Choosing new kitchen floor tiles can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to find the right balance between style, functionality, and budget. The floor makes a major design statement and requires a big investment, so you’ll want to get it right.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect kitchen floor tiles. You’ll learn about the most stylish and on-trend tile materials, get tips on choosing the right size, shape, and color, and discover budget-friendly flooring options to suit every price range. Let’s get started!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Floor Tiles
Before diving into specific materials and options, here are the key factors to consider as you shop for new kitchen flooring:
Durability
The kitchen sees heavy daily use, so durability is paramount. Look for tile materials that can withstand dropped dishes, spills, chair scooting, pets, kids, and high traffic. Porcelain and ceramic are very durable options.
Slip Resistance
Floors get wet in the kitchen, so opt for tile with some surface texture to create friction. A tile’s coefficient of friction (COF) rating indicates slip resistance. Aim for a COF of 0.5 or above.
Ease of Cleaning
Kitchen floors need frequent cleaning. Non-porous tiles like porcelain and natural stone are simplest to clean. Check a tile’s PEI rating, which indicates abrasion resistance for ease of maintenance.
Style
Choose a tile shape, pattern, color and texture that matches your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Stylish options range from subway tile to hexagons, stone looks, wood looks and mosaics.
Cost
Tile flooring ranges widely in cost. Carefully weigh your budget versus style and quality considerations. Porcelain and ceramic tile provide an affordable option.
Popular Kitchen Floor Tile Materials
Now that you know what to look for, here is an overview of the most popular kitchen floor tile materials along with their key characteristics:
Porcelain Tile
- Made from finely ground natural clays and minerals under high pressure
- Extremely durable, scratch and stain resistant
- Water resistant with very low porosity
- Provides great slip resistance
- Range of colors, shapes, sizes and finishes
- Budget-friendly option
Ceramic Tile
- Made from clays and mineral powders
- Durable and scratch resistant
- Prone to some staining and water absorption
- Provides moderate slip resistance
- Affordable option in range of styles
Natural Stone Tile
- Quarried from granite, marble, travertine, slate, etc.
- Elegant, unique natural patterns and veins
- Requires sealing to prevent staining
- Can be slippery when wet
- Higher cost but luxury, timeless look
Concrete Tile
- Made from cement, sand, water and pigment
- Very durable and scratch resistant
- Stain resistant with proper sealing
- Industrial, modern look
- Range of colors and patterns
Shape, Size and Layout Patterns
Beyond material, the shape, size and layout pattern of your kitchen floor tiles also make a significant design impact. Here are some popular options:
Subway Tile
Rectangular tiles 3” x 6” in size, installed in a brickwork pattern.
- Classic, timeless look
- Suits both modern and vintage kitchens
- Can make small spaces appear larger
Hexagon Tile
Six-sided tiles fit together in a honeycomb pattern.
- Playful geometric style
- Interesting multi-dimensional effect
- Suits modern or eclectic kitchens
Large Format Tile
Tiles 12” x 24” or larger. Often installed in a simple stacked layout.
- Makes small spaces appear larger
- Minimal grout lines & easy maintenance
- Modern, sleek aesthetic
Mosaic Tile
Small tiles 1” x 1” or smaller combined to form intricate patterns.
- Intricate Old World Style
- Focal point for backsplashes
- Not ideal for main kitchen floors
Brick Pattern
Standard rectangular tiles installed in a brickwork pattern.
- Classic, versatile layout
- Visually appealing
- Easy DIY installation
Kitchen Floor Tile Colors and Finishes
The colors, patterns, textures and finishes of your kitchen floor tiles introduce another key design element. Consider options like:
- Solid colors like crisp white, bright navy or warm gray
- Natural stone looks with vein and pattern detailing
- Wood-look planks for a cozy vibe
- Bold patterns like Moroccan fish scale tiles
- Glossy, matte and textured finishes
- Metallic glazes and glass tiles for sparkle
- Muted cement tones for industrial edge
- Eclectic multi-colored mosaics or patterns
Aim for a color palette that complements your cabinets, countertops, backsplash and kitchen decor. Tiles in neutral hues like white or gray are always classic choices that let other elements shine.
Grout Considerations for Kitchen Floor Tiles
The grout lines between your tiles also affect the overall look and function. Here’s what to know:
Grout Color
Lighter grout brightens up floors, while dark grout grounds and defines tile edges. Match or contrast the grout against your tile colors.
Grout Width
Small grout lines (1/16”) create a seamless look. Wider grout lines (3/16” to 1/4”) add definition.
Epoxy Grout
More expensive but resistant to stains and damage. Ideal for heavily used kitchen floors.
Sealing Grout
Seal grout periodically to prevent staining and damage in food prep areas.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Floor Tile Options
Here are some tips for getting a great kitchen tile floor on a limited budget:
- Porcelain tile – Very durable and more affordable than stone.
- Ceramic tile – Budget-friendly and comes in tons of styles.
- Mosaic sheets – Get intricate patterns without paying for each piece.
