We ask a lot of our kitchen floors, especially if we have pets, kids, or both. Making the right tile choice often means walking the fine line between practicality and aesthetics.
Our guide will take you through how to find the best tiles for your kitchen, whatever your budget or style goals.
Kitchen Floor Tile Considerations
There is no one right choice for kitchen floor tiles because of the different ways families live. If you have small children or pets that are prone to accidents, laying tile in your kitchen is a no-brainer. But not all tiles are as family-friendly as others.Tile is also a great choice when no kids or furry friends are in the house. Some of the critical considerations for finding the right tiles include the following:
Water Resistance
The kitchen floor doesn't get as wet as the bathroom, but it still sees its fair share of thrills and spills. You need a tile that provides a reasonable level of water resistance. Look out for how porous the tile is and whether it is glazed or not.Safety
Tiles with a shiny, glazed finish can look stunning. But there may be safer options.They could become a serious slip hazard if you've got toddlers, pets, or seniors. So instead, consider something with more texture and grip to keep everyone on their feet.
Budget
You'll pay a premium for natural tile materials, such as marble. However, if you're on a budget, ceramic tiles may be a good option. They're less hardwearing than porcelain, but with a bit of care should stand the test of time.If you can stretch to porcelain tile, they can be a great choice. They're super hard and durable and are easy to keep clean. Plus, they come in a huge range of styles and will last for decades with very little maintenance.
Size of Kitchen
Is your kitchen a little more bijou than the 161 square feet average? Here are a few small kitchen floor tile ideas. First, choose light colors that reflect the light and make the space appear larger.Next, your choice of tile size for the floor really matters. Small tiles will accentuate the tininess of the space. On the other hand, large, even oversize tiles can actually make the room look bigger.
Match Your Wall Tiles
Which should you choose first, your wall tiles or floor tiles? This is up to you, but whichever you choose, make sure that they coordinate well.Of course, you can make a statement by choosing the same tiles for your kitchen floor and walls. This can look great, but it can also be too busy if you choose a very colorful style. Using contrasting effects can also make a bold statement.
Best Materials for Kitchen Floor Tiles
For most people, the choice will come down to ceramic or porcelain. They both have great features, but there's a clear winner for kitchen floors.Ceramic and Natural Tiles
Ceramic tiles are usually more porous than porcelain but can be sealed to make them more moisture-resistant. Natural stone tiles, such as sandstone, can also soak up moisture easily. They look great at first, but it only takes one flying pan of spaghetti sauce to make them look terrible.Ceramic tiles are also softer than porcelain ones. A dropped pan or plate could chip them if it hits them at the wrong angle. If this is likely to happen in your home, a harder tile may be a safer option.
The seal on ceramic tiles makes them easy to clean. However, you'll usually need to reseal them around every five years. This will keep moisture out and preserve the appearance of the tiles.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is heated to extremely high temperatures. This makes it very hard and durable - the perfect tiles for a kitchen. They won't stain, don't need to be resealed, and are easy to clean.All you need to do is mope them regularly with a flat mop to remove any surface dirt. Moisture and dirt cannot penetrate glazed porcelain tile. The challenge is keeping the grout clean, and you can solve that problem by getting your grout sealed as well.
Porcelain tiles come in a vast range of styles that can mimic natural materials, such as marble and even wood flooring. Many of us love the look of these sumptuous floor coverings, but they're either too expensive or downright impractical for family life.
The latest porcelain tile options are so realistic that many of your visitors won't even realize they are tiles. Glazed porcelain tiles also come in matte finishes, making them safe for the whole family.
Find the Best Kitchen Floor Tiles
For most people, porcelain tiles are the best kitchen floor tiles around. They're durable, won't get scratched or dented, and they're easy to keep clean.Check out National Floors Direct's outstanding range of kitchen floor tiles. From natural tones to wood effect porcelain tile, we've got the perfect option for your kitchen remodel. You can combine style with practicality; we even provide a free in-home estimate service.
Reach out today by calling 888-400-FLOOR or contact us online!
