Materials for kitchen design must meet certain requirements, due to the specifics of the room. The coating must be reliable, durable, durable, not absorb moisture and odors, and easy to clean. Kitchen tiles have these qualities and are a priority option for finishing the backsplash and floor.
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Types of tiles for the kitchen
- Ceramic tiles- matte collections are well suited for floors. Glossy - for an apron.
- Porcelain tiles are the strongest and most durable type of tile, do not absorb moisture, are easy to clean, and do not leave stains from wine or other contaminants. It usually has a large format, so it is convenient to use on the floor, apron and tabletop. Two rows of 30x30 tiles or one row of 60x60 tiles can be laid on a backsplash or countertop without trimming.
- Mosaic - used on or table top. To avoid problems with cleaning the joints, it is better to use epoxy grout. The most practical mosaics are made of glass, stone and ceramics rectangular shape.
- Plaster decorative tiles- can be used for an apron provided it is coated with decorative varnish. An impractical option; the textured surface and wide seams are difficult to clean. Only suitable for those who do not use an oven in the kitchen. You can also use gypsum tiles to decorate the walls in the kitchen: dining area, entrance.
- - comparable in strength to porcelain stoneware, has a non-slip surface. Can be used on the floor.
- - small-sized tiles made of baked clay with painting. Suitable for covering aprons.
Choosing tiles
How to choose the right tiles for the kitchen:
Marking
If you have decided on the basic parameters, pay attention to the marking (it is located on the box).
When purchasing, check the batch number and caliber on each box. It should be the same.
Design solutions in kitchen design
Modern building materials provide a huge opportunity to realize your wildest fantasies. Kitchen tiles are no exception in this regard; on the contrary, their diversity will help create a unique and unique interior.
A few design rules:
Secrets of kitchen design by style
All sorts of things are now used in design style directions. The main thing to remember is that it is advisable to decorate a house or apartment in the same style.
Rules of care
So that ceramic tiles serve for a long time and do not lose attractive appearance, she needs to be looked after. For daily care a sponge and warm water are enough soap solution. Some tips:
- When caring for glossy tiles, do not use abrasive materials, metal brushes;
- Excessive use of aggressive detergents can damage the seams;
- To add shine, add a couple of tablespoons of ammonia to the water;
- Water and vinegar will help remove grease stains more easily.
If the cladding is in an already neglected state, it.
With proper selection and care, tiles in the kitchen will add unique style, beauty and a feeling of comfort for years to come.
Ceramic tiles are often used in the kitchen and can perfectly complement any wallpaper. Correctly selected tiles or PVC panels will not only serve you for many years, but will also add sophistication to the interior. Ceramic tiles and PVC panels are used in the kitchen not only to decorate walls, but also as floor coverings.
Tiles in the kitchen interior
Benefits of tiles
Ceramic finishing has the following advantages:
- has high strength and resistance to damage;
- moisture resistant;
- resistant to steam and grease;
- easy to care for;
- resistant to chemicals and high temperatures.
Nowadays, PVC panels, brick and wallpaper are often used for kitchens.
Do-it-yourself wall cladding in the kitchen
Plastic PVC panels, bricks and wallpaper for kitchens have the following features (see table).
| Material | Peculiarity |
| Brick | Brick has high level strength, durability, moisture resistance. Also, brickwork is resistant to temperature fluctuations. Brick goes well with both modern and classic designs. One of the disadvantages is that brick is not cheap and it significantly conceals free space |
| Pvc | PVC panels are easy to clean and resistant to high temperatures. PVC decoration captivates with its variety of colors and textures. PVC is an excellent alternative to tiles; in addition, the PVC panel captivates with its variety of decor. PVC coating surpasses wallpaper and takes a leading position among kitchen finishing materials. PVC panels can be used not only to create an apron, but also as cladding of all surfaces. |
| Washable wallpaper | Among all types of materials, washable wallpaper is the most popular. Such wallpapers are more resistant to damage and are not inferior to tiles. Wallpaper is a durable, wear-resistant material that does not absorb odors. The wallpaper is made of waterproof materials, which allows you to wash it after getting dirty. Today, wallpapers are presented in a variety of designs, which will allow you to choose suitable option for your interior. |
How to choose the right tiles?
According to the manufacturing method, ceramic finish there are several types:
- pressed;
- extruded.
Externally the material can be:
- glazed, that is, its finish is glass;
- unglazed, that is, without all kinds of spraying, this is the most suitable option for finishing floors.
To transform old surface and choose the right tiles for the walls in the kitchen, follow these rules:
- Check the strength of the glazed coating as carefully as possible.
- When calculating the amount of building materials needed, make a reserve of 10-15%.
- To cover the floor, choose materials with a rough surface, and to cover the walls, choose tiles with an ideal surface, this makes it easier to clean.
