How to Choose the Best Kitchen Tiles: Expert Tips for Every Home

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When it comes to kitchen tiles, certain types of tiles are the most suitable.

Our top recommendations for kitchen tiles are:

Each of the tiles mentioned is ideal for the kitchen floor, walls or backsplashes for specific reasons.

Peter Yusuf - December 2, 2024

Porcelain Tiles and Ceramic Tiles

Both Ceramic Tiles and Porcelain Tiles are durable, easy to clean and appropriate for high traffic areas. For an area like the kitchen which is going to see a lot of people, movement, grease and water, these tiles can resist stains and moisture quite well.

One unique quality about Porcelain is that it can mimic a lot of luxurious and premium tiles quite well. Even at Royal Tiles, we have so many Porcelain Tiles that look exactly like the most expensive natural stones while still being budget friendly.

Ceramic is one that is even more cost effective. It is one of the most affordable tiles that you can find on the market.

It also helps that these tiles come in a wide range of colours, designs and patterns. This means you have a lot of options to choose from!

Natural Stone Tiles

Well, the first and most important reason natural stone tiles are good for any area is – THEY LOOK GOOD. The aesthetics and visual appeal that natural stone tiles can provide are truly unmatched.

These tiles might be a little higher on the price scale, but if you can afford it, you will be thankful for the natural, organic and luxurious ambience it can bring to your kitchen.

Of course, these tiles aren’t just for a good show. Natural stones are highly durable and can withstand heavy use, making them a great choice for countertops or flooring. Due to their ability to handle high temperatures, these tiles are ideal for areas near stoves or ovens.

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic Tiles are amazing for creating visually striking backsplashes or feature walls with intricate patterns.

Kit Kat or Finger Tiles, Herringbone and Chevron Mosaic Tiles, Arch Mosaic Tiles, Fishscale Mosaic Tiles and Penny Round Mosaic Tiles are just some of the mosaic patterns that can make your kitchen a masterpiece.

The beautiful designs that mosaic tiles are available in can help you build an awe inspiring kitchen that turns heads.

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta Tiles are warm and earthy tiles that can give your kitchen a Mediterranean look. These tiles are durable, easy to maintain and do not absorb moisture. These tiles are so strong that they are often recommended even for outdoor areas like gardens and terraces.

When choosing terracotta tiles, our suggestion would be to choose the glazed ones. Glazed terracotta tiles can help you avoid the porosity issue found in most terracotta tiles. By avoiding the porosity, you can make sure your tiles do not absorb dirt and grime easily.

Things to Look for When Choosing Kitchen Tiles

A few of the important factors that make tiles suitable for kitchen areas have been discussed before.

But to elaborate further, you should take into consideration the following factors when choosing kitchen tiles.

Durability:

Kitchen tiles need to be strong, durable and capable of withstanding constant movement and heavy traffic.

Slip Resistance:
You can’t have tiles that are slippery on kitchen floors. Choose tiles that have high slip resistance to save yourself and your family from possible accidents or injuries.

Heat Resistance:

Hot pots and pans, high heat and gas stoves are obvious elements of a kitchen. Choosing tiles that can resist high temperatures is important for kitchen areas.

Capable of Resisting Moisture:

The kitchen is a moisture prone area. An area where a lot of cooking and washing dishes happen. So you need tiles that won’t discolour or damage due to constant moisture. You might also want to look into tiles that don’t absorb moisture as well.

Tile Placement:

You also need to select tiles based on where they are going to be used. For instance, floor tiles must be slip resistant, backsplash tiles and wall tiles should have the quality of heat resistance and need to be easy to clean and maintain.

Kitchen tiles, no matter where they are used, all need to have a few qualities. But based on the area they are used in; some features are must haves.

Size of Tiles:

Tile sizes might feel like a personal preference but they have a much larger impact.

Large Tiles

Small Tiles

Create a sense of openness, make a kitchen appear larger by reducing grout lines
Provide a sleek and seamless look
Deal to create an illusion of space or for creating a minimalist style
Suit contemporary and modern designs
Can cover any area more easily leading to easier and less expensive installation

Can be used to add intricate detail and character, especially when used in patterns like mosaics or herringbone.
Can provides an artistic touch
Better suited for intricate designs and areas like backsplashes, where detail is more visible and impactful.
Complement traditional or rustic styles
Require more effort and time for installation, eventually causing to higher expenses

Maintenance of Kitchen Tiles – Best Tips and Tricks

Know your tile type before buying tools and cleaners. Ceramic, Porcelain, Natural Stones and Terracotta all have different requirements in terms of the tools that’s most suitable for them. Ceramic and Porcelain are quite similar in this regard but the others are quite distinct.
Use a steam cleaner or professional tile cleaning service for tough grime and stains that regular cleaning can’t remove.
Instead of chopping on countertops, use a cutting board.
Ensure good airflow in the kitchen to prevent moisture buildup. If possible, use exhaust fans to reduce humidity while cooking.
Apply a grout sealer once or twice a year for protection against stains and moisture.

Best Place to Buy Kitchen Tiles in Sydney

Whether you are shopping for something durable and versatile like Porcelain Tiles or something artsy and intricate like Mosaic Tiles, Royal Tiles has a tile for everyone.

Royal Tiles is one of Sydney’s largest showrooms and we are proud of what we offer.

Our extensive collection of tiles, along with our affordable prices, has helped us earn the trust of many homeowners, designers, builders, decorators and DIY enthusiasts.

Whether you want floor tiles, bathroom tiles, luxury tiles or outdoor tiles, we also have a team of experts who will do their best to make your tile shopping a smooth and seamless experience.

Peter Yusuf

Peter Yusuf is a seasoned Sales and Business Development Manager at Royal Tiles in Sydney, Australia, with a proven track record of success in the global architectural and interior design sectors. With over a decade of experience, he possesses a rich understanding of tile selection and design that has helped countless clients transform their spaces. Peter's expertise spans a wide array of materials and styles, positioning him as a trusted authority in the tile industry.

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