When it comes to kitchen floor tiles there are a few things which have to be considered:  daily to foot traffic, water, food spillages, and temperature changes. In all of this situations flooring must be durable, safe, easy to clean, and visually suited to your property.

 The most popular and reliable tiles are natural stone and porcelain tiles. These two are  often used in kitchens. It is very important to learn the difference in performance, maintenance, appearance, and cost before you take your final decision.

Let's have a look at the specifications and main aspects for these tiles.

Natural stone kitchen floor tiles

Old Course Fossil Cream Limestone 60X Free Length x 2cm

Natural stone originates and  is extracted from quarries, where the rocks have been transformed over the years into unique compressed minerals and metamorphosis. In this way every single tile will have its special face and character. These will inject timeless beauty and elegance.

    Common Types of Natural Stone for Kitchens

• Limestone – Soft, warm tones, ideal for traditional and farmhouse kitchens.

• Sandstone - coarse, grainy texture where sand grains are visible, suitable indoors and outdoors.

• Slate – Naturally textured, perfect slip resistance, adds the rustic character and charm.

• Marble – Intricate veining, a phenomenon  to classic or luxury kitchens.

       The main advantages of natural stone

      Unique, natural appearance

      Adds personality and value to a property

      A vast variety of colours and finishes

    The main aspects to take into account when you consider natural stone for your kitchen

  1. Requires sealing to resist stains and moisture

 2. You'll have to use more sensitive to acids and harsh cleaners

 3. Installation and material costs are usually higher.

Natural stone is often chosen for period homes, cottages, and barn conversions.

Marshland Drift Grey Limestone

 Porcelain Kitchen floor tiles

Porcelain is a specific type of ceramic material made by heating refined clay (often kaolin) and other natural minerals in a kiln at very high temperatures, typically over about 1,200 °C (2,192 °F). The result is a hard, dense, non-porous, usually white and often translucent material that’s stronger and finer than many other ceramics.

Over the last decade porcelain has become very popular with builders and homeowners. It can replicate any natural material with accuracy in terms of texture and colour. Let's have a look at the most actual types of porcelain:

• Stone-effect tiles –   which replicate  natural marble, limestone,  sandstone, slate, and travertine appearance with great durability and elegance.

Vulcania Tumbled Stone Effect Slate Porcelain Tiles

• Wood-effect tiles – Realistic timber look without with the same tactile texture.

Village Natural Wood effect tiles 20X120cm

• Concrete & metal-effect tiles –  For a sleek and contemporary/ industrial finish.

• Patterned tiles – Decorative designs for traditional, rustic, mediterranean or victorian style kitchens.

Grace Grey Taco Matt Tile 165x165mm

 How to choose the best kitchen flooring?

There are a few key things to consider when choosing the tiles:

 A. The Character and style of the property

Old properties and country style buildings usually suit natural stone. For less maintenance limestone, slate or sandstone effect porcelain tiles in a modular pattern or in sizes 60x60cm, 60x90cm.

Pietre Lime Beige matt porcelain 60x90cm

   Modern properties in most of the cases pair well with polished concrete or patterned  large format porcelain.

B. The budget you want to spend

Natural stone requires higher upfront and long-term costs. Porcelain is very popular and is able to offer more flexibility across different budgets.

C. Maintenance costs and hassle

If your priority is minimal upkeep porcelain tiles  are a versatile option with  incredibly realistic prints. For the accentuation of the authentic character and style of the building natural stone is a an absolute favourite.

   Final thoughts

Lisbon Dark Brown matt porcelain 74x247x10mm

At Tilejob we share our best knowledge and experience for the best kitchen flooring solutions. As kitchen space is a high traffic area with frequent spillages and slip risks the choice of the right tiles is a very important moment. Porcelain and natural stone can both provide wonderful aesthetics and resilience but delivering different properties for the environment.

The best kitchen floor tiles are always a balance between safety, durability, style, cost  and maintenance. A material which is contributing to the strength and functionality of the  property - a real investment for years to come!

Always look for the properties  which fulfil  your personal circumstances and enhance the value of the project with the best facilities!

Verona Taupe Pattern matt porcelain 200x200x10mm