- Light-colored finishes will require careful care, since dirt on such cladding will be more noticeable than on dark ones. But, at the same time, the damage is more noticeable on the dark. If you want to lay tiles in any pattern or mosaic, you will need more laying skills.
- Try to select a material moisture resistance level of at least 0.03%.
- Please also note that the cost of the tile depends on the dimensions: the smaller the tile, the more expensive it is and the more labor-intensive the installation will be.
- The weight of the canvas also plays an important role: the smaller it is, the easier it will be to mount it on the surface of the walls.
The tiles should be combined not only with the ceiling, but also with interior items and fit harmoniously into color palette rooms without destroying the chosen style.
- When decorating walls in a small room, give preference to light colors that visually enlarge the space.
- When decorating an apron, do not overdo it with the decor, because in the future they may become deformed and deteriorate from frequent washing.
- To highlight dining table It would be nice to use a canvas with pronounced relief.
- At modern design It is better to choose a monochromatic coating; it blends harmoniously with the color of the countertops.
- Beige-golden, coffee-colored materials that imitate natural materials, or antique paintings are well suited for a country-style kitchen. The artificially aged finish creates a feeling of coziness and comfort. In this style, it is better that the flooring be finished with natural elements.
- Volumetric ceramic finishing can visually reduce the space, while shallow ceramic finishing, on the contrary, can expand it.
- To cover walls and floors, it is better to select material from one series; you can also choose a canvas with small patterns. The apron can be updated with artistic compositions that will be located in the center of the kitchen or in its corner.
Tile laying options
There are four technologies for installing tiles:
- Simple cladding is when the canvas is laid parallel to the wall close to each other. This is the most basic way to update a wall, which is suitable for volumetric tiles of the same color.
- Facing diagonally is one of the more complex and attractive facing options, ideal for square and plain fabrics. This method allows you to visually expand kitchen space, level the walls and floor, but a lot of waste is generated.
- Ceramic brickwork. The most suitable option for a single-color rectangular covering allows you to create an original design.
- The herringbone pattern is similar to the parquet pattern. This is an ideal solution for laying rectangular wood-look panels.
One more type of wall design can be distinguished - this is modular masonry. With this technique, the canvas is laid according to a special pattern, which is great for updating old finishes in small kitchens.
Mosaic in your kitchen
Today, it has become very popular to use mosaics in kitchens, replacing wallpaper and familiar stoves with it.
Mosaic is a multi-colored pattern assembled from small parts.
You can use mosaics to update walls or splashbacks or use them as floor decoration. This fabric is quite strong, durable, resistant to abrasion and impact. detergents. It helps to create any design, giving the room originality and uniqueness.
Rules for using tiles on kitchen walls
To ceramic plate, has served you for many years, adhere to the following rules:
- The apron must be wiped well after cooking;
- It is better to clean the stove with specialized means;
- the wall is cleaned, as a rule, with a flannel cloth or a foam sponge;
- flooring must be treated with a mop that imitates a soft base.
Several fashionable solutions for finishing the kitchen
Today, it is very popular for finishing kitchen walls Several specific interior design options are used. Now we will talk about each of them in more detail.
Imitation of brickwork
The “brick” design will harmoniously fit into a room in the Provence or rustic style. Brick allows you to use canvases of different sizes, textures, and shades.
Imitation wood slabs
This way you can update your flooring and walls in an unusual way.
Ceramic decorative stone slab
It is very difficult to distinguish such material from natural or artificial stone, but its price is much less. Such slabs are used to frame walls in a Mediterranean style, which uses rough oak furniture.
Leather-like canvas
The popularity of animal print has also reached tiles. Animal skin as a pattern for wall decoration adds sophistication and exoticism to the interior.
Metal look plate
A plate with imitation metal looks harmonious in a high-tech or modern interior, adding a modern twist to it.
Plates imitated with gold or precious stones
Be careful with this fabric and try not to overdo it.
Contrast and unique patterns
In a room whose walls are decorated with bright colors, pieces of furniture should be kept in a calm color scheme.
Tile panel
Ceramic plate with panels is very popular. Patterns can be very different: from the usual fruits to landscapes.
A combination of different tiles and mosaics
Mosaic walls go well with a plain covering. You can renew an old surface even if it is not uneven, and the appearance will in no way be affected.
Hand painted tiles and photo tiles
Using the picture will not affect the use of the surface in any way. Thanks to such modern technologies You can put a photo of your favorite city on the apron, and you can also use family photos.
Glass canvas with a twist
A ceramic slab, inside of which there are fresh and artificial flowers and leaves, will fill the room with a cozy and warm atmosphere. This solution looks especially unusual and original with the right lighting.
