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The kitchen is often regarded as the heart of the home, serving as a place for culinary creativity, family gatherings, and social interactions. With its significant role, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing kitchen design is essential. So whether you are changing your floor or your whole kitchen one of the most critical elements in achieving a stunning visual transformation will be the choice of tiles for both your kitchen walls and floors.
There are various tile options for both your floor and wall - not only with tiles but other options too. Whilst tiling is still the most popular choice for kitchens in Derby if you select alternatives as part of Derbyshire Specialists Group we are well placed to transform all aspects of a kitchen refit -so don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to discuss all aspects of a kitchen refit, including the tiling!
Choosing the right tiles for your kitchen floor is vital, as these surfaces need to withstand daily wear and tear, moisture, and spills. Below are some suitable options:
1. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are a leading choice for kitchen floors due to their durability and water resistance. They come in a range of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for versatile design possibilities. Their hard surface is easier to clean and can handle heavier foot traffic, making them practical for bustling kitchens.
2. Ceramic Tiles
Similar to porcelain, ceramic tiles are another excellent option for kitchen floors. They are available at lower price points and come in multiple designs. However, compared to porcelain, they are slightly less durable, which should be considered if you have an exceptionally busy kitchen.
3. Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles, including slate and travertine, add a touch of elegance to your kitchen floors. They are durable and weather well, but require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. For kitchens near exterior doors where dirt and moisture can be tracked in, natural stone might be an appealing choice.
4. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
While technically not traditional ceramic or porcelain, luxury vinyl tiles have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their affordability, comfort, and ease of installation. They come in a vast range of styles and colors, including designs that mimic wood or stone. Vinyl tiles are also softer underfoot compared to ceramic or porcelain, making them more suitable for prolonged standing. Whilst they also work well with underfloor heating. If you are not having underfloor heating they are warmer than traditional tile when walking barefoot!
5. Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are created by embedding chips of marble, quartz, or granite in resin, resulting in a stunning and durable floor option. They offer customized patterns and colours and are suitable for contemporary kitchens. While they can be a bit more expensive, terrazzo tiles are of exceptional quality and withstand wear and tear remarkably well.
If you are completely renovating your kitchen installing underfloor heating (UFH) it can dramatically enhance the comfort and functionality of your kitchen. Selecting tiles whether ceramic, stone or porcelain all have outstanding thermal efficiency. Tiled surfaces naturally retain and distribute heat effectively, which means that underfloor heating can create a cozy atmosphere in the kitchen, making it a welcoming place to prepare meals or entertain guests. This efficient heating method eliminates the cold feeling often associated with traditional floor tiles, especially during winter months. By eliminating the space taken up by radiators, especially in a kitchen it will allow you to have more cupboard and storage space, maximising the functionality of your new kitchen.
When it comes to kitchen wall tiles and splashback areas there is a wide choice of options, made even harder by the fact that you can mix and match a number of tiles too.
A splashback is not only functional but also an essential design element in modern kitchens. It protects walls from cooking splatters and moisture while providing an opportunity to express personal style. When selecting tiles for a kitchen splashback, here are some of the more popular options:
1. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are a classic choice for splashbacks due to their versatility and ease of maintenance. They are non-porous, making them resistant to stains and water damage. Available in a myriad of colors, patterns, and finishes, ceramic tiles can suit any design aesthetic, from traditional to contemporary. Polished ceramic tiles can provide a sleek finish, while matte options may add a rustic feel.
2. Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are a luxurious and modern choice that can create stunning visual effects, which will be reflected in their price. They reflect light, adding brightness to your kitchen space. Moreover, glass tiles are easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for splashback areas. While they are available in a wide range of colors, opting for translucent or iridescent finishes can enhance the illusion of depth and dimension on your kitchen walls. Different colours can be mixed to create a large mosaic style wall or splashback which can be extremely effective.
3. Subway Tiles
Subway tiles have surged in popularity due to their timeless appeal and are back in vogue. Their rectangular shape and classic white or colored finishes make them suitable for any kitchen style. A traditional installation pattern is classic, but you can also consider herringbone or stacked arrangements for a more modern look. Subway tiles are also easy to clean, making them practical for high-traffic areas.
4. Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles, such as granite, marble, and slate, offer an organic and rustic appearance. Each tile is unique, with variations in marble veining or slate texture, which adds character to the kitchen. However, stone tiles require regular sealing to protect against staining and moisture. While they can create an elegant kitchen ambiance, it’s essential to consider their upkeep. So not necessary a good choice for a splashback but great for other areas of the kitchen
5. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are dense, durable, and highly resistant to moisture, making them a strong candidate for splashbacks. They emulate the appearance of more expensive materials, including stone or wood, while being reasonably budget-friendly. Porcelain tiles are available in various sizes and can be used to create stunning visual displays, from dramatic mosaics to minimalist designs.
Remember depending on the layout of your kitchen and cupboards you don't have to stick with one type of tile. It is quick common to have sections of differing tiles configurations with one kitchen allowing you to completely personalise this room. If you are struggling to make choices our tilers are happy to help and advice based on their experience - so don't hesitate to ask!
We provide tiling services for businesses and residential customers, focussing on a quality finish every time. Our approach to discussing kitchen tiling projects with customers without using jargon means that you know exactly what the best tile choice is for your and if you have already bought your tile what the installation process will involve.
As part of the Derbyshire Specialist Group we can combine specilist trades to ensure a perfect finish for a complete kitchen refit including underfloor heating. We have access to the additional skils of electricians, joiners and plumbers but you will only have once invoice and one gaurantee against all the work done - keep in simple and stress free. Why would you choose anyone else?
When selecting tiles for kitchen floors, durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal are key considerations. Porcelain tiles are often regarded as one of the best options due to their strength and resistance to water, stains, and scratches. Being denser than ceramic tiles, porcelain can withstand the heavy foot traffic typical in kitchens, and its low porosity makes it easy to clean, ideal for a space prone to spills and splatters. Porcelain tiles are available in various styles, including those that mimic the look of natural stone or wood, allowing you to achieve their desired design aesthetic while benefiting from the practical advantages. Ceramic tiles, which, while less durable than porcelain, offer a wide range of colors and designs at a generally lower cost. Whichever type is chosen, it's essential to ensure that the tile has a slip-resistant finish to enhance safety in the kitchen. Both are an excellence choice if you are having underfloor heating in your kitchen too.
For a quieter, softer underfoot option you may also want to consider Luxury Vinyl Tiles too.
Tiles in a kitchen are most likely to get damaged in areas that experience heavy use or exposure to moisture, temperature changes and worktop activity. Floor tiles near the sink, cooker, and refrigerator are particularly vulnerable due to frequent foot traffic and the potential for spills, leaks and an accidental drop of an item. Splashback tiles behind the stove and sink face the risk of damage from heat, steam, and splattering liquids. These areas are subject to regular cleaning, which, if done with abrasive tools or harsh chemicals, can contribute to wear and tear over time. Corners and edges are also more susceptible to cracks or chips due to accidental impacts from dropped kitchenware. Proper maintenance and careful handling can help mitigate these issues, but high-stress areas inherently pose a higher risk for tile damage. It is therefore always advisable to retain a few spare tiles if any need replacing in the future.
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