Tile has been around for centuries. In some countries, having tile throughout your house is a sign of affluence and is respected. In hot countries tile is especially favored. But is tile the best type of flooring for your kitchen?
Pros and Cons
Durability – Tile floors are very durable compared to others such as vinyl. Tile is more resistant to staining, marking, scuffs and wear and tear. While vinyl can fade and discolor, tile stays true. Tile can last for decades without needing to be replaced.
Looks – Tile has a look that can’t be beat (in my opinion anyways). The textures, colors and shine available in tiles are very appealing to the eye.
Tile is Cool – Literally! During the summer months, tile is wonderful to have underfoot. It stays cool and so feels good when the rest of you is hot. If you live in a climate with cold winters, definitely take into consideration that the tiles are cool in the winter too (even more so). If tile is in an area where you will be standing quite a bit, in the winter you may want to consider small area rugs in high use areas or consider buying a pair of slippers.
A more expensive but wonderful solution to cold tile is to install in-floor heating under the tiles. You can leave it off during the summer and in the winter you have the options of having sumptuously warm floors (a real treat if you’ve never tried it before.)
Hardness – The hardness of tile flooring is both a blessing and a drawback. Its hardness is part of what makes it so durable. However, it has a few issues. Dropping glass onto tile floors is an almost guaranteed smash – meaning that if you drop a glass onto the floor, it will probably smash into a million pieces. This is a minor difference from other floors since quite often glasses will break even on vinyl.
Hardness should also be taken into consideration if you plan on standing a lot on the floor (as usually happens in kitchens). Tile doesn’t have much give in it at all. Less give means more pressure on the feet and joints. Some people will be fine with standing on hard surfaces and some people will find it bothersome. There are ways to counteract the hardness which includes placing small area rugs or mats with a thick underlay for cushioning in the areas where standing is necessary (such as in front of the sink and counters). Slippers or indoor shoes for support can also help.
Washability – Floors made from tile can be very easy to wash depending on the texture of the tiles. Smooth varieties are the easiest to clean and rough and bumpy can be more challenging. A rough textured tile can be sealed which lessens the amount of nooks and crannies for dirt to get into and also allows for easier cleanup. Grout can be a challenge to clean. Choosing a darker grout can be convenient because it shows the dirt much less. Sealing up the grout can also help with clean up of the floor.
Tile kitchen floors are not for everyone. Take into consideration the above factors and decide for yourself if it is worth it for you.