For the design of a kitchen apron and floor, the most popular finishing material today is kitchen tiles. Of course, in this matter, to each his own. Someone will design the tiles in the kitchen only on the floor, maybe also on the apron, or maybe even decorate the walls and floor with kitchen tiles! Next, look at the photo of kitchen tiles to make it clearer to you what such a design might look like.
What you need to know about ceramic tiles?
The main advantage of tiles is durability. Whatever material the tile is made of, its strength is much higher compared to other materials that can be used to decorate floors and walls. But on the other hand, this may be a disadvantage for some. The kitchen owner may no longer like the material after a couple or three years. But changing it is not at all easy, and it is not very cheap. For example, in such a situation, re-pasting wallpaper is much more practical than redoing kitchen tiles.
To the basic principles in acquisition kitchen tiles can be attributed:
- First, a project or design must be ready - visualization of the kitchen. You must understand what exactly you want to do and how your kitchen should look after the renovation. If it already exists and no one will change it, kitchen tiles for the floor, walls or backsplash should definitely be combined with it. It can be a contrast or the same tone as the furniture or the same color, but the tone should be slightly lower or vice versa - depending on what you like best. It is very important how the kitchen tiles will be combined with the countertop.
Thanks to modern technologies, you can create a collage on a computer, or maybe a 3-dimensional model of an entire room! When creating a collage, use real photos interior items that you have chosen for your own kitchen area. Thus, you will be able to clearly see the future combination of objects and color schemes, how beautifully and harmoniously they will combine with each other. At the same time, do not forget that the colors on the monitor may differ radically from real ones.”
- You should not buy material with a large supply so that in the future it will turn into a pile of useless rubbish that will only clutter up the free space of your home. But you shouldn’t buy the material “back to back”, based on clear calculations and measurements of the room.
- After all, when laying tiles in the kitchen, no one will be insured against any force majeure circumstances. For example, it may suddenly crack during installation work, and something heavy may fall down, which will lead to the splitting of kitchen floor tiles and other situations. Despite the fact that the probability of finding exactly the same tile will be minimal. After all, even if found, it could have been produced by a different batch and the difference would still be noticeably noticeable. That is why buy ceramic tiles for the kitchen with a reserve, but with a small one! Focus on about % of the total amount of material.
- Since everything has been quite improved today, online stores have additional option miscalculation required quantity finishing materials. But we don’t recommend trusting this method one hundred percent, since if you go too far with the materials, such online stores are unlikely to take the goods back.
Returning tiles even to an ordinary store can be very difficult, or maybe completely impossible. This material is sold per meter. And even if you keep the original packaging, the store may well refuse to return it. In this regard, the exception is the decorative slab, border, frieze, sold individually. For these reasons, it is better to carefully consider the quantity of materials purchased and it would not hurt to consult with an experienced seller and, just in case, clarify and discuss whether it is possible to return the goods. See photos of floor tiles for the kitchen, where everyone can choose the necessary options for themselves.
- Inspect the material very carefully when purchasing, because the integrity of the packaging (even the factory one!) does not guarantee the integrity of the materials. Therefore, check every single one.
- Under no circumstances buy tiles for the kitchen in the first size you see. Even if you really like its design, you need to take the choice of its size with all seriousness and understanding. For example, there is a lot of information on the Internet that large slabs are not entirely good option For small kitchens, and vice versa. But here the matter is different. If you choose the wrong size of the material (especially the tiles for the backsplash), it will have to be cut. This will entail some nuances, for example, appearance overall design, and in general, a lot of material may have to be thrown away. At the same time, you will not only waste a lot of energy for nothing, but also spoil your nerves. Therefore the most ideal option- use a tape measure to calculate in advance the footage and the size of the tiles that is most suitable in your case, so that when laying tiles in the kitchen, you don’t have to cut them and throw them away.
Using special crosses, which can be purchased at hardware store, the joints between the tiles can be made perfectly even. Moreover, you can also choose their size, which one is more suitable. They range from 1-2 mm to 1 cm.
- When choosing a material, you need to pay attention to external design as well as functionality. After all, in the kitchen, the main purpose of finishing materials is to withstand and resist greasy dirt, soot, and others. In addition, it should be easy to wash. Also, the material must be resistant to chemical agents (designation “AA” on the materials).
Marking of catalog tiles for the kitchen:
- “AA” - resistance of the material to very strong chemicals
- “A” - suitable for medium-active chemicals
- “B” is a low threshold of resistance to chemical substances.
- “C” - ultra-low level of stability
- “O” - completely not resistant to chemicals.
It is better to choose a matte surface of the tiles, since lime stains are very clearly visible on a glossy one.
Possible types of tiles
Made of ceramics
The most affordable material option in the price range. When producing such a material, sand, clay and minerals are usually mixed, then fired and covered with glaze, which can be:
- Sprayed;
- Matt;
- Glyantseva.
