The Allure of Great Flooring

The type of tile you choose for your home's kitchen flooring is very important, as the floor in the kitchen may suffer the most wear and tear of any room in the home. Those tiles need to withstand the high humidity levels of the kitchen, as well as resist food stains and scuff marks. They should also look good! Since this is such a tall order for kitchen tiles, note a few tips on how to choose the most durable and most attractive flooring for your home's kitchen:

Stone

Not all stone flooring is the same, as some stones aren't as durable and strong as you might assume. Granite is very tough and will withstand stains and even burn marks, so it can be used on both the floor and the benchtop. Travertine is not as durable and can be scratched more easily than granite; its naturally porous surface also holds dirt, making it a less-than-ideal choice for kitchen flooring.

Limestone is very durable and offers a smoother surface so that it doesn't hold as much dirt and debris, but it can get stained from fruit juices and alcohol. While you may not be worried about spills on the kitchen floor, limestone isn't often recommended for bench tops because of how it shows stains, so you would need to choose a different material for the benchtops if you opted for a limestone floor.

Ceramic and porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from a type of clay, so they're a good choice for those who are very eco-conscious and concerned about the amount of blasting needed to harvest natural stone. Porcelain tiles have less of a water absorption rate than ceramic, so if you often boil water on the stovetop, creating more humidity in the kitchen, opt for porcelain flooring. If you choose ceramic, note what is called the Porcelain Enamel Institute, or PEI, ratings. The higher the rating, the more durable the tile and the less wear it will show over the years.

Size of tile

You may not have given this much thought, but the size of your kitchen tiles will affect the room's overall look. Long and narrow tiles will make the kitchen look longer, whereas very small tiles in a large kitchen might seem a bit cluttered. On the other hand, in a small kitchen, smaller squares of granite or another tile with lots of characteristics on its front will add visual interest and personality to your kitchen.