Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

Ceramic tiles – an attractive and easy-to-care material, which is considered the ideal option when it comes to the design of the kitchen. But in order to choose the most suitable option, you need to understand what characteristics ceramic tiles should have for a kitchen and what properties should be paid special attention to when buying.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

What should be ceramic tiles for the kitchen: the choice of material for the apron

The most common use of wall tiles for the kitchen – the creation of a kitchen apron, which is located directly above the work surface. Choose a tile for this purpose is subject to these rules:

  • glossy tiles are an excellent solution if there is a need to visually expand the space, at the same time it is easy to clean. The disadvantage of this solution can only be called the fact that traces of water falling on the surface, as well as fat, are noticeable on its surface;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • tiles for the kitchen on the wall should not be embossed. Considering the fact that all kitchen surfaces are subject to pollution, it will be much easier to thoroughly clean the smooth tile. Therefore, refined relief finishing materials should be immediately abandoned;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • white tile is the perfect option for apron tiles in the kitchen. Mosaic can be used to revitalize the interior, but otherwise, the design in bright colors is a win-win;
  • if you want to mess with cleaning as little as possible, it is best to buy ceramic tiles for the kitchen of beige or light brown color. On such a surface, dirt and dried water droplets are least noticeable.

The main difficulty encountered in the operation of tile in the kitchen is inter tile joints. It is in them that dirt usually accumulates, which makes the lining unattractive. Therefore, before laying tiles in the kitchen, it is necessary to acquire a quality grout that is resistant to moisture and does not serve as a favorable environment for the growth of fungi and mold.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

Helpful advice! As a solution to the problem of contamination of the seams, you can try laying rectified tiles. This means that the tile has ideally smooth edges and fits almost closely, so that the distance between the elements does not exceed 2 mm.

In the process of choosing ceramic tiles for kitchen apron, you should pay attention to the presence of a special protective coating that prevents the destruction of tile as a result of exposure to active chemicals. This will allow cleaning faster, cleaning the surface with the help of special tools that effectively eliminate grease and dirt. Manufacturers designate such a material, marking it with marks A or AA.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

Another important aspect that can be encountered through ignorance is the difference in the shades of tile of the same model, but in different batches. In some ways this is considered permissible, since in the firing process the shade may become slightly lighter or darker. And if you put such material nearby, the difference will be noticeable, so before buying it is worth comparing the tile from all the packages.

Another parameter that you need to know in advance is the caliber. With it, manufacturers indicate how much the actual size of the elements may differ from the declared. Ideally, the gauge should be zero or, at most, not to exceed 1.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

It is advisable to carry out a visual inspection of all the items from the package before buying, to make sure that the glaze applied on them is smooth and even, and the elements themselves have no damage – cracks, chips and scuffs.

Helpful advice! If after buying a material there is a need for some time to store it, then it should be done in a dry and well-ventilated room. Otherwise, after a few months, the material may crack and become unusable.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

In order not to additionally buy additional material, or, on the contrary, there was not too much surplus, before buying it is worth calculating how much tile you really need. If the tile is planned to be laid in the traditional way, then usually another 5-10% is added to the required quantity. For more complex patterns, the stock should be at least 15%.

It is important to understand that in addition to the obligatory trimming of some elements, which, in one way or another, leads to an increase in the amount of material expended, one has to face production defects. Usually in the party of tiles from domestic producers of the average price category, defective products is about 5%.

Helpful advice! It is desirable that after laying you have a few whole tiles left that can be left in case you need to replace individual sections of the coating.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

Looking through the photo tiles on the wall in the kitchen, you need to understand that not every material that looks good in itself, will look advantageous as an apron. Because you should consider in advance the most popular options that are better suited for this purpose:

  • Ceramic tile 10×10. In the photo catalog tile for the kitchen, this option occupies a leading position. In contrast to the larger format, it requires significantly less trimming, and hence the flow rate is significantly lower. This is a great option for a small room, because it is able to visually expand the space and does not overload it. Another advantage of this solution is the ability to comfortably make the lining in hard-to-reach places. In addition, it is perfectly combined with any mosaics and interspersed with other elements. Among the drawbacks, it is worth mentioning the relatively complicated installation procedure, which requires a certain experience from the master.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • Ceramic tiles under the brick. This option has gained popularity recently and is often called the “hog” because of its chamfered edges. In form, these elements are very reminiscent of small bricks. This tile is perfect as for the design of a modern kitchen, and for a strict classical interior. For sale you can find such tiles of different sizes, as well as shapes and colors. The standard size of such elements is considered to be 7,5×15 cm, although it is often said so about the tile size 10×20.