The materials can be combined with similar, but more expensive tiled materials during installation and creation. For more details, see kitchen tiles catalog photo.
Ceramics - granite
It is considered the most durable. Made from a porcelain mixture that resembles in appearance natural stone. This type of tile is mainly used for kitchen flooring. In addition, this option is practically unable to absorb liquid.
Stone slabs
The design of stone tiles in the kitchen is a very original and effective design option, as well as quite stylish. But still, there is no need to decorate the entire kitchen with it. It has a very well defined texture that can visually narrow a room. Excellent tiles for the kitchen on the apron, for example, or for some individual elements. Look various options photo of kitchen tiles.
Stone is also acceptable for countertops. And the tiles for the apron, the pattern, the color of which will be selected in accordance with the countertop, will perfectly complement and continue the completely original design.
Such materials can be glossy or matte, colored or transparent.
Simply amazing kitchen design! The reflections from the glass will constantly sparkle like jewels, adding a certain sophistication and charm to the room. Here every housewife will feel like a queen! The only thing that is needed is a special product to keep such material clean. Tiles for the kitchen photo catalog will help you decide on the choice of necessary materials!
Forms, methods of laying tiles
According to the “parquet” principle
Laying narrow, oblong-shaped slabs, the so-called “herringbone” or “pigtail” shape. This design looks very original.
The basic, aesthetic appearance of the material depends mainly on the way in which it is laid. Therefore, you can choose from the catalog tiles for the kitchen that are plain, without patterns. Can also be combined with each other different colors. But then the main nuance is that it should be the same series of materials.
The most inconvenient factor for laying slabs is at the edges of walls or floors, when the material will have to be trimmed at least a little. To simplify the task, you can select square slabs of a suitable tone and cut them diagonally.
Accordingly, the material is laid diagonally. A photo of kitchen floor tiles will show you how this design looks visually. This option is suitable for visual magnification premises. But as for the walls, it can be quite the opposite. In this case, there is also no way to avoid the need to cut the material.
You can use small tiles or large ones that already have a mosaic layout (texture). They are easy to adjust to the size you need without compromising their appearance. Combine mosaics with medium or large sized tiles.
Vintage is in fashion today. Therefore, laying mosaics from fragments of old tiles will look original.
Imitation of brickwork
Also quite a popular and stylish way of design. The lines must be straight, parallel to each other, and strictly vertical or horizontal.
Seam - in - seam
Standard strict method styling, observing strict and clear lines. For example, square tiles, of course, there’s not much variety. But a rectangular shape is quite possible. See photo floor slabs for the kitchen!
Zoning and combination
Yes, the tiles are not the best cheap look material among existing ones. But it can be combined with other materials! For example, you can select as additional material wallpaper, decorative putty or paint the walls. Basically, with this design, the kitchen apron is laid with tiles to make cleaning easier in the first place. The rest of the room can be decorated with other materials.
You can combine in several ways:
- Contrasting colors and textures
- Identical - similarity of tones, textures
- Similar - similarity of tones and textures
If the wallpaper is plain, choose tiles that contrast or with an image. Or vice versa, if the wallpaper is colored, the tiles are plain, neutral.” What kind of tiles can be used for the kitchen floor, the photo will allow you to see!
Apron
Its design can be bright and unusual. They are distinguished by different colors or using slabs of non-standard shape and texture. You can also make a photo design on a tiled apron.
Moreover, such materials today are offered both in finished form (from the manufacturer), and absolutely any paintings can be applied to order. In addition to everything, they will also be adjusted according to your sizes!
Kitchen floor tiles
When choosing, focus on:
- Strength, it must withstand heavy loads.
- Resistance to chemical agents, including “aggressive” ones.
- Wear resistance.
- Don’t slip, so as not to “suffer” in the future yourself.
Walls
- Cleaned from previous coatings
- Apply markings based on the installation method you prefer and the size of the material.
- Prepare adhesive composition(according to instructions)
- Apply the adhesive composition to the wall in a thin layer, making grooves
- When installing tiles, press down firmly, but carefully
- When everything is dry, the crosses are removed, the seams are grouted using a special colored grout
Floor
- The floor surface is cleared of the previous coating
- Screed is being made
- Axial marking is applied
- Preparing the adhesive composition
- Apply a thin layer, making furrows
- The tiles are installed by gently pressing down, with crosses placed around them so that the seams are even.
- After complete drying, the crosses are removed and the seams are grouted with a special colored grout.
Of course, the seams on the floor can be white, and they look very beautiful, but they will get dirty very quickly, losing their original appearance.
Ceramic tiles are an attractive and easy-to-maintain material that is considered an ideal option if we're talking about about kitchen design. But in order to choose the most suitable option, you need to understand what characteristics ceramic tiles for the kitchen should have and what properties you should pay attention to. special attention upon purchase.
