Your home’s kitchen can have several different types of tiles and applications. They will all beautifully enhance your kitchen. When choosing the right kitchen tile consider where its location first. Glossy wall tile won’t be the same as flooring tile. Flooring tile needs to be safe for walking. Here’s how to choose the right application and type of tile for your home’s kitchen.
1.) Figure out your budget beforehand:
The cost of kitchen tile varies widely. Vinyl and linoleum tiles can be inexpensive. However, costs can be significantly higher for custom-designed ceramic tiles. Do your homework! Also, your local tile and home improvement stores should be happy to help with estimating.
2.) Understand the difference between ‘tiles’:
The word ‘tile’ refers to a resilient material that can be laid in rows over a surface. For kitchens, this could include: bamboo, quarry, stone, vinyl, ceramic, porcelain, cork, and glass. The most commonly used applications for flooring are vinyl, cork and bamboo tiles. Quarry, ceramic, and porcelain can also be used for counters and floors. Glass tile is usually reserved for backsplashes and walls.
3.) Determine the tile location:
Before you select a material you will need to decide what surface the tile will be applied. Tile can be placed as a backsplash behind a stove, or on the wall to the underside of the upper cabinets. Tile is a popular countertop material, and can also be used on the kitchen floor.
4.) Get floor tile that can withstand your family’s habits:
Determine if your family’s lifestyle matches the tile finish you choose. Although resilient, kitchen tile still requires maintenance and the longevity of each material is different. Ceramic tile is durable, heat-resistant, easy-to-clean and maintain; great for counter-tops. Unfortunately ceramic tile can be uneven and easily crack or chip. When choosing floor tile it has to be durable enough to withstand heavy traffic, pets, spilled foods and cleaning supplies. Ensure that the floor tile you buy is called ‘floor tile’. Avoid choosing a wall tile for your floor because the coefficient of friction (COF) will be too low and it will be too slippery for walking. Floor tile that has a slight raised pattern or texture allows for a safer kitchen floor. Consider quarry tile for a more refined and elegant look. The limestone and clay based tile is fired to look like natural stone. Quarry tile gorgeous in the right application, but more expensive than the traditional ceramic tile.
5.) A tile backsplash can speak volumes:
Since your backsplash doesn’t take direct heavy traffic, glossy, and painted tiles are a perfect fit. They must still withstand daily cleaning, hot oil splatters, and grease. Choices include porcelain, ceramic, glass, metal or stone materials for a subtle or bold decorative flair.