The kitchen is the one room in your house that can have several different types of tiles, in different applications and they will all augment your kitchen exquisitely. When selecting tiles for your kitchen, consider where they are going to go first. Glossy tiles for your wall will not work for your kitchen floor. This is because your flooring tiles have to be safe to walk on. The following are tips will help you make the right decision when shopping for tiles for your kitchen.
Establish where you want to install tiles
Prior to choosing a material, you need to determine what surface you want to install the tiles on. You can place tiles on your backsplash, the underside of your upper cabinets, or on your walls. Tile is also a popular kitchen flooring or countertop option.
Know different tile types
Tiles are robust materials that people lay in rows over surfaces. For your kitchen, you could use glass, porcelain, vinyl, cork, stone, or quarry. Tiles like the ones made from bamboo, cork, or vinyl are popular as flooring options. Porcelain, ceramic, and quarry are synonymous with countertops. Glass tiles work best for backsplashes and walls.
Consider your budget
Kitchen tiles can either be expensive or inexpensive depending on your choice. Options such as custom designed ceramic tiles, linoleum, or vinyl are quite costly while materials such as porcelain are fairly cheap. Do your research before acting on an anticipated look. Tile stores can help you estimate the amount of tiles that you will require for your kitchen renovation project.
Take your lifestyle into account
Even though kitchen tiles are strong, they still require maintenance and the longevity of each material varies. For your kitchen countertop, ceramic tile is long lasting and will endure heat from hot pans. It is also easy to clean. However, a ceramic tile surface can be uneven and easily chip or crack. Consider if your lifestyle will match the finish that you pick.
Select a flooring tile option that can endure your family’s habits
A floor tile has to be able to withstand cleaning products, spilled foods, pets, and heavy traffic. Ensure that the tiles you purchase for your floors are actually tiles meant for flooring. If you use wall tiles for your floor, the coefficient of friction will be too low and that means it will be too slippery to walk on. Instead, go for a floor tile that has a slightly raised pattern or rougher texture. For a more elegant and refined look, consider using quarry tile. Although it is costlier than the conventional ceramic tile, it looks absolutely stunning.
Go overboard with your backsplash
Since your backsplash does not take heavy traffic, painted and glossy tiles are ideal although it has to endure daily cleaning, grease, and hot oil splatters. Pick from stone material, metal, glass, ceramic, or porcelain for a kitchen backsplash that can boldly or subtly bring an artistic flair to your kitchen. Make your kitchen a sight to behold with the various tile options available.