Most common application wall tiles for the kitchen - creating a kitchen apron, which is located directly above work surface. It is worth choosing tiles for this purpose taking into account the following rules:
- glossy tiles – great solution, if there is a need to visually expand the space, at the same time it is easy to clean. The only drawback of this solution is the fact that traces of water falling on the surface, as well as fat, are noticeable on its surface;
- tiles should not be embossed. Considering the fact that all kitchen surfaces are susceptible to contamination, thoroughly cleaning smooth tiles will be much easier. Therefore, it is better to immediately abandon exquisite embossed finishing materials;
- tile white– an ideal tile option for a kitchen backsplash. Mosaics can be used to enliven the interior, but otherwise, decorating in light colors is a win-win option;
- If you want to bother with cleaning as little as possible, it is best to buy ceramic tiles for the kitchen in a beige or light brown shade. On such a surface, dirt and dried drops of water are least noticeable.
The main difficulty that one has to face when using tiled flooring in the kitchen is the seams between the tiles. It is in them that dirt usually accumulates, which makes the cladding unattractive. Therefore, before putting it in the kitchen, you need to purchase high-quality grout that is resistant to moisture and does not serve as a favorable environment for the growth of fungi and mold.
Useful advice! As a solution to the problem of grout contamination, you can try laying rectified tiles. This means that the tiles have perfectly smooth edges and are laid almost flush together, so that the distance between the elements does not exceed 2 mm.
What to look for before buying tiles for a kitchen backsplash
When choosing ceramic tiles for a kitchen backsplash, you should pay attention to the presence of a special protective coating, which prevents the destruction of tiles as a result of exposure to active chemicals. This will allow you to clean faster by cleaning the surface with special means effectively removing grease and dirt. Manufacturers designate such material by marking it with marks A or AA.
Another important aspect, which you may encounter out of ignorance - the difference in shades of tiles of the same model, but in different batches. In some ways, this is considered acceptable since the color may become slightly lighter or darker during the firing process. And if you lay such material side by side, the difference will be noticeable, so before purchasing it is worth comparing the tiles from all the packages.
Another parameter that you need to know about in advance is the caliber. With its help, manufacturers indicate how much the actual size of the elements may differ from the declared one. Ideally, the caliber should be zero or, in extreme cases, not exceed 1.
Before purchasing, it is advisable to conduct a visual inspection of all the elements from the packaging to make sure that the glaze applied to them is even and smooth, and that the elements themselves are not damaged - cracks, chips or abrasions.
Useful advice! If after purchasing the material there is a need to store it for some time, then this should be done in a dry and well-ventilated area. Otherwise, after a few months the material may crack and become unusable.
How to calculate the required amount of tiles for a kitchen apron
In order to avoid having to purchase additional material, or, conversely, not to have too much surplus, before purchasing it is worth calculating how much tile you will actually need. If you plan to lay the tiles traditional way, then usually another 5-10% is added to the required amount. For more complex patterns, the margin should be at least 15%.
It is important to understand that in addition to the mandatory trimming of some elements, which, one way or another, leads to an increase in the amount of material consumed, one has to deal with manufacturing defects. Typically, in a batch of tiles from a domestic manufacturer in the middle price category, defective products are about 5%.
Useful advice! It is advisable that after installation you have several intact tiles left, which can be left in case individual sections of the coating need to be replaced.
Small tiles of original shape
Popular tile formats in the kitchen: laying a backsplash in various ways
When looking at photos of tiles on the kitchen wall, you need to understand that not every material that looks good on its own will look great as a backsplash. Therefore, it is worth considering in advance the most popular options that are best suited for this purpose:
- Ceramic tiles 10x10. In the photo catalog tiles for the kitchen this option occupies a leading position. Unlike larger format ones, it requires significantly less trimming, which means the consumption is significantly lower. This great option for a small room, since it can visually expand the space without overloading it. Another advantage of this solution is the ability to comfortably perform cladding in hard to reach places. In addition, it goes well with any mosaics and interspersed with other elements. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting that the relatively complex procedure installation, which requires certain experience from the master.
- Brick-like ceramic tiles. This option has gained popularity quite recently and is often called a “hog” because of the beveled edges. In shape, such elements are very similar to small bricks. Such tiles are perfect both for decorating a modern kitchen and for a strict classic interior. You can find such tiles on sale in different sizes, as well as shapes and colors. Standard size Such elements are usually considered to be 7.5x15 cm, although this is often said about tiles measuring 10x20.
Related article:
Tips for choosing materials, designing an apron. Design tricks for a small kitchen. Turnkey and cosmetic repairs.
- Typically, a “hog” is a single-color tile whose surface is smooth and glossy. Among color solutions Calm tones, in particular white and brown, will become more popular. But at the same time, in photo catalogs you can find tiles for aprons in the kitchen large selection shades and even elements with photo printing.