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  • So usually “hog” is called a monochromatic tile, the surface of which is smooth and glossy. Among the colors, calm tones, in particular, white and brown, will become more popular. But at the same time, in the photo catalogs of tiles for the apron in the kitchen, you can find a large selection of colors and even elements with photo printing.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • Tile mosaic for the kitchen. The price of such a decision will be somewhat higher than in the case of the previous options, but the result is undoubtedly worth it. The surface of such material imitates a real mosaic, which brings a special beauty to the finish. Of course, it will be somewhat more difficult to care for such an apron, but if you clean it regularly, then you can keep the surface clean.

Helpful advice! One of the best manufacturers offering quality kitchen tiles on the apron – Kerama Marazzi. In the catalog of this company you can find many options that meet any requirements. In addition, tiles for the kitchen Kerama Marazzi is a product of domestic production, which has a positive effect on its value.





In order that facing by a tile did not look boring and monotonous, it is possible to combine materials, creating the most unusual combinations. Here are some interesting ideas that will make the kitchen apron of tiles the main decoration of the kitchen:

  • The tile for kitchen is perfectly combined with the flat inserts, decorated with a pattern. In this case, the laying can be a point (the elements are evenly scattered over all surface areas) or in the form of a separate panel;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • the use of decorative panels is another way to decorate the surface. Often this method is used for Provence or Country style interiors. The size of the insert can be almost anything, but it is desirable to arrange it symmetrically to indicate the center. The most common scenes for such panels are beautiful views of small cities with cute houses or food (cheese, fruits, berries, etc.). As examples, you can consider numerous photos of ceramic tiles for the kitchen with such images.
  • frieze or tile curb is another element used for decoration. It is a small rectangular elements that lay out curbing in the top or bottom of the apron. Although sometimes such a band is placed in the very center.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

In the catalogs of ceramic tiles for the kitchen you can find a huge number of options for cladding material, as well as elements used as decorative inserts. So before you put on the kitchen tiles of the same color, it is worth considering all sorts of options to make the surface not only practical, but also beautiful.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

No less difficult task – the selection and laying of floor tiles in the kitchen. In this case, in order to choose a suitable option, you should pay attention to a number of characteristics that are important for this material:

  • high level of wear resistance of the coating. This is of great importance, since the permeability in the kitchen is high and, over time, poor-quality tile may be subject to abrasion;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • the tile must be sufficiently thick to withstand the loads to which it will be exposed as a result of the installation of pieces of furniture and large household appliances (refrigerator, gas stove, etc.);
  • tiles on the floor for the kitchen and corridor must be resistant to the effects of active chemical compounds and not to be destroyed as a result of the constant exposure to steam and water.

Helpful advice! The weakest point of a tile covering is interdigital seams. They are the most prone to absorb moisture and pollution. Therefore it is worth buying a quality grout, which is designed directly for the flooring.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

In addition to tile, there are other finishing materials that are used as flooring in the kitchen. Consider the advantages of this option, and also pay attention to some of the disadvantages that will have to face.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

Advantages of using tiles for finishing the floor in the kitchen:

  • the floor for which the tile was used, looks great and is easy to clean and hygienic;
  • high-quality material is characterized by high strength and resistance to abrasion due to external factors;
  • tile is characterized by high resistance to moisture and chemicals;
  • the tile is free from deformation and there is no risk that it will sag over time;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • The material is completely resistant to UV rays and does not fade in the sun;
  • You can also talk about the maximum level of environmental cleanliness and safety for human health and the environment.

