having a slippery kitchen floor is an avoidable issue. So different tiles are manufactured for solving this problem. By looking through online images and checking the price, you will find new ideas to remodel your kitchen. When it comes to kitchens, tile floors are always the natural choice. Tiles are ideal for kitchens as they are resistant to moisture, and stains and are easy to clean. You can use tiles to create completely different styles of furniture. Floor tiles are more stable, and scratch and dirt resistant than wall tiles because they have to withstand heavier loads. When you browse the wide range of colors, shapes, and styles available on the market, your kitchen floor can be transformed in countless ways. First, this is often the greatest difference between the two. Floor tiles can withstand more pressure than wall tiles. Obviously, floor tiles take more weight and traffic from humans and furniture, so they need to be durable and strong to withstand all the strains. But interestingly, because these tiles are so durable, they can also be used as wall tiles and countertops. Tiles get their color from additive oxides or unique glazes. Manufacturers apply it to the original tiles that are joined in the second firing. Unique designs are usually printed, glazed, and fired again. Be careful when choosing dark tiles! These tend to make the kitchen dark. In addition, limescale residues are more visible compared to light-colored tiles. We already know that mosaics are used to create backsplashes to protect them from oil stains. So instead of covering the bottom of the cabinet with a splash-prone mosaic, why not cover the entire wall? It can further amplify the beauty of your kitchen so that it can complement your entire decor. Also, remember to choose to showcase the perfect design. You don't want your kitchen tiles to look weird and contradict other fixtures in your home. Not to mention the color combinations to choose from for maximum aesthetics. The term tile is used in different ways. In general, it should be understood that these are ceramic plates of different sizes. They are used as floor and wall tiles both indoors and outdoors. The raw material for production is clay. Many natural minerals, including quartz, kaolin, and feldspar, are added to it. The shapes are formed by crushing the endless strips or by pressing them into molds provided for this purpose. The hardness of the tiles comes from the subsequent firing process at around 1000 degrees. Bathroom tiles are ready! Types of kitchen flooring: Tiles are divided into floor tiles and wall tiles: the different material properties lead to many areas and types of applications. There are fine stoneware tiles or natural stone tiles on the market. Manufacturers keep the porcelain surface in an untreated state or grind and polish it after the firing process. Their low water absorption is characteristic of these types of tiles, usually less than three percent. That's why this type is perfect for high traffic areas. On the other hand, ceramic tiles have a much higher water absorption capacity, up to 10%. These are fine ceramics and are only suitable for indoor use. After the firing process, the pottery tiles are coated with a glaze. This results in better resistance to acids and detergents and a smoother surface. Porcelain and tile are similar in many ways. Fired at high temperatures, both are made from clay mixtures and are known for their sturdiness and durability. Both types of tiles are available in glazed and unglazed. Apart from that, there are many differences between the two. The problem with buying tiles is that there are dozens of tiles on the market to choose from. To help you make the best decision, we've narrowed our selection down to ten of the best kitchen tiles.
Different tiles for the floor
In accordance with kitchen design, there are different types of tiles for the floor. Here are some of the most commonly used tiles.
- Ceramic Tile
Tile is one of the foremost commonly utilized materials for kitchen floors. One of the main reasons for the popularity of ceramic is that it is stain and water resistant. For greater resistance to moisture, you can use "enameled" ceramic. The tile is very durable. A kitchen is an accident-prone place and it's unlikely that dropped plates, pots, or anything else will cause cracks in the floor. However, if for some unforeseen reason the tiles are damaged, replacing them will be painless and inexpensive.
- Porcelain Tile
As mentioned earlier, tiles are similar to tiles but are several notches higher in water resistance and durability. Tile is one of the most durable kitchen floorings. It is very robust and can be used in high pressure environments and commercial kitchens. The water absorption rate of tiles is less than 0.5%. Tile maintenance costs are also low. To clean them, sweep and wipe with a damp cloth. With proper care, these tiles can last for decades.
- Travertine tiles
Travertine tile is a flooring material that has become very popular in kitchens. Travertine is a type of limestone that has a natural appeal and adds a rustic, understated look to any interior. It is most commonly found in earth tones such as rusks, tans, and browns. Interestingly, these tiles are considered high-end luxury materials. Although travertine tile floors require care and maintenance, they have the potential to last for decades. If you take the right time to take care of it, it will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Another reason why travertine tiles are so unique is that they are environmentally friendly. It is 100% biodegradable, fully recyclable, and used in its natural form.