- Mosaic tiles for the kitchen. The price of such a solution will be slightly higher than in the case of previous options, but the result is undoubtedly worth it. The surface of this material imitates a real mosaic, which adds 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, it is quite possible to keep the surface clean.
Useful advice! One of the best manufacturers offering quality tiles for the kitchen on the apron – Kerama Marazzi. In the catalog of this company you can find many options that meet any requirements. In addition, Kerama Marazzi kitchen tiles are a product domestic production, which has a positive effect on its cost.
How to diversify a tiled kitchen backsplash: photo designs
To prevent tiling from looking boring and monotonous, you can combine materials, creating the most unusual combinations. Here are a few interesting ideas that will allow you to do kitchen apron made of tiles as the main decoration of the kitchen:
- kitchen tiles go well with flat inserts decorated with a pattern. IN in this case installation can be spot-based (elements are evenly scattered over the entire surface area) or in the form of a separate panel;
- usage decorative panel- another way to decorate the surface. This method is often used for interiors in Provence or country style. The size of the insert can be almost any, but it is advisable to place it symmetrically to indicate the center. The most common subjects for such panels are beautiful views to small towns with cute houses or food (cheese, fruits, berries, etc.). As examples we can consider numerous photos ceramic tiles for the kitchen with such images.
- frieze or border tiles are another element used for decoration. They are small rectangular elements that are laid out as a border at the top or bottom of the apron. Although sometimes such a strip is placed in the very center.
In the catalogs of ceramic tiles for the kitchen you can find a huge number of options. facing material, as well as elements used as decorative inserts. So before you lay tiles of the same color in your kitchen, it’s worth considering all sorts of options to make the surface not only practical, but also beautiful.
How to choose floor tiles for the kitchen: parameters and criteria
An equally difficult task is selection and installation. floor tiles in the kitchen. In this case, in order to choose the appropriate option, it is worth paying attention to a number of characteristics that are important specifically for this material:
- high level of wear resistance of the coating. It has great value, since traffic in the kitchen is high and over time, low-quality tiles may be subject to wear;
- anything below 0.19 indicates an extremely dangerous tile.
Useful advice!Typically, after washing, tiles become very slippery and can pose a real risk to people's safety. Therefore, it is worth paying attention in advance to such an indicator as slip resistance.
Best tiles for kitchen 
kitchen floor tiles gray 
Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
How to choose tiles for the kitchen floor: photos of the best interior solutions
The choice of tile design is no less important and difficult question than her technical specifications. First of all, the coating should be harmoniously combined with common interior premises, so you should pay attention to all sizes, colors and shapes of the covering, choosing the one that will suit best of all others.
For those who want to save themselves the hassle of choosing perfectly matching tiles for walls and floors, you can consider purchasing ready-made sets. This will allow you to decorate the room in a single style.
But if you still decide to select the material yourself, here are a few recommendations that may be useful:
- large-sized tiles are much easier to lay, but at the same time they tend to visually reduce the space, which is not very good in the case of small rooms;
- small tiles expand the space, but installation on your own will be much more difficult. In addition, any errors made during the installation process will be more noticeable;
- the choice of pattern 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 pattern will reduce it;
- choosing a single-color glossy floor covering for the kitchen is a risky option, since even the slightest dirt will be instantly noticeable. It will be much easier to care for matte surface, for example, with a small pattern in the form of specks or streaks.
Choosing the right tile among the huge variety of options offered can be difficult. But it is extremely important to try to take into account as many significant factors and characteristics as possible, which may subsequently affect the quality of operation of the material. Well, as a source of inspiration for choosing suitable design You can use a photo of ceramic tiles for the kitchen on an apron and as a floor covering.
In the decoration of a modern kitchen undisputed leader tiles are considered. To create a stylish and at the same time functional room approaches to solving the problem need to be carefully thought out, all technical characteristics of the material must be studied. The right choice will allow you not to worry about changing the cladding for a long time, getting good design benefit and aesthetic pleasure.
Pros and cons
The kitchen space is specific; a variety of materials are used to decorate the surfaces of the walls and floors. There are a number of advantages in tiling:
- Hygiene
Smooth surfaces do not collect dust and are easy to clean even with the use of aggressive chemicals. Fungi and bacteria do not take root on the coating, despite frequent exposure to moisture.
- Moisture resistance
Unlike boards, linoleum, laminate, tiles are not afraid of flooding.
- Strength
You can install massive furniture; the coating can withstand strong mechanical influences. An object that was dropped is more likely to break, provided, of course, that the tiles were laid according to the rules.
- Durability and heat resistance
The tile will last for half a century, regardless of the conditions temperature conditions used, the appearance will remain unchanged. Up close hob PVC panels are deformed, but the tiles will not melt or catch fire.
