5 Most Popular Kitchen Tile Choices

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Urban rustic style - Victorian villa, Hammersmith, My-Studio Ltd My-Studio Ltd ห้องครัว แผ่น MDF
Loading admin actions …

Floors; walls; backsplashes; countertops… Yes, when it comes to the ever-popular kitchen, we certainly have quite a few options of where we can flaunt some tiles. Not that tiles are our only option for kitchen surfaces, but since they are far more durable than laminate and one of the easiest materials to clean, we are highlighting them for today’s piece!

What also adds to tiles’ popularity is the fact that there are so many different types (and styles, and sizes, and colours) to choose from, meaning it’s only a matter of looking and planning before you find the ideal tile for your kitchen. 

So, with a beautifully tiled kitchen in mind, let’s discover the five most favourite types of tiles worldwide, how to distinguish them from one another, plus their known pros and cons…

1. Kitchen tiles: Ceramic

Since they are very straightforward to install and extremely durable, ceramic tiles win the most-popular-tiles-for-a-kitchen contest hands down! But don’t forget that they are also quite trendy for other practical areas in the home, like the bathroom. 

How to identify: Put some water on the tile’s back surface – if it soaks in, then the tile is ceramic, as ceramic tiles have a clay backing that’s porous. On the top surface, ceramic tiles are non-porous as they’ve been treated to a glass glaze. 

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, floors, backsplashes. 

Pros:  

• Easy to install 

• Simple to clean 

• Long-lasting quality 

• Wide variety to choose from 

• Not very costly.

Cons: 

• There can be a lot of variation between the different types of ceramic tiles; thus, be careful with the style and size when purchasing ceramic tiles for your home.

2. Kitchen tiles: Porcelain

Sharing its popularity with our number one spot is porcelain, for it is, technically, also a type of ceramic tile. The great thing about porcelain is that it is even more durable and resistant than ceramic, meaning it’s a great choice for public as well as interior surfaces. 

How to identify: Put some water on the tile’s back surface – if it does NOT soak in, then it’s a porcelain tile, seeing as porcelain is vitrified / non-absorbent.  

Best for: Commercial spaces, as the hard-wearing surfaces are ideal for airports, shopping malls and other public locations. Therefore, you can rest assured that porcelain is the perfect choice for a busy cooking space!  

Pros: 

• Very resilient  

• Can be bought in larger sizes 

• A wide variety of styles and designs. 

Cons: 

• Slightly costlier than ceramic 

• It’s crucial to use a special setting material 

• Harder to cut and drill.

3. Kitchen tiles: Marble

Since marble has a unique and beautiful appearance, they are the number one choice for many people. They are especially trendy for when you want a room or surface to flaunt a lavish, rich look. Keep in mind, however, that marble can damage quite easily, which is why it’s important to buy high-quality marble tiles from a reputable manufacturer. 

How to identify: Marble is a natural stone and has to be cut; therefore, you will find no moulding on the back as you would with porcelain or ceramic tiles.  

Best for: Floors and kitchen countertops. 

Pros: 

• A very sophisticated appearance that enhances a luxurious setting 

• A great variation of tiles to choose from.

Cons: 

• Not really an option for small budgets 

• Needs more maintenance than other tile types 

• Requires regular cleaning 

• Needs to be sealed in order to prevent grout staining.

4. Kitchen tiles: Granite

Thanks to its durability and stain-resistant qualities, granite can be counted upon to look fantastic – and stay that way! It’s also a very popular choice for rustic-style spaces. 

How to identify: A granite tile is polished with a speckled appearance that goes right through the entire tile, visible on the front, sides and back surfaces. It also provides a smooth finish on the back. 

Best for: Kitchens and bathroom walls.  

Pros: 

• Granite presents a rich and beautiful appearance that is quite unmatched by other tile types 

• Very durable 

• Stain-resistant qualities, making it very practical. 

Cons: 

• One of the more costlier tile options 

• It has a unique look that doesn’t fit in with everyone’s personal style 

• Can be very slippery when wet 

• Very hard to cut.

5. Kitchen tiles: Quartz

Regardless of the room, quartz can be a top flooring choice for your home. 

How to identify: A quartz tile can have a pure colour, or metallic chippings in its appearance. Seeing as quartz is not strong enough to be made a solid tile out of, it’s usually mixed with a resin to make it stronger. 

Best for: Flooring (for any room) and kitchen countertops.

Pros: 

• Low maintenance 

• Shiny appearance 

• A cost-effective option 

• Very strong 

• Quartz is non-porous (doesn’t allow air or liquid to pass through it), meaning it doesn’t harbour germs as many other tile types tend to do. 

Cons: 

• Can be very sensitive to harsh cleaning products, so be careful what you use 

• Can get slippery when wet 

• Colours tend to fade with time.

Speaking of super smart choices, see Our best breakfast bar ideas for a stylish “good morning!”

ต้องการความช่วยเหลือสำหรับโปรเจคของคุณ?
ติดต่อเราได้เลย

ไฮไลท์จากนิตยสารของเรา