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Which Kitchen Tile is Right for You?
Introduction
Today, tiles are found in the majority of domestic kitchens, ranging from small splash back features behind hobs and sinks, to full kitchen floors. It has now become increasingly popular for modern kitchens to have tiles fixed from floor to ceiling, offering a very stylish and modern effect.
Which size tiles should I use?
Floors
For very small kitchens, you should consider small floor tiles (e.g. 30x30cm) to create a good flow. Larger format tiles (e.g. 40x40cm and greater) look best in kitchens that have a lot of floor space where many tiles can be laid without cuts. Large floors also welcome ‘multi-format’ tiles – tiles of the same design that are laid in 2, 3 or 4 different sizes (as a continuous pattern).
Walls
For splash back areas, small kitchen tiles (e.g. 10x10cm) are often the popular choice. However, if you are looking to tile full walls from floor to ceiling, both small and large format tiles can work.
Hygiene
Kitchens need to be a place of hygiene, which tiles certainly offer. With their ‘fresh’ appearance and ‘easy wipe’ surfaces, hygiene is one of the first things that come to mind when using tiles in the kitchen.
Hygiene is also escalated when grouts with antibacterial additives are used in food preparation areas. We sell a range of BAL grouts with Microban technology, which prevents the growth of bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Floor tiles
The kitchen is perhaps the most frequently used room in any house, often being an entrance to the garden, sleeping areas for pets and storage for heavy domestic appliances. For this reason, it is important to choose a floor tile that is hard wearing, scratch resistant and easy to clean.
Due to its hard-wearing properties, the common choice is a porcelain floor tile, however, for those people with cottages, barn conversions, or simply those looking for a rustic look, natural stone tiles (travertine, quarry, slate) can offer a fantastic unique effect.
Which colours should I choose?
Emphasis should be made on ‘personal choice’ for this answer. However, always consider the colour of your kitchen units and surroundings when choosing the colour/design for your tiles.
Depending on the look you are after, warm looking colours such as creams and terracotta can contribute to creating an impression of warmth. However, don’t disregard other colours, which can offer some very stylish and modern finishes.
Will tiles make the floor cold?
Floor tiles may feel cool on bare feet, but this can also depend on the surface underneath the tiles. For example, tiling onto wood (which can ‘breath’) will create a warmer feel than tiles that are placed on top of concrete.
Undertile heating is a modern solution to warming floors and entire rooms. There are many benefits to undertile heating such as giving you more wall space (no need for radiators), low running costs, and a more efficient way of heating a room (compared to a radiator).
Have you read our other free advice articles?
- Top 10 tips for choosing and buying tiles
- 10 Reasons why to choose tiles
- Choosing a bathroom tile
- Choosing a natural stone tile
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