There are three different kinds of tiles: porcelain, ceramic, and stone. Porcelain is water resistant but harder to install than ceramic. Ceramic meanwhile is easier to install but more susceptible to damage than porcelain. As for stone, this type of floor tile is the most expensive one but also the most striking floor tile to install.
It would be easy if those were the only things you need to consider when picking floor tiles for your kitchen. Unfortunately, there are a lot more factors to think about before you make a decision. Because apart from the wide-ranging colours, you will also find kitchen tiles in various shapes, sizes, and finishes. Natural stone tiles even come in granite, marble, travertine, limestone, and slate.
So before you go with, for instance, limestone tiles over ceramic tiles for your kitchen flooring, go over the following:
Naturally, make sure your tiles are designed for installation on floors.
Tiles can also be used for walls, as pavers, and as backsplash. If it’s not meant to be installed on your flooring, then it is not going to be sufficient for foot traffic and all sorts of kitchen abuses. That means tiles on your kitchen flooring might not last as long as it should last.
Focus on water resistance.
While your kitchen might not get as much moisture as your bathroom, it is still an important consideration. Imagine the spills your kitchen might be prone to, from drinks to sauces to soups.
Now how do you know which tile is more water-resistant? For starters, don’t choose glazed tiles because they will be slippery. Unglazed tiles have a moisture absorption rate of 0.5 per cent in comparison to the 3 per cent absorption rate of glazed tiles.
Look for texture.
Another way to combat slippery flooring is to go with textured tiles. Textured tiles will increase traction, so your kitchen floor will be less slippery. Texture also enhances the natural beauty of your kitchen. However, it can hide dirt more than other kitchen tiles. The problem with that is that if you don’t see the dirt, you might not be so inclined to clean your floors.
Quarry tiles might make for a good choice because it is unglazed; its rough texture also delivers better slip-resistance as well as provides a kind of earthy look for your kitchen.
Go for durability.
All floor tiles are meant to withstand different levels of traffic, from light to moderate to heavy foot traffic. For your kitchen, it is always safer to go with durable tiles that can stand up to heavy traffic. This way, you are certain of its durability.