When it comes to shopping for kitchen tile flooring, there are many factors to consider.
Practicality may trump aesthetics, but your choice should reflect your lifestyle and how you intend to use your kitchen. If you are redesigning your kitchen or simply giving it a fresh look, tiles are a natural option for this space, from floors to the backsplash.
The Reno Superstore offers a variety of tiles, including the latest collections from Olympia and Anatolia Tile, at the best prices. But understanding your needs is most important.
Below we discuss some of the best tiles for your kitchen so you can make an informed choice.
Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Kitchen Tiles
Tiles are durable and come in a multitude of patterns and styles. Here’s how to pick the best ones for your kitchen.
4 Types of Tile Flooring
Porcelain tiles are the best-known type, but there are others, which we explore here.
1. Ceramic Tiles
Ancient civilizations like Babylon and Egypt used ceramic tiles. They are a durable and beautiful option that remains popular to this day, although they have evolved. Made out of clay, ceramic tiles are softer than porcelain and less water-resistant but are valued for their beauty and stunning visuals.
Since they have less resistance to moisture, they are more susceptible to damage in wet conditions so are not the most practical choice for kitchens.
2. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are made from clay mixed with sand baked at high pressure and heat. The result is harder, more moisture resistant, and denser than ceramic tile. It’s a great material that works equally well indoors and outdoors, and the resulting tiles are used extensively in bathrooms as well as in kitchens floors and walls.
You have the option of glazed porcelain and unglazed porcelain. Glazed porcelain has a glass-like coating while the unglazed variety has the colour and pattern throughout the clay mixture.
Porcelain is not DIY-friendly and requires professional installation for the best results.
3. Natural Stones
Marble, limestone, granite, and travertine are the most common natural stones used in kitchens. Natural stones are stunning and long-lasting but also porous, so need to be finished with good quality stone sealer periodically for best results.
Stone tiles can be polished or honed. Honed stone provides better traction but is dull, while polished stones offer less traction but are more vibrant. This is another great choice for kitchens but also requires professional installation.
Different forms of mosaics are made by cutting natural stones to create interesting backsplashes or even floors.
4. Glass Tiles
Similar to traditional ceramic tiles, glass tiles share the same qualities. They reflect light beautifully and need to be installed correctly to avoid damage. Glass tiles make stunning backsplashes but cannot be installed as flooring.
How to Pick the Right Tile for Your Kitchen
With so many options, making the right choice can get a bit confusing. Some look superb, while others are more functional. The bottom line is that you need to decide what’s best for your kitchen.
Here’s how to do just that.
1. Understand Your Needs
If you cook and bake regularly, it makes sense to choose porcelain tiles as they are the easiest to clean. Matte finish is best as it offers better traction in a busy kitchen. You can also mix a tile backsplash with stone floors for a more interesting look
2. Think About Colours
Colours influence your space more than you realize. Given the nature of the space, oil splashes and accidental spills are natural. Whether you select natural stone or porcelain flooring, it is best to avoid light colours. Instead, opt for a mid-tone floor tile that will help your kitchen look fresh. If you are looking for faux wood or patterns, a porcelain tile floor is best.
3. Consider Your Budget
It is easy to be swayed by magazines and filtered Instagram posts, but it is best to be realistic about how much you are planning to spend on this renovation. Take into account installation and transportation costs in your budgeting.
We know planning a renovation isn’t easy, so here is a simple guide on how to do it without breaking the bank.
4. Ask for Help
Porcelain tile and stone are not DIY friendly as both require special tools and precision to work with. Therefore, it is best to hire a professional installer to complete your kitchen. The Reno Superstore also offers top-notch installation services at affordable prices in and around Toronto and the Mississauga area.
We hope this guide was helpful in understanding various aspects of kitchen tiles, including how to shop for them and your options. Your kitchen is a functional space, so it is best to consider a practical choice in terms of your needs and budget. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. The Reno Superstore team is available to help you with all your renovation needs, seven days a week.