Tiling a Kitchen I What Tiles Are Best?
- Jan 7, 2017
- 4 min read
(Image Courtesy of Aqua Tiles, Rathnew Tel: 0404 61544 info@aquatiles.ie)
So, you've decided that your kitchen could do with a makeover. You've worked out the colour scheme and decided that tiles are your material of choice. The next question is; what kind of tiles are best to use in a kitchen tiling project?
As we have discussed before, there are lots of different types of tiles as well as finishes to choose from. Every room in your house obviously performs a different function which means that the tile has to be able to address that need.
The kitchen is one place where variations of tiles tend to be used for a variety of purposes. There are plenty of surfaces within your entire kitchen space that lend themselves to being tiled. This includes the most obvious floors and walls such as a splash-back or below upper cupboard space but can also be used as counter tops or integrated into work surfaces. What you ultimately choose will depend on a combination of factors for example whether your budget is the priority or you have a particular vision in mind from the outset.
As we all know, the kitchen has to be one of, if not, the hardest working rooms in most homes. It has to endure traffic constantly walking in and out as well being used for cooking and often dining purposes. Tiles are an excellent consideration as they are very practical in terms of being able to clean easily but practical doesn't have to be boring. After all, the kitchen is a hub of activity and used for entertaining so it's good to create something with a positive ambience.
Firstly, we have established that kitchens attract people and for that reason it is necessary to have tiles on the floor that provide resistance to your everyday wear and tear. The most common choice of tiles particularly for kitchen floors are as follows:
Ceramic
A ceramic tile is made from clay and it is a perfect option for those who are looking for value for money. It is easy to clean and is resistant to most of the normal abuse that happens in a kitchen.
Porcelain
As a porcelain tile is a combination of sand and clay material, it offers a little extra durability. It is harder than a ceramic tile which makes it easier to repel water and withstand pressure.
Both ceramic and porcelain are the faithful all-rounders when it comes to tiles. They host a range of practical features as well as offering numerous design options as well.
Natural Stone
This category of tile has various stones and each comes from different natural sources. This means that they can have very distinct qualities. Due to their nature, stones such as limestone will absorb smells and liquids very easily making them totally unsuitable for the kitchen environment. However, there are other natural stone options that can be recommended under the right conditions.
One of these stones is slate, it is strong and thus will provide durability. It has a certain richness of colour which would compliment a deep palette.
Granite is another tile that is great to use in a kitchen. It can offer a luxurious appearance with a wonderful depth of colour.
When considering the use of natural stone, it is best to choose one that has a honed surface. While a polished finish makes the stone more water resistant, it is far too slippery for use in the kitchen environment where spills can be commonplace. The smooth, matte appearance created with a honed layer on the other hand is excellent for high-traffic and wet areas to prevent slipping and excessive wear. It also important to know that while stone can provide a stunning canvas, it does require additional maintenance such as sealing before and during its lifespan.
In terms of tile size, this will depend on the space that you have available. Big tiles can overwhelm a small kitchen however with less cut lines it can give the impression of being bigger. The most popular tiles tend to be square but there are also rectangles, hexagons and octagons. The right size will depend on the particular shape of your kitchen. It is also possible to incorporate alternative styling by introducing patterns or accents such as glass and mosiac for visual interest.
There is a lot to think about but it doesn't have to be complicated. If you would like to discuss what tiles are best for your kitchen project why not book a free consultation today, call 087 923 3663 or email iymbuilder@gmail.com I'm Yer Man Building and Roofing Specialists have been helping homeowners with their improvement projects for over 30 years. Still not sure...? Read what our happy customers say!
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