- Slate tile
Natural slate tiles are loved by remodelers and decorators for their natural beauty. Using this material for a kitchen floor for a modern look will remind you of the natural wonders of the world. Slate floors are an attractive kitchen flooring option because every tile is different. No two slate bricks in the world are alike. In terms of style and appearance, slate tiles stand out for their functionality, they are durable and strong, and they are resistant to scratches, cracks, chips, etc. However, the slate is resistant to water damage and stains. To extend their life, these tiles require adequate regular maintenance. The biggest disadvantage of this flooring is its price. These tiles are very expensive, especially the high-end tiles.
- Marble tiles
All modern kitchens have marble tiles because few materials can do the job like this. There is no doubt that marble tiles are breathtakingly beautiful. It has long been a staple of ultra-luxury and high-end kitchens, where chic style is as important as overall functionality. The highlight of marble tiles is the wide variety of colors to choose from, with the highly polished look making individual colors more pronounced and bright. However, before you decide to make marble your first choice for your kitchen flooring, you should also be aware of some disadvantages. Although a valuable material, marble tile can be slippery when wet. Marble tiles are also prone to stains and scratches. To prolong their life, they must be closed regularly. The cost of marble and installation is very high, especially if you have an intricate design like a mosaic.
- Onyx tile
Another natural stone is Onyx, which looks flawless when used on kitchen floors. Although it is considered one of the most luxurious tiling materials, it is rarer than marble and granite. If you want to give your kitchen a truly exotic look, these tiles will be perfect for you, that's for sure. However, despite its beauty, it is not the most popular tile in the kitchen. The material is very soft and not resistant to scratches and scuffs with regular use. Like all things in the world, they can last longer if you provide them with proper maintenance. In addition to regular sealing, agate requires regular cleaning and special care to avoid damage.
- Granite tiles
The best thing about granite is that it is available in different colors. The material usually has a natural mottled pattern and when the granite is polished it adds even more brightness to the colors contained within each tile. Another benefit of using granite tiles is durability. It is one of the hardest natural stones used for kitchen floors. Granite is also stain resistant and can withstand heavy knocks. This is a great option for heavily worn and high traffic kitchens. A disadvantage of granite is that it can become slippery when polished. If you're considering granite for your next kitchen project, be careful and consider other options, especially if you have young children at home. Granite tiles are slightly more expensive than mid-range kitchen tiles.
- Quartzite tile
Quartz stone or quartz has long been a popular choice for kitchen floors. Attractive flooring materials are known for their beautiful and shiny appearance. Quartzite's sleek appeal makes it a popular tile material for modern kitchens. Quartzite has a non-porous structure, which is the main reason why it is so striking. The water absorption rate is also low, which increases the number of days and increases the service life of the tiles. Another advantage of quartzite is the strength of the material. Natural stone can withstand heavy knocks and scratches. Cracking or chipping is common. Finally, quartzite is cost effective compared to other types of natural stone tiles. It exudes a luxurious look without any major upfront investment. Like other floor tiles with a smooth, shiny surfaces, quartzite can become slippery when wet.
- Cement tiles
Not a very common choice for kitchen tiles, cement is still considered a great choice for kitchens. The material looks minimalistic and manifests itself in many ways. When it comes to the finished product outcome, the multiple colors and design options give you more flexibility than other tiles. Cement tile floors are the perfect balance between industrial and modern design. Like all materials, cement has its setbacks. Chief among them is that it is porous, scratches easily, and stains easily. We recommend that you hire a contractor to extend the life of this tile. You must perform proper care and maintenance. Since the cement is not the most durable material, it must be installed by a professional. Cement is a mid-range tile, which means it's not terribly expensive, but it's not that cheap either.
- Pebble tiles
If you want to give your kitchen an elegant and high-end look, unistone tiles will be a perfect choice. One of the most popular options is pebble, which has long been a popular choice for kitchen floors. The highlight of this floor is definitely its contemporary style. The tiles are made up of small pebbles (hence the name). These pebbles are naturally quarried from stone and no two tiles are alike. Like sandstone tiles, cobblestone tiles are not very smooth. Conversely, individual pebbles produce a more textured finish. It also has perfect slip resistance to help prevent accidents. If you have a major renovation or home improvement project, we highly recommend that you consider these options to give your home the look it deserves. Take your time before deciding which tiles are best for your home. After all, you're putting hundreds of dollars into it. Some tiles have special characteristics for a harmonious interior design. Once you have chosen the right tile for your kitchen, it is best to have it installed by a professional. Your new kitchen will only shine at its best if the tiles are laid correctly.