Exploring All The Different Kitchen Floor Tile Types

Tile Flooring

When it’s time to replace the flooring in your kitchen, tile is a popular and practical option. Tile comes in a broad variety of materials, colors, and design options. We’ve identified sixteen different kitchen floor tile types to consider. If you’re not familiar with kitchen tile, you’re in the right place. Our guide will help you explore all the different kitchen floor tile types with descriptions, and tips to help you make the best choice for your situation.

Different kitchen floor tile types

Real Simple provides us with a solid overview of several types of flooring tile, suitable for kitchens. Each type has its pros and cons. Learn about each type, its strengths and weaknesses, and if it may be a good choice for your situation.

1. Granite Tile

Granite tile is made of natural stone material. It’s a stone that has similarities in feel and appearance to marble. the stone features flecks of color that are decorative. If you’re going for a natural look with earthy tones, this might be a good choice. When properly installed and cared for granite can last for years, even as long as you own your home. Granite tile is hypoallergenic because it does not contain manmade plastics created through chemical processes. There are no fumes, and it is resistant to stains. Granite is nonporous and is water-resistant. It is also among the less expensive types of tile flooring to buy with an average cost of $11.22 per square foot. The only drawbacks to granite tile are the heavyweight, and the color choices are limited.

2. Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is a popular material choice for kitchen floors. Porcelain is the most like wood, brick, or natural stone, but it doesn’t require the same type of maintenance. It is a decorative and elegant option that can be found in matte or glossy finishes, in a variety of colors and designs. Porcelain is durable and resistant to cracking and fading. Another benefit is the low price at an average of 41.49 per square foot. The biggest drawback to porcelain tile in the kitchen is that it’s difficult to install if you’re not a professional. It requires cutting the tiles and applying adhesive under each tile to hold them firmly in place.

3. Glass Tile

Glass tile is an alternative to natural stone if you want to stay with natural materials, but it is an expensive one. The average cost is just under $13 per square foot. It is one of the most beautiful floor coverings in a kitchen, however, it is most suitable for showcase homes that are protected from high amounts of traffic because of its limited durability. The edges of the glass tile chip easily, requiring additional protection and care when cleaning. If you choose to install this highly stain-resistant tile that is available in a broad spectrum of color and style choices, it’s best to include glass in less-traveled areas and use a more durable floor treatment in high traffic areas of the kitchen.

4. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is a popular choice for kitchens, because of the many benefits it has to offer. DIY enthusiasts find it easy to install. Once it’s set in place, ceramic tile is durable and can last for many years. Another benefit is that it comes in almost any color or design imaginable. Ceramic tile is among the most affordable that has an average cost of just over $2 per square foot. You can find it in various finishes. You can buy glazed or unglazed. It also comes in a range of finishes from glossy to matte.

5. Marble Tile

Marble is an expensive natural flooring for the kitchen with advantages and disadvantages. It’s high-end material with a price range between $7 to $13 per square foot, depending on the vendor and the manufacturer. Marble is among the most elegant materials that add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Marble tiles add an instant upgrade to any home and increase the eye appeal and value. Aside from the expense, the big drawback to marble is its lack of durability. It’s best used in low-traffic areas if kept in its natural state. Marble is prone to stains, eches, and scratches. Some of the more expensive marble tiles come sealed to help protect them from damage.

6. Cement Tile

Cement tile is popular because of its versatility and the array of colors and patterns it comes in. Cement tile is a porous material that may be easily stained or become discolored. The good thing about it is that you can sand the stains out and reseal the surface. Cement tile, however, can be expensive to install. The cost can top more than $21 per square foot for some more attractive examples. Cement tiles are heavy, and they’re difficult to install. Plan on resealing the tiles frequently as the appearance fades fast without regular maintenance. It’s a highly stylish option for kitchen floors, but it’s high maintenance.

7. Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tile is another option for your kitchen floor that offers immense versatility in colors, sizes, shapes, and styles. Mosaic tile refers to a style that comes in various materials. Mosaic tile is not commonly used for kitchen floors, but some with a more adventurous sense of style lay it down to create one-of-a-kind kitchen floor patterns. Mosaic tile price varies per the type of materials and the manufacturer.

8. Pebble Tile

Home Stratosphere explains that Pebble tile is a type of kitchen flooring in high-end homes. It’s a trendy and styling flooring type that resembles sandstone tile, except that it is more rough-hewn because of the individual pebbles that form the texturing of the finish. It requires more maintenance than most other floor types. It takes more work to keep the surface clean and in good repair. It’s formed from natural pebbles, joined in tile form with concrete or resin. This kitchen floor type is hard to install and must be grouted firmly in place. Grout is necessary is to hold the tiles together and seal the seams. The grout requires frequent maintenance to prevent staining and discoloration. It’s on the expensive side. The price range is in-between ceramic and sandstone.

