The kitchen is the heart of every home, where we all come together to share meals, stories, and laughter. With the home improvement industry flourishing, homeowners are investing in creating their dream living spaces. Among all the projects, bathroom and kitchen floor renovations take the lead. So, here’s a blog post to help you choose the best tile for kitchen floor. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a stylish and functional space with the best kitchen floor tiles for every style and budget.
An Inside Scoop on Kitchen Renovations
Thinking of giving your kitchen a makeover? Before you start, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, kitchen renovations are not cheap, and you must pay close attention to the quality of workmanship and materials involved.
With it comes Granite, quartz, or Carrera marble, which are popular choices for countertops. And let’s not miss out on cabinets – they need to withstand daily use and support the weight of your dishes and glassware.
Equally important is the flooring choice, as the kitchen floor experiences a lot of foot traffic. While linoleum was once a popular option, there is now a wide range of flooring materials.
Not to stress, though! We’re here to help you navigate the options and find the best tile for kitchen floor. Transform your kitchen into an amazing space that reflects your style and meets your needs.
Factors to Consider for Choosing The Best Tile for Kitchen Floor
Before we have a look at the kitchen floor tile options, let’s consider a few important factors.
Durability Matters:
Given the high foot traffic in your kitchen, choosing the flooring that can withstand the hustle and bustle is important. While cheap stick-on tiles may seem like a money-saving option, they often lack durability.
These tiles tend to lift at the corners, tear easily, and have an adhesive that may fail over time. To determine a tile’s durability, look for its PEI rating. This rating system indicates where the tile is best suited for installation.
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PEI 1: This rating indicates tiles that are not designed for foot traffic and are typically used for wall tiles.
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PEI 2: Tiles with this rating are suitable for areas with light foot traffic, such as guest bathroom walls and flooring.
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PEI 3: These tiles are ideal for spaces with light to moderate use, making them a good choice for most flooring, wall tiles, and countertops.
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PEI 4: Tiles with this rating are suitable for areas with moderate to heavy use, making them a reliable option for both residential and industrial flooring.
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PEI 5: This rating is for tiles that can handle heavy to extra-heavy use and are primarily used in commercial and industrial flooring applications.
While not all manufacturers provide PEI ratings, most will offer installation recommendations.
Size Requirements:
Kitchen tiles come in various sizes, so choosing one that fits your space’s dimensions is important. While a 24″ tile may be visually appealing, it may not be suitable for a smaller kitchen, as it may look disproportionate. Smaller decorative tiles can enhance your countertops and complement your aesthetic, but they may not offer the durability you need. It’s common for people to opt for 12″ tiles for kitchen floors, with some preferring 18″.
Regardless of the size, precise measurements of kitchen tiles are crucial. Measuring inaccurately and underestimating the required amount of tile are common mistakes in DIY flooring projects. If you’re doing it yourself, consider measuring the area multiple times. Make sure you purchase enough and the best tile for kitchen floor, as popular options can quickly sell out at flooring stores and retailers.
Color Choice:
You have many options to explore when selecting the right color for your kitchen floor. Your choice should be based on your personal preference and what will complement the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. However, it’s important to consider the impact of color on the perception of space.
Darker colors have the ability to “hide” dirt and stains more effectively, but they can also make your kitchen appear smaller. On the other hand, lighter hues have the power to brighten up the space and create an illusion of a larger area, but they may not be as effective at concealing imperfections.
Texture Concept:
Texture plays a vital role in both the visual appeal and safety of your kitchen floor. Textured and premium matt tiles are a smart choice as they provide better traction and are less slippery compared to glass or smooth tiles.
Considering that your kitchen floor is prone to getting wet and even slippery from spills, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when purchasing tiles. By choosing tiles with the right texture, you can lower the risk of any accidents and ensure a secure footing in your kitchen.
Tile Installation:
Installation of tiles can be a challenging task, especially if you’re a first-timer. However, with the right approach, it’s definitely achievable. To ensure a smooth installation process, following the manufacturer’s suggestions and guidelines is required.
Additionally, using the appropriate tile saw is essential. While many equipment rental places offer tile saws for rent, it’s worth noting that you can purchase a wet table saw at a more affordable price than you might expect.
Remember, a successful installation job requires more than just tiles and a saw. You’ll also need tile spacers, a level, a trowel, and a grout float to achieve professional results.
Before taking on your tiling project, consider these aspects and equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge. You will be well-prepared to tackle the installation process and create a stunning tiled surface in your kitchen.
Maintenance for Tiles
Proper maintenance of kitchen floor tiles is a must for the practical and long-lasting beauty. Let’s explore how to effectively maintain different types of tiles to keep them looking their best for years.
Wood:
Hardwood flooring is a widespread choice but requires regular re-sealing and is susceptible to scratches. Consider laminate flooring for a more durable option, although it may not perfectly match existing hardwood. Wood look tiles, made of porcelain and wood-like finish, offer a popular alternative. However, their installation can be challenging, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the unique considerations.
Porcelain Tiles:
Porcelain tiles, known for their durability, are made with added sand, resulting in a harder and denser material that is less porous. You can install these tiles both indoors and outdoors, withstanding various climates.
Glazed porcelain, while offering a glass-like effect, is more prone to scratching and slipperiness. Special tools and patience are required for installing porcelain tiles, and following the manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial for a successful installation.
Ceramic Tiles:
Ceramic tiles, softer and more porous than porcelain, go through a glazing process to enhance durability. Available in a wide range of colors and textures, kitchen ceramic tile is easy to clean and a favorite choice for remodels.
While installing ceramic kitchen tiles is generally easier than working with porcelain, proper preparation and following a step-by-step guide are essential for a smooth and successful installation.
Stone Floor Tiles:
Natural stone tiles, such as slate, granite, limestone, travertine, and marble, require regular re-sealing due to their natural composition. We recommend Casa stone tiles that come in smooth polished and solid color varieties, each with unique characteristics.
By understanding the specific maintenance needs of each type of tile and utilizing the right tools and techniques, you can ensure that your flooring remains beautiful and functional for years.
All the Best – Choose the Best Tile for Kitchen Floor!
Selecting the right tile for your kitchen floor is an important decision that balances both aesthetics and practicality. While decorative and glass-like textures may look beautiful, they can be slippery and may not provide the durability you need.
Casa stone tiles offer ruggedness and durability, while ceramic, porcelain tiles each have their unique appeal. By carefully considering your needs, desired look, and budget, you can confidently choose the best tiles for kitchen floor, securing a stunning and functional upgrade for your space.
