What are kitchen tiles used for?
Kitchen tiles are usually used on walls around work surfaces to protect the wall from splashes or damage. Commonly the tiles will extend up a few feet above the surface, but many people choose to extend them even further. Kitchen tiles are very practical due to their durability and being easy to clean, but they also offer a fantastic opportunity to add style and colour to your kitchen. Kitchen tiles are also used for floors and work tops.
Get ideas for kitchen work tops
What different types of kitchen tiles are there?
One of the great things about kitchen tiles is that they come in hundreds of different varieties. These varieties can be combined in so many ways, the possibilities for your kitchen are almost endless. Broadly speaking, kitchen tiles vary by the following four factors:
- The type of material - For example, glass, natural stone, ceramic, or metal.
- The texture and finish - Matt, gloss, silk, polished stone, or glass.
- The colour of the tile.
- The shape and size of the tile - From large floor tiles to tiny mosaic tiles, and everything in between.
What questions should I ask myself when choosing kitchen tiles?
When selecting your kitchen tiles, the first thing to consider is where you want them in your kitchen. If you are choosing floor tiles, then a more durable material like stone is far better than glass, and a matt finish is safer than gloss which can become slippery when wet. If you are using your tiles to make a kitchen backsplash, then choose materials and finishes that offer an easy wipe surface.
Once the practical considerations have been made, then it’s time to ask yourself what style you want for your kitchen, and what part do you want your tiles to play in creating that style. For example, if you want your surfaces and appliances to be the star of your kitchen, choose wall tiles that are more subtle in colour so the eye is drawn to the work tops and other kitchen features. If, on the other hand, you’d like your kitchen wall tiles to make a style statement of their own, why not create a mosaic by combining tiles of various different sizes, colours and materials in interesting ways.
Get ideas for your kitchen backsplash
What tiles should I buy if I’m on a tight budget?
If you’re looking for floor tiles for your kitchen and you’re on a tight budget, then vinyl floor tiles are a good option. They’re straight forward to install, come in a huge range of styles and colours, and are easy to clean. For kitchen wall tiles, ceramic and porcelain tend to be less expensive then glass, metal, and natural stone. A great way to have a little more money to spend on your tiles is to install them yourself. Follow these steps to find out how.
Can I paint ceramic kitchen tiles?
Yes, ceramic tiles can be painted to give your kitchen a fresh look without installing anything new. Before painting your tiles, the first thing to do is thoroughly clean them of any dirt or grease. Once the tiles are clean and dry, you’re free to apply the primer before waiting a few hours and applying the gloss. For the best results, you can buy special paints that are designed for painting over ceramic tiles, and these are available at most DIY shops.
Top 10s
See the full range of top tips from around the site
