Why have tiles in the kitchen
Kitchens need to be a place of hygiene, which tiles can certainly offer. With their ‘fresh’ appearance (particularly gloss finished tiles) and ‘easy wipe’ surfaces, hygiene is one of the first things that come to mind when using tiles in the kitchen.
Secondly, tiles can add value to your home when compared to decorating with wallpaper, carpets, vinyl, etc. Therefore, see purchasing kitchen tiles as an investment, not a cost.
In addition, kitchen tiles are now available in different sizes, colours, textures, materials and designs, giving you the chance to create a unique environment, tailored to your specific tastes.
How important is durability in a kitchen floor tile?
Because kitchens are considered an area of ‘high traffic’, which are also home to heavy appliances such as washing machines and fridges, it is important that you choose afloor tile that is hardwearing and scratch resistant.
Consequently, porcelain tiles and natural stone tiles (marble, travertine, slate, etc) are the type most suitable for the job (flooring).
Which colours should I choose?
Emphasis should be made on ‘personal choice’ for this answer. However, always consider the colour of your kitchen units and surroundings when choosing the colour/design for your tiles.
Which size tiles should I use?
Floors – for very small kitchens, you should consider small tiles (e.g. 30x30cm) to create a good flow. Larger tiles (e.g. 40x40cm and greater) look best in kitchens that have a lot of floor space where many tiles can be laid without cuts. Large floors also welcome ‘multi-format’ tiles – tiles of the same design that are laid in 2, 3 or 4 different sizes (as a continuous pattern).
Walls – again, this is down to personal preference. Until now, small kitchen tiles (e.g. 10x10cm) have been favoured, but times are changing, and so are people’s tastes. Consequently, many people are now looking into larger wall tiles for the kitchen.
Will tiles make the floor cold on my feet?
Okay, tiles can feel cool on bare feet, but this may also depend on the surface underneath the tiles. For example, tiling onto wood (which can ‘breath’) will create a warmer feel than tiles that are placed on top of concrete.
Undertile heating is available to radiate warmth through your tiled floor. If you would like to learn more about under-tile heating (which can be purchased at The Yorkshire Tile Company), visit our products page.
Choose warm looking floor tiles such as creams and terracotta colours to give an impression of warmth in the kitchen. Also, by choosing warm looking colours for the wall (whether this be tile or paint), the effect can be increased.
Suitable grouts for kitchen tiles
Grouts are now available in a wide range of colours that will help disguise your grout lines. Grouts with antibacterial protection are also available to offer increased protection against bacteria - all available at The Yorkshire Tile Company.