While the kitchen is primarily seen as the room where we prepare and cook our meals, for many it’s also the social hub of the home. It’s the space where everyone congregates in the morning to discuss their plans and in the evening to talk about their days and it can be so many different things to so many different people. That’s why you want your kitchen to be perfect and a big part of the design is the kitchen floor.
When it comes to your kitchen floor you have a few options. Carpets are obviously a bad idea and there are wooden and vinyl flooring options to consider but it’s tiles that offer the best balance of durability, looks and wipe-clean convenience. But what tiles are the best fit for your kitchen?
Choose style and size first
The colour, texture and style of tiles you choose are going to change the atmosphere of the entire room, so you want to start by making a bold stylistic choice and sticking with it. Speaking of sticking with it, you’ll also want to ensure you stock up on the right kind of tile adhesive depending on the material you choose.
As far as size goes, larger tiles are generally better suited to kitchen floors as there are fewer crevices for dirt and crumbs to get stuck in. But that doesn’t mean you should discount smaller tiles completely if you’re enthusiastic about the design.
Tile materials
There are several different kinds of tile material for homeowners to choose from, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks. Let’s examine a few of the more popular tile materials and see if we can help you figure out which one will work best in your home.
Ceramic tiles – Ceramic tiles are an absolute classic for kitchen floors, and they come in a vast array of patterns, colours and designs. They are extremely durable and resistant to humidity and are easily replaced when broken. They also look and feel incredible and will lend your kitchen the atmosphere of a genuine Mediterranean villa. However, note that they tend to absorb water over time, and this can lead to cracks appearing during the winter months. They are also not quite as hard-wearing as porcelain tiles.
Porcelain tiles – Porcelain tiles are also popular at the moment. They are non-porous and extremely easy to clean, plus they are usually more affordable than real stone tiles. To the untrained eye, they also don’t look too different to ceramic tiles though you will notice the difference when stepping on them. As they don’t absorb water, they are also a good choice for more active kitchens.
Slate tiles – Natural slate tiles are also generally loved by homeowners as their random patterns make the kitchen feel extremely modern but natural and cosy. The problem, however, is that slate is nowhere near as durable as ceramic or porcelain tiles. But then, if they crack you could always say it’s just part of the random natural effect!
Granite – Finally, granite tiles are also a modern favourite when it comes to the kitchen. This type of flooring creates a friendly and rustic atmosphere, and these tiles are extremely durable. However, they are also slippery when wet so might not be the best idea for homes of young families.