Important! The tile does not sustain combustion and in the event of fire is one of the safest materials, since it does not emit any harmful substances.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

Among the few shortcomings that have been noted in this solution, it is worth noting:

  • in comparison with some other finishing materials, tile has a high cost and requires a slightly more complicated installation procedure;
  • during operation, users often notice that walking on tile during the cold season is rather uncomfortable if the floor is not provided for under floor heating;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • everything that falls on the tile is likely to break, so that if glass and ceramic dishes fall, there is very little chance of survival.

This modest list of drawbacks is quite compensated by the positive qualities that the owner receives by making a choice in favor of tile. The main thing is to select the highest quality material, the characteristics of which meet the requirements and allow it to serve regularly for many years.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

The huge assortment offered to customers today can easily confuse the buyer with its diversity. All options differ from each other in size, shape, design, as well as technical characteristics.

Helpful advice! If you are not guided in the material and in its characteristics, it is best to make a purchase in a specialized store, where the seller can answer all your questions and recommend the best option.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

The first thing you should pay attention to before buying floor tiles for the kitchen – marking. The material intended for use as a floor covering is necessarily marked with a special badge, which shows the footprint. In addition, the floor tile has a special classification, which is officially adopted in European countries and in the United States. So, there are the following types of tile:

  • PEI 1 – wall tiles that cannot be used as a floor covering;
  • PEI 2 is a tile that can be used as a floor covering for rooms with low traffic, such as bathrooms or bedrooms, although this type of flooring is rarely used in living rooms;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • PEI 3 – floor tiles, designed for medium loads, which can be used to design any room in the house, with the exception of the hallway;
  • PEI 4 is a durable material capable of withstanding severe stresses to which it is subjected as a result of operation on landings, in hallways, etc .;
  • PEI 5 is a tile with the highest indicators of strength and wear resistance, which is suitable for use in places with the highest maneuverability.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

It is best to buy tiles on the floor of the kitchen class PEI 3 or PEI 4, because the only way you can not worry about the safety of the coating.

Another important classification parameter for tile is its safety level. This is also an extremely important indicator that you should pay attention to when buying. So, the separation is as follows:

  • if the coefficient is higher than 0.75, then this tile is considered safe;
  • figure from 0.39 to 0.74 attributed to a fairly safe material;
  • between 0,19-0,39, there is a tile that can be dangerous;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • anything below 0.19 means extremely dangerous tiles.

Helpful advice! Usually after washing the tile becomes very slippery and can pose a real threat to the safety of people. Therefore it is worthwhile to pay attention in advance to such an indicator as slip resistance.





The choice of tile design is not less important and difficult question than its technical characteristics. First of all, the coating should be harmoniously combined with the general interior of the room, so you should pay attention to all sizes, colors and shapes of the coating, choosing the one that will fit best of all.

For those who wish to save themselves from the hassle associated with the selection of ideally combined tile for walls and floor, you can consider the option of purchasing ready-made kits. This will make the room in the same style.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

But if you still decide to do the selection of the material yourself, then here are a few recommendations that may be useful:

  • Large tile is much easier to lay, but at the same time it tends to visually reduce the space, which is not very good in the case of small spaces;
  • small tile expands the space, but it will be much more difficult to carry out laying yourself. In addition, all errors made during the installation process will be more noticeable;

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

  • the choice of design should also be based on the size of the room: a small and simple pattern will visually expand the space, and a large and complex one will reduce;
  • choosing a monochromatic glossy floor covering for the kitchen is a risky option, since even the most insignificant dirt will be immediately noticeable. It will be much easier to care for a matte surface, for example, with a small pattern in the form of specks or stains.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen: how to choose tile for walls and floor

Choose a suitable tile among the huge variety of options offered is not easy. But it is extremely important to try to take into account as much as possible of significant factors and characteristics that may further affect the quality of operation of the material. Well, as a source of inspiration for choosing the right design, you can use a photo of ceramic tiles for the kitchen on the apron and as a floor covering.

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