Make sure to reseal your grout every two years, which will help prevent stains and moisture damage. While porcelain and sealed ceramic tiles are popular choices, granite and quartz tiles have a similar durability and can be more visually interesting than the same materials used in solid surfaces. You can also opt for larger tiles, creating fewer grout lines overall.

Keep in mind, however, that tiled counters, because they have many drawbacks, may have a negative impact on your home's value when selling. Many potential buyers may be put off by the upkeep associated with tile. If you have your heart set on tiling your countertops, consider using it on areas that do not get as much use as the food prep zones, like a butler's pantry or wet bar area.