There are quite a few amazing kitchen floor tile ideas, all of which can look great in your kitchen. Floor tile is a great choice for kitchens because it is durable, available in a wide variety of styles, and easy-to-clean. For do-it-yourselfers, kitchen floor tile is a fairly easy installation.
Kitchen floor tile ideas
Add the warmth of wood without worry about water.
Wood floors are a wonderful floor, but are not always the best flooring option for kitchens. Wood flooring is prone to water damage from spills, humidity, and standing water. Kitchen floor tiles are the solution because they look just like wood without any worry about water damage. Tile is water-resistant and available in a variety of styles that can be installed with or without grout.
Use a unique kitchen floor tile pattern to add interest.
Tile can be installed in unique patterns that add interest and make a kitchen one-of-a-kind. Kitchen floor tiles can be laid in a herringbone pattern, offset, or in colorful patterns that draw the eye to the floor. For a more neutral kitchen, a unique floor tile pattern can make a light and bright tile pop.
Be creative with grout colors.
The right look for a kitchen is about more than just tile. Tile grout adds interest and function to a kitchen. A complementary colored grout coordinates with other details in a kitchen and creates quite the impression. A bright grout makes a kitchen feel even more light and airy, while a dark-colored grout blends for a more cohesive look. In a busy household, a dark-colored grout can also hide stains and dust that come with frequent foot and paw traffic.
Warm up your tile and your toes.
Underfloor heating is another way to warm up a kitchen. This heating pad can be installed in a new home with a boiler or can be added with an electric pad. Radiant heating is installed under a floor and releases warmth underfoot. Tile perfectly complements underfloor heating because it is a natural conductor of heat. While it may not add to the appearance of the floor, this kitchen tile floor idea certainly adds a large degree of comfort.
Types of kitchen floor tile
Porcelain and ceramic
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the two most common floor tiles because they are affordable and available in a wide variety of styles. These kitchen floor tiles are extremely durable and water-resistant, making them a perfect fit for kitchens prone to spills. They are also low-maintenance because they only require a regular sweep and occasional dry mop.
Both types of floor tiles are available in styles that resemble stone and wood. These tiles come in classic styles and modern long tiles. Once the right tile is selected, porcelain and ceramic tiles are fairly easy to install. Tile installation requires only a few tools, spacers, cement board, grout, and an easy-to-follow kitchen tile installation guide.
Luxury vinyl tile
Luxury vinyl tile is a tough kitchen floor tile with a long list of benefits. This kitchen flooring option is water-resistant and able to withstand high foot and paw traffic. These floors are easy-to-maintain and require only a regular sweep and occasional dry mop.
Like porcelain and ceramic tiles, luxury vinyl tile is available in styles that resemble wood and stone. Unlike many wood and stone floors, luxury vinyl tile easily withstands spills and messes with little or no staining or damage. Many luxury vinyl tile floors come in easy-to-install products; ask a flooring pro to see luxury vinyl tile floors that are an easy do-it-yourself project.
Natural stone
There are many types of natural stone floors for kitchens, such as travertine, marble, and slate. These upscale kitchen tile ideas are incredibly beautiful, though they do come with some notable weaknesses.
Most natural stone tiles need to be resealed regularly. Some softer stones, like marble, can be stained easily. If the stones are polished, they may be very slippery. Natural stone tiles are also the most expensive kitchen floor tile option, though they do add an upscale, beautiful touch to a kitchen.
Smooth DIY kitchen floor tile installation tips
When installing kitchen floor tile, follow these tips for a successful and smooth do-it-yourself project:
- Always install on a level surface.
- Prep the sub floor.
- Research tile sealing (i.e. right sealing product, how often to seal, etc.) In many cases, tile can be sealed during installation.
- Bring in kitchen floor tile to acclimate 36-48 hours before installing.
Do-it-yourselfers should always follow manufacturer specifications to avoid voiding the warranty. For additional assistance, talk to local flooring experts for additional information and a beautiful kitchen floor.