- Large selection of sizes, textures, palettes
Taking into account the specifics of the room and the taste of its owner, tiles are chosen from among an endless variety of colors, patterns, and ornaments. The surface is glossy or matte, imitating the texture of stone, wood or glass. sun rays do not change the brightness of red or blue.
- Possibility of replacing individual elements
If damage occurs, the entire coating is not replaced, but only the damaged area.
- Environmental friendliness
The material is harmless, over time and under the influence of temperature it does not release any substances hazardous to health, electric current does not conduct.
Tile also has disadvantages. Some turn to their advantage by approaching the issue thoughtfully and competently:
- High cost
Only a specialist can work with the material independently, so the cost of a professional’s services is added to the cost of the tiles. Wallpaper and painting will cost less. Tiles, unlike them, will last for decades.
- Doesn't muffle sounds
The problem is solved during the installation process if you take care of the presence of a special layer.
- Cold material
But it has high thermal conductivity, so a “warm floor” easily eliminates the problem.
- Easy to slip
The solution is to choose an option with a rough texture or treat the surface with a special anti-slip compound.
- Replacing cladding is a difficult and dirty job
Choose a color that you won’t want to get rid of in a couple of years; think through the design down to the smallest detail so as not to spend money on alterations.
Selection and types
When developing the design of walls, floors and even ceilings in the kitchen of an apartment or private house, modern trading platforms put forward an immense variety of proposals. Before making a decision, the buyer needs to create a room design, take into account its size, environment, combination of finishing materials with furniture, appliances, lighting, and other decorative elements.
In the enthusiasm to cover all the free space with tiles, it is important not to overdo it, not to create some kind of bathroom or operating room out of the kitchen.
Among the types of tiles there are:
- Ceramic;
- Affordable price, wide selection, easily combined with other types;
- Porcelain tiles;
Durable, looks like stone. It is used in floor finishing; heavy furniture and appliances are placed on top without damage. Hard and plastic thanks to concrete and sulfur in the composition.
- Glass.
With a glossy or matte surface, colored or transparent, it requires special care products.
When purchasing, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Wear resistance class. If the tiles are going to be laid on the floor, it should not be lower than PEI;
- Water resistance (from 3%);
- Focus on a friction coefficient of 0.75%;
- The optimal variety is the first;
- The designation AA means highest stability to the effects of chemicals and bacteria. Aggressive environment the kitchen is not scary;
- Color, size, texture - at the discretion of the owner of the room.
Choose options with average indicators. More quality materials do not always increase practicality, they only entail unjustified costs.
You shouldn't save too much either. Products of the first grade assume the presence of up to 5% defects in the batch, and the third grade allows up to a quarter of defective items.
With the help of a specialist or based on photos on the Internet, calculate the area of the proposed cladding zone and its possible expansion to surrounding surfaces. A visual image in the form of a drawing or an electronic version will help to better correlate combinations of sizes and colors.
Having decided on the design and choice of tiles for the kitchen areas, we begin to calculate the amount of material. Its quantity should exceed the sufficient volume by 10-15 percent. The surplus will be useful in case of marriage or battle. There is no need to be too thrifty. If there are a lot of tiles left after the repair, they may not be accepted back to the store.
Counting required quantity material, correlate the dimensions of the surface with the size of the tile itself; it is advisable to choose one that does not have to be cut. Fitting will add hassle, dirt and material costs. The pattern on the tiles also does not always allow cutting.
At the time of purchase, the quality of the goods in each package must be carefully checked and copies compared. There are discrepancies in shades and textures.
Pay attention to whether convex or concave surfaces will be treated with tiles, whether there are thresholds, protrusions, or arches in the room. In such places, large tiles are not used; a mosaic option is required. Consider a composition that will include friezes and borders.
Laying methods
Before work, decide on the type of tiles, quantity, and installation method. It is recommended to lay out a test fragment and see if the trimming was done correctly and if the calculations with the quantity are correct. When choosing a laying method, the characteristics of the area and the shape of the surface to be decorated are taken into account.
In addition to the traditional one, there are the following popular options:
- Parquet principle
Not everyone can afford to have parquet at home. In addition, parquet is impractical in the kitchen. It is afraid of mechanical stress, pollution, moisture, requires careful care, and quickly loses its appearance. The tile has incomparably higher performance. Porcelain stoneware slabs successfully imitate wood, even valuable and rare species. The services of a specialist in laying natural parquet are much more expensive than the services of a master tiler.
There are many options for laying out tiles for parquet. For any method, use the seamless laying method. Otherwise, the “parquet” will look sloppy and give the impression of dried out wood.