9. Travertine Tile

Travertine tile is a popular flooring choice for kitchens because of its old-world charm and stylishness. Travertine is a variety of limestone that creates a rustic aesthetic in look and feel. The color choices are not as vast as some of the other choices, but it does come in a variety of earth tones. Travertine tile can be expensive, but it can be found at moderate prices as it is a high-end material often found in luxurious homes. Each tile has its unique patterns which create one-of-a-kind kitchen floors. Travertine is a durable material and it is made of natural stone. There are a few drawbacks to using this material. It is hard to install because it requires a lot of sealers. Maintenance is high as it requires frequent sealing to keep it looking beautiful.

10. Quartzite Tile

Quartzite tile is a viable option because of its shiny finish. It is one of the most widely chosen tile types for achieving an elegant aesthetic. Quartzite is a nonporous material meaning it is resistant to water and has a long life. It is also hygienic because quartzite is resistant to bacteria. It is a durable kitchen tile made of natural stone that also resists damage from scratching and heavy impacts. Quarzite is also affordable. It is an option for achieving a luxurious aesthetic without spending much on materials and installation. The biggest drawback to quartzite is that it becomes slippery when wet and presents a falling hazard.

11. Slate Tile

Slate tile is tile featuring natural stone. People prize slate tile for its exceptional natural beauty. It’s a contemporary tile style that is easily distinguishable from other natural flooring materials because of its unique appearance. Slate offers many benefits including durability, and versatility, as no two tiles are the same. It is highly resistant to water damage and staining, however, it requires frequent sealing maintenance to retain its lovely appearance. Slate is considered a high-end luxury material that can increase the value of a home. Although installation can be difficult, once it is installed it can last for many years.

12. Onyx Tile

Onyx tile is a natural stone material that offers exceptional beauty. It is a high-end luxury type of flooring that is rare, and expensive. Onyx is an exotic flooring material that requires a lot of maintenance and care. It must be protected from volumes of foot traffic because it is prone to scraping and scratching because of the softness of the material. Onyx requires regular resealing, and the use of a special cleaner to prevent damage from occurring.

13. Sandstone Tile

Sandstone is not as commonly used for kitchen floors, but some love its natural aesthetics and stylishness. It is a luxury material for homes favoring an old world or rustic aesthetic. Sandstone tile is usually limited to earthy colors including browns, reds, golds, or any combination of these colors. The tiles are presented in a rugged finish that is sanded smooth and provides traction to help prevent accidental slips and falls. Sandstone is a hard, durable material that resists chipping, cracking, scratching, and staining. The biggest drawback is that it is a highly porous stone that absorbs water readily. Water absorption may warp or discolor the tiles over time. It’s neither cheap nor expensive to purchase and install.

14. Cork Tile

Cork tile is made of natural cork material that is soft on the feet and is easier on people who have back or hip problems. It’s an exceptional choice for homes with elderly and small children because of its degree of comfort. Cork tiles are not common, but they are used on kitchen floors. They’re installed over concrete or wood, and offer insulation to keep homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Although it offers many benefits, cork is not a durable floor covering. It is easily damaged by water, denting, and scratching. Cork kitchen floors must be properly sealed to preserve their integrity. It’s best for areas that do not receive heavy foot traffic, or as an accent section in an out-of-the-way place. Cork flooring is priced in the middle range.

15. Rubber Tile

Rubber tile is an excellent choice for kitchen floors. This material is the most highly resistant to water damage. Rubber tile is available in a wide range of colors and styles, and it also provides a comfortable floor to walk on. This type of kitchen tile is low maintenance and is durable. It could easily last for many years. If a tile becomes damaged, you can replace just one tile. there is a downside to rubber tile. It is among the most expensive, but it’s not difficult to install, and you can save by doing it yourself.

16. Wood tile

The last kitchen floor tile option we present is wood tile. We saved it for last because it is not the most common type of tile installed in kitchens, but you do see it occasionally. Wood tiles come in a variety of shapes, styles, and wood tones if you’re going for that aesthetic. It also comes in various patterns for a beautiful and unique kitchen floor. Wood tile is mid-range in price, and it must be cleaned with products made especially for wood floors to help preserve the beauty of the wood.

Final thoughts

You have many choices for replacing your kitchen flooring with tile options. Kitchen tile comes in hundreds of different choices in color, material, shape, and finish. It comes in tiles that range from common to exotic, and in various price ranges. When planning your new kitchen floor, consider the characteristics of each type, including appearance, cost, longevity, and maintenance to find the tile type that is best for your kitchen.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply