Floor tiles have very stunning designs and are mostly made with premium materials. You may want to see them more in your kitchen and on eye level. So your question is: Can you use floor tile for kitchen countertops or backsplash? Let's check what we've found on the web.
Floor tiles are mainly produced for floors, but it doesn't mean that you can't get creative and use them for something else. These tiles are an exceptional and affordable choice for kitchen countertops and backsplashes. Floor tiles are produced from various materials such as ceramic, porcelain, and natural stones, which are perfect for your kitchen project.
Now that we know that floor tiles can be an excellent addition to your kitchen walls and tops, let's dig in even more. Please keep reading to learn the various floor tile types and which are best to use. We've also included some marvelous tiles you may want to try.
4 Main Types Of Tiles
Tiles come in four main types or styles. These include ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stones. Natural stone tiles also have subtypes like marble and granite.
Ceramic Tiles
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Ceramic tiles are one of the more custom-tailored kitchen countertops and backsplash choices. These tiles consist of clay and other natural materials like quartz and water.
Ceramic tiles also come in numerous styles, sizes, etc. These tiles are easy to clean and maintain. You can purchase them reasonably in almost any home improvement store or online.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain has been considered one of the most elegant and popular materials for centuries. These tiles are also pricier than ceramic tiles.
Some of the best things about porcelain are it's impenetrable and stain-resistant. Porcelain is perfect for kitchen countertops due to its scratchproof, heatproof, and durable properties.
Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are a fascinating pick for backsplash and kitchen tiles. These tiles are created from delicate pieces of glass with a sheer glaze at the back of each tile.
Glass tiles have the most incredible stain resistance and are more impenetrable to acidic juice and wine than other tiles. The disadvantage of glass tiles, though, are they're easy to chip and break if an object is dropped on them. So, these tiles are most suitable for your wall.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles are made from raw materials that are quarried, polished, and cut. Several well-known stones are used as floor and kitchen tiles, such as marble, granite, and limestone. One of natural stone tiles' many advantages is their ageless grace.
5 Types Of Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles come in various types. Below are some of the widely-used materials for tiles.
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock that's very hard and thick. It's almost impenetrable and, when polished, can withstand scratching. Due to its durability and longevity, granite tile is an excellent choice for home kitchen floorings and wet places.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock with an earthy-color appearance. Its exterior can be polished and smooth.
Limestone is thinner than marble and granite, so it's more susceptible to scraping. Because of this, limestone isn't advised for kitchen or congested flooring utilization.
Marble
Marble is considered one of the more costly natural stone tile materials. This stone is bold and luxurious, exuding a class-A elegance that's hard to imitate with other rocks.
This exceptional stone is created under immense heat and pressure. It shows remarkable distinction and is available in an array of colors.
However, check for any rough areas. As marble is porous, it may need additional sealing to shield against stains.
Slate
Slate is a metamorphic rock that's very thick and sturdy. It has a dark earthy-color appearance.
The slate stone is naturally rough but can be honed until it becomes smooth. It's an ideal choice for kitchen flooring.
Travertine
Travertine is a subtype of limestone often used in architecture, building, flooring, etc. It's earthy-colored and has a unique crystallized feature.
Travertine is very dense and porous, so it's not the most suitable choice for a kitchen countertop. It's still possible, but you must be careful and avoid spillage.
About Kitchen Countertops
Here are some FAQs regarding tiles and kitchen countertops.
Which Type Of Tile Is Best For Kitchen Countertops?
There are various tiles to choose from. From porcelain and ceramic to natural stone tiles. You can pick almost any type of tile. But the most recommended ones are natural stones and porcelain tiles.
Porcelain is one of the hardest and most long-lasting types of tile. It's thicker, more rigid, and less absorbent. Another great thing about porcelain is it's waterproof, making it perfect for bathrooms and countertops.
Natural stone tiles are also a perfect choice for your kitchen countertops. Marble and granite are two of the most recommended options for you. These natural stones are incredibly durable, easy to maintain, and clean.
How Long Do Tile Countertops Last?
One of the most common questions regarding tiles is: "How long does a tile countertop last?" You can expect a tile countertop to endure more than 50 years with proper care.
Another essential factor to consider is the material of the tiles. Choose tiles that are more unsusceptible to damage and easy to maintain.
Regarding Backsplash
Below are some essential questions about tiles and backsplashes.
Are Backsplashes Essential?
Some say you can do without a backsplash, and some say having one is vital. What exactly does a backsplash do, and why is it important?
A backsplash primarily covers and protects the wall from certain damages. It helps thwart water, oil, and other fluids from damaging your wall behind. And it will help you avoid costly maintenance.
Can You Use Any Tile For Kitchen Backsplash?
You can also use any tiles for your kitchen backsplash. However, the most excellent choice is ceramic tiles.
Ceramic is flexible and adaptable. Mixing and matching vivid colors can make it look like a tile. And you can also make it look like a natural stone.
Should Your Backsplash Be Lighter Or Darker Than Your Countertop?
Your kitchen backsplash can be darker or lighter, depending on the color of your countertop and your cabinets. You can also have it the same color and design as your countertop.
Your preference can impact the room's style, conditions, and spirit. So it would be best to contemplate your choices carefully when considering your kitchen backsplash color.
When choosing a backsplash, color coordination is the best solution. You can be innovative, input your personality into the design, or opt for an elegant-looking backsplash.
Five Gorgeous Tiles For Your Countertop And Backsplash
Here are five types of tiles perfect for your kitchen countertops and backsplash.
Tenedos Calcatta Square Pattern Porcelain Mosaic Tile
Click here to see this mosaic tile on Amazon.
This patterned mosaic tile is made from porcelain. It's a classic style tile with a blue and gold design.
Special Features:
- Glue-down installation
- With a polished finish
- 5 square feet coverage
Hominter Gray and Rose Gold Backsplash Tile
Click here to see this backsplash tile on Amazon.
The Hominter gray and rose gold backsplash is made from stainless steel, glass, and stone. It has a mesh-mounted, non-sanded grout for easy installation.
Special Features:
- Glossy finish for easy cleaning
- Strong and durable
- Contamination free
Mozaico Stone Fruit Mosaic Kitchen Backsplash
Click here to see this kitchen backsplash on Amazon.
The Mozaico kitchen backsplash is a perfect addition to your kitchen. This unique stone fruit mosaic is made from all-natural marble.
Special Features:
- High-quality mosaics
- It comes on a mesh backing
- Has an exclusive lifetime warranty
DYARI Decorative Ceramic Hand-Painted Tiles
Click here to see these hand-painted tiles on Amazon.
This beautiful Dyari hand-painted tile is made of premium ceramic. Each tile has distinctive designs, hand-painted by expert Artisans.
Special Features:
- Durable and waterproof floor tiles
- Decorative and versatile tiles
- Easy maintenance
Soulscrafts White Marble Herringbone Mosaic Tile
Click here to see this marvelous tile on Amazon.
These Soulscrafts mosaic tiles are made of high-quality marble designed with little grey veins. The materials came from Carrara: "The capital of marble" in Italy.
Special Features:
- Premium quality
- Polished finish
- Has a classic herringbone mosaic tile design.
Amazing Tiles
It's pretty amazing how flexible floor tiles can be. Various materials such as porcelain and marble are some of the ideal choices. And how each type of tile can add charm and elegance to your kitchen countertop and backsplash.
Now that you have the needed answers to your questions, you can pick your preferred tiles. And after selecting, you can start your exciting adventure of installing those charming tiles to your countertop and backsplash. Enjoy!
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