There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to designing or refurbishing a kitchen, but tiling should never be an afterthought. Your floor and wall tiles will make a huge difference to the appearance of the finished space. There are functional considerations to bear in mind too, such as whether your tiles are easy to clean or can withstand heavy use.
You’ll be overwhelmed with choice when it comes to shopping for kitchen tiles. There are an enormous number of styles, sizes, colours and materials to pick from.
You’ll be overwhelmed with choice when it comes to shopping for kitchen tiles. There are an enormous number of styles, sizes, colours and materials to pick from.
To make it easier to pick out the perfect tiles for your kitchen, here are 8 essential tips to bear in mind:
- Set your budget before you set your heart on something too expensive. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices for walls (and sometimes floors) as they tend to be very affordable. You will have to splash out more for certain floor tile materials such as slate, marble and natural stone, whereas vinyl tiles are a super-cheap option.
- Where will the tiles be placed? You need to choose a tile that is suitable for the surface and for the use it will undergo. For example, glass tiles make great splashbacks and decorative features but you wouldn’t necessarily want glass tiles for your worktop. Similarly, ceramic tiles are ideal for tiling the walls but they may not be strong enough to be used as floor tiles.
- Find out about maintenance before choosing your tiles. Some products, such as natural stone floor tiles, need to be sealed before use in order to protect it. They also need special cleaning products, as ordinary cleaners could damage the finish.
- Textured or smooth? Textured tiles can look beautiful, but they also come with the risk of trapping dirt and being harder to clean.
- Busy family kitchen? Choose hard-wearing floor tiles. If your family, complete with children and pets, use the kitchen as the central hub of the home, you’ll need to choose your floor tiles carefully. Pick tiles that are durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic, as well as spills and stains.
- If your budget is low, create a standout decorative feature. No one says that you have to tile the whole kitchen. If you’d prefer to save money and paint the walls, you can prioritise your spend on creating a beautiful tiled splashback instead.
- Balance colour and pattern for a harmonious look. If you’re choosing patterned or colourful tiles for the walls, it’s a good idea to keep your floor tiles neutral in colour. It’s all about balance.
- Not a confident tiler? Call in the professionals to ensure a neat, clean finish. This guarantees that all tiles are properly aligned and spaced, and that grouting and sealing is fully completed.
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