A novice master will be able to independently lay out tiles in the house using the deck method. Classic - herringbone layout, straight or diagonal, simulating a combination different breeds tree. The “herringbone” can be double or triple, which is technically not difficult to implement, but looks much richer.
Parquet laying is a wickerwork of two and three types, Pavlovian, Swedish. St. Petersburg and Versailles had their own weaving patterns, which are now also being copied.
The “well” pattern looks unusual and impressive, in which rectangular tiles are laid around a square element. Items have different size, thickness, color, their appearance is very diverse, but invariably makes a strong impression.
- Diagonal method
Laying tiles is done in two ways: along the wall or diagonally. The latter is more difficult to do, but this method is more common because it can visually expand the space. Can be used both on the floor and on the wall.
If you post small space using a “boar” of light colors in a diagonal direction, while choosing grout of a non-contrasting color, the room will visually expand and seem more spacious.
For a specialist, the main thing at the beginning of work will be to level the surface as much as possible and set the installation in the right direction. To do this, equal sections along the walls are laid at the starting point. At the point of their connection, a reference point for the first tile is obtained. Work begins not with a piece, but with a whole tile. Use square tiles.
- Mosaic method
Mosaic tiles differ not only visually, but also in the size and shape of the fragments. These are smaller and larger squares, rectangles and circles, arbitrary shapes, a mix of colors. The base is paper on the front side, which is removed after gluing. Or the fragments are united by a grid on the reverse side, and the tiles are attached to it. The materials chosen for the manufacture of such decor are glass, ceramics, and stone.
With the help of mosaics they create an independent interior, complement it, use elements as decorative insert. The scope of mosaic application is extensive. Miniature allows you to finish small and difficult-to-work areas, lay out the ceiling, furniture, arched vaults, the area around the sink, borders, partitions.
- Imitation of brickwork
If you want an antique kitchen Greek style, loft or Provence, it is not necessary to bring home a brick. Clinker tiles cope with this role, combined with wallpaper, plaster, and other types of tiles, household appliances, metal and glass.
Used for decoration doorways, fireplaces. The floor is not subject to abrasion, does not slip, is easy to clean, and has high thermal insulation properties. The main colors are white, gray, beige, terracotta and brown are popular. The surface is rough-hewn, smooth, rough. Clinker is produced in the shape of a square or rectangle, thin, thick, heavy or light. It is universal because... helps to realize any design fantasies.
To make it easier to care for the coating in the kitchen, it is covered with glaze. In budget options they use gypsum tiles. It is not so durable; to prolong its service life, it is treated with a silicone compound or polymer varnish.
- Seam to seam
One of the simplest and fast technologies cladding. Thanks to the strict vertical and horizontal rows of 100/100 tiles, the space visually expands and becomes more orderly.
The master will not need preliminary marking. The surface of the floor or wall will be clearly divided by rows of tiles. The slightest slope in one direction or another will spoil the view, so during the work you will need a square, a plumb line and a level. You also need to ensure that the seams are of the same thickness.
A popular idea is a black and white floor composition in a spacious room.
For floor
The most wear-resistant specimens are selected for the kitchen. Ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles are an ideal option. The main thing is to maintain harmony with the furniture, walls, and the color of the countertop surface.
The design solution can be laconic, the floor will act as a background for kitchen set and other accessories, and can become bright central element decor. In an apartment with a small kitchen, do not lay dark tiles on the floor; light finishes will add sun and air.
A glossy, plain surface is not suitable for the kitchen; it makes the slightest debris and stains visible. A matte grain structure is preferred.
Zoning
You can divide the kitchen into zones using light, color, and a combination of different finishing materials. The work area is usually done using tiles. It is permissible to decorate the dining room with laminate. Sometimes designers divide a space by using tiles, but using a different color scheme.
If the sq. is allowed. m, on the dining room floor or along working area collect an unusual ornament or geometric pattern, there are many options. By simulating the combination of different coverings with the help of tiles, the interior of the simplest kitchen can be turned into an interesting and attractive one.
You can solve the problem of a cold floor using heating elements.
For walls
The kitchen design allows the walls to be tiled in whole or in part. The main thing is the combination with the headset, correct scheme layouts. Whether the walls will be monochrome or two or three colors depends on the taste of the owner and the general idea.
IN modern kitchens They use coatings that imitate wood, metal, and textiles. Bold contrasting colors and original prints are intriguing. Against a motley background, the best companion will be a neutral light color or even white furniture with a glossy surface. The figured relief looks impressive with the most simple color scheme.
For an apron
The finishing of the work area should not only be functional, so that grease and soot can be washed off well. An apron will attract attention non-standard form, in an interesting way styling You can paint it yourself by purchasing special paint at an artist store.
A special photo panel with a plot that takes into account the specifics of the room, which has become fashionable, will look bright and unusual. Photo tiles in the kitchen will add personality and sophistication to the room.