When it comes to determining the right tile material to use for your kitchen flooring, you will have a substantial collection to choose from. It may be advantageous for some, but having so many choices can also be a bit tricky. With all the tile materials, colours, textures and finishes available, you have to consider some factors to make an informed judgment and achieve the results you require.
If you are looking to buy the right tile for your kitchen floor at Mackay Tiling, we got you covered. Check out the factors you can take into consideration so you can pick the best tile option for your kitchen flooring.
Durability
Kitchen renovations are substantial investments. Ensuring that the tile you will purchase is durable is an important factor you have to keep in mind. Since the kitchen area is one of the most-used parts of a home, you have to be particular with the resiliency of the tile you will use for its flooring. Do not skimp on the tile quality and invest in suitable and durable kitchen floor tiles. If you want to be sure of how durable a tile material is, you can check its PEI rating. It is a system that lets you determine where a certain tile can be best placed based on its durability.
PEI 1 – can’t withstand any foot traffic; not suitable for floors but can be used for walls
PEI 2 – can withstand light foot traffic; can be used on walls or flooring in guest bathrooms
PEI 3 – can endure light to moderate foot traffic; can be used on walls, flooring and countertops
PEI 4 – can resist moderate to heavy traffic; suitable for residential and industrial flooring
PEI 5 – can tolerate heavy to extra-heavy traffic; typically used for residential applications but also suitable for commercial and industrial flooring
Color, Size and Texture
Aside from the functionalities you need for your kitchen tiles, it is also essential to consider their aesthetic appeal. The tile color, size and texture can be based on your personal preferences. However, if you want to brighten your space and make it appear bigger, you can use tiles with lighter hues. Small-sized tiles can be best used as an accent on splashbacks or countertops, while large tiles can help you create a more seamless appearance for your kitchen floor. Besides that, you also have to consider the texture of the tiles. Since the kitchen area is prone to spills, it might be better to go for textured and matte tiles.
Material and Maintenance
When you are choosing the right tile for your kitchen floor, you have to consider the maintenance that will come with it in the long run. You have to ensure that you can properly maintain your tiles so that your flooring can last for the years to come. Here are the most common kitchen floor tiles and the maintenance they require.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a harder and denser version of ceramic tiles. Although they share some similarities in colors and sizes, porcelain tiles are less porous. It can withstand any climate and traffic, so it doesn’t require regular upkeep.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are favored by many especially for kitchen renovations because it is softer, more porous and affordable than porcelain. Since this tile undergoes a glazing process, it can be resistant to spills and stains. Besides that, ceramic tiles are also very easy to install.
Stone
Slate, limestone, granite, marble and travertine are some of the most sought-after stone tiles that can be used on kitchen floors. It offers an elegant appeal to your kitchen, but it requires re-sealing every two to three years.