- Stone look porcelain – Looks high-end but costs less than real stone.
- Larger tiles – Get better value with 12” x 24” tiles versus small mosaics.
- DIY installation – save on labor by installing tile yourself.
- Shop sales & closeouts – find discounted high-quality tile.
- Focus splurges – save on flooring but splurge on an accent backsplash.
Even on a tight budget, matte finish porcelain tiles in subway shape or brick pattern offer classic style. Bold patterns like hexagon tiles can make a big visual impact for little cost.
With some savvy shopping and strategic design choices, you can install an absolutely stunning kitchen tile floor on a limited budget.
Trends to Know in Kitchen Floor Tiles
If you want a fashion-forward kitchen floor, keep these hot tile trends on your radar:
Moroccan Style
Intricate mosaic patterns in bold colors echo the exotic Moroccan aesthetic. Use as a full floor or focal backsplash.
Fish Scale Tile
Interlocking shaped tiles resembling fish scales offer an artistic vibe. Available in bold colors.
Geometric Patterns
Hexagons, chevrons, herringbones and triangles provide modern intrigue.
Maximalist Color
Vibrant colors like emerald green and sapphire blue energize floors.
Wood Look Plank Tile
These convincing wood-look tiles offer the beauty without moisture issues.
Oversized Tiles
For a seamless look, use porcelain tiles 12”x24” or larger.
Mixed Metallics
Mix warm gold, cool silver and matte gunmetal tiles for a glam look.
Brick Motifs
The classic brick floor layout feels fresh again, now in oversized formats.
Minimalist Design
Large minimalist tiles in soft neutrals create contemporary appeal.
Design Inspiration: Stylish Kitchen Floor Tile Ideas
Now that you know all the basics on choosing kitchen floor tile, it’s time for the fun part – gathering inspiration!
Here are some gorgeous kitchen floor tile ideas to spark your creativity:
Modern Metallic
The sleek linear look of rectangular brass-toned metal tiles creates a sophisticated modern kitchen floor. Pair with marble and brass accents.
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Moroccan Fish Scale Tile
Intricately shaped handmade encaustic cement tiles in vivid blue bring a dose of Moroccan pattern to this stylish kitchen floor.
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Large Format Black & White
Extra-large square porcelain tiles in a retro black and white checkerboard pattern give this kitchen floor a contemporary graphic look.
Classic Subway Tile
Crisp white 3” x 6” glossy ceramic subway tiles set in an offset brickwork pattern keep this kitchen floor timeless. Alcove shelving and brass accents play up the vintage charm.
Bold Geometric
This lively kitchen floor uses hexagon and triangle tiles in varying hues of gray and blue to create a dynamic geometric floor.
Hints of Hexagon
A fashion-forward take on subway tile – this floor combines white brickwork tile with hexagon accents and bold pops of black.
Wood Plank Porcelain
The natural beauty of wide-plank oak floors translates into durable and water-resistant porcelain tile. Warm brown tones suit both traditional and modern kitchens.
Which of these stunning kitchen floor tile ideas most inspires your dream kitchen design? Gather images to create your own inspirational mood board as you embark on an exciting kitchen flooring revamp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Floor Tiles
Still have some questions about choosing the perfect kitchen floor tile? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What tile material is best for kitchen floors?
Porcelain and ceramic tile are best for kitchens. They offer an unbeatable combination of affordability, durability, easy maintenance, and style. Natural stone also provides a lovely upscale option if sealed properly.
What tile size is best for small kitchens?
Larger tile sizes like 12”x24” help small kitchens appear bigger with fewer grout lines. Standard sizes like 4”x4” or subway tile are fine too. Small mosaic tiles can make kitchens feel cramped.
Should you use large tiles in kitchens?
Yes, large format tiles 12”x24” or bigger create a seamless contemporary look. Extra durability makes these oversized tiles suitable for kitchens, as grout is minimized. Install with thin grout lines and proper subfloor.
Can you use wood-look tile in kitchens?
Definitely! Porcelain and ceramic wood-look tiles capture the beauty of natural wood in a more water-resistant, durable product that’s ideal for kitchen floors. Some even mimic wood grain and texture.
What tile patterns look best in kitchens?
Classic subway tile in a brickwork layout or offset pattern remains a popular and versatile kitchen floor tile idea. Large-scale tiles look great in a stacked linear layout. Patterns like herringbone add visual intrigue.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Kitchen Floor Tiles
The perfect kitchen floor tile brings together your aesthetic sensibilities, functional needs and budget. Focus first on durability. Then consider slip resistance, ease of cleaning and style elements like shape, size, colors, and patterns.
Luckily, today’s range of tile materials and styles allows you to achieve virtually any look imaginable. Porcelain and ceramic tile offer affordable options. Natural stone and concrete bring unmatchable elegance. Wood-look planks exude cozy comfort.
Bring your kitchen floor dreams to life with tile that’s trendy yet timeless. With proper installation and care, your new tiles can serve as a stylish and hardworking foundation in your kitchen for decades to come.