How To Choose Kitchen Tiles

BySimon Hours Posted on Hours Updated on Categories Tiles
kitchen tiles

As you would have realised from an article I wrote a couple of months back about how to approach a kitchen renovation, there are many elements to consider and products to choose from in a kitchen renovation. One such product is kitchen tiles.

While not as important as the process of choosing kitchen cabinets, kitchen tiles significantly impact a kitchen’s overall look and feel. Therefore, they too require much consideration and thought.

Ross’s Discount Home Centre is Perth’s leading kitchen supplier, with everything you need to complete a kitchen under one roof, including an extensive range of tiles for kitchen splashbacks and flooring. You can get everything you need delivered to your door without leaving home.

Today, I’d like to arm you with everything you need to know to make a confident decision when choosing kitchen tiles. So, continue reading as I share with you some industry tips and also some suggestions to follow the latest kitchen tile trends.

Consider Your Home’s Overall Design Style

This is the first rule to follow before you start looking at kitchen tiles. Don’t get carried away trying to replicate a kitchen you’ve fallen in love with on Pinterest or have seen in a magazine if it doesn’t fit the style of the remainder of your home.

If you have a modern home, create a modern kitchen and select modern tiles. If you have a traditional-style home, design a traditional kitchen with traditional tiles, etc.

Use the following guides to determine what tiles are considered modern, traditional, etc.

  • Traditional tiles feature classic tile designs such as grid patterns and mosaics and generally have a neutral, muted colour palette. They tend to be classic and symmetrical. Marble and travertine are examples of traditional tiles.
  • Modern tiles tend to be large-format tiles that are subtle in design and colour. They are restrained but bespoke and often favour geometric forms.
  • Contemporary tiles, known for their bold and dramatic designs, can also have a minimalist aesthetic. They are ideal for feature walls and kitchen splashbacks.
  • Country chic tiles feature warm, earthy tones that emphasise the country style. Timber-look tiles and tiles with rustic charm fit this style.

For a more detailed look at matching your tiles to your design style, don’t miss the following articles:

Determine Where You’ll Use Kitchen Tiles

Kitchen tiles serve three primary purposes: flooring, walls, and splashbacks. Deciding where you want to use tiles—whether for flooring, walls, the splashback, or all three—is an important first step in your selection process.

Each application has unique requirements and benefits. If you’re leaning towards a different material for your splashback, consider reading this post, which explains why tiles are the perfect splashback choice. Similarly, if you’re considering alternative materials for your flooring, this post outlines the pros and cons of the top three kitchen flooring options. By understanding how and where you wish to use tiles, you can make informed decisions that balance aesthetics, practicality, and durability.

Kitchen Tile Applications

  • Kitchen Floor Tiles: Designed for durability, kitchen floor tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic and spills. Choose non-slip and easy-to-clean options like ceramic, porcelain, or hybrid tiles to keep your kitchen safe and stylish.
  • Kitchen Wall Tiles: Wall tiles add texture and style to your kitchen while protecting walls from splashes and stains. Consider subway tiles or large-format tiles to create a sleek, modern look.
  • Kitchen Splashback Tiles: Splashback tiles are both functional and decorative, shielding walls from cooking splashes while acting as a focal point. Popular options include bold mosaics, herringbone patterns, and timeless subway tiles.

By determining where tiles will work best in your kitchen, you’ll set a strong foundation for choosing designs and materials that enhance both the form and function of your space.

Measure and Set a Tile Budget

Measuring your space and setting a budget are crucial steps when choosing kitchen tiles. Fortunately, our website makes it incredibly easy to calculate exactly how many tiles you’ll need and how much they’ll cost.

Start by measuring the areas you want to tile. Multiply the length by the width of each section (e.g., the floor and splashback) to determine the total square meterage. Once you have this number, enter it into the tile’s product page on our website. Our system will instantly calculate how many boxes of tiles you’ll need, factoring in an optional 10% wastage allowance for offcuts or mistakes during installation.

For example, if you’re tiling a 15-square-metre kitchen floor and a 4-square-metre splashback, with a budget of $900, you can easily plan your spending. If you allocate $500 for floor tiles, you could choose tiles up to $33 per square metre. For the splashback, with $400 remaining, you could select tiles up to $100 per square metre. By entering your measurements, our system ensures you get the right amount of tiles without over-ordering or wasting time on manual calculations.

This process not only saves time but also keeps your project on track and within budget. With our user-friendly tools, you’ll know exactly what to order, leaving you free to focus on choosing the perfect style for your kitchen.

Understand the Different Types of Tiles for Kitchens

When selecting kitchen tiles, it’s important to know the different types of tiles available, as each material is better suited to specific applications. Common types of kitchen tiles include ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, subway, and feature tiles.

  • Ceramic tiles are lightweight and affordable, making them a popular choice for walls and splashbacks.
  • Porcelain tiles are more durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for high-traffic kitchen floors.
  • Mosaic tiles are perfect for creating intricate splashback designs but require more maintenance due to grout lines.
  • Subway tiles are a timeless choice for splashbacks, offering a classic, versatile style that works in both modern and traditional kitchens.
  • Feature tiles add personality and visual interest to your kitchen, often used as a statement piece for splashbacks or accent walls.

Tile Ratings and Considerations

Tiles come with various ratings that indicate their suitability for certain applications:

  • Slip Ratings: For kitchen floors, look for a high Pendulum Classification (P4 or P5) to ensure slip resistance.
  • Wear Ratings: Choose a tile with at least a medium-duty wear rating for moderate use or a heavy to extra-heavy-duty rating for high-traffic kitchens.
  • Water Resistance: Splashback tiles don’t require slip or wear ratings but should be easy to clean and resistant to stains.

Understanding these types and ratings will enable you to select tiles for every area of your kitchen that balance durability, style, and practicality.

Rectified vs. Unrectified Tiles: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

The choice between rectified and unrectified tiles can have a big impact on the final look of your kitchen. Think of it as a question of style versus feel.

Rectified tiles bring a modern, seamless look. These tiles are precisely cut to size after firing, allowing for smaller grout lines that create a clean, uniform finish. This option is ideal if you’re after a sleek, contemporary vibe in your kitchen, as the minimal grout lines make the tiles appear almost continuous. However, rectified tiles require precise installation, often needing professional help to achieve the best effect.

If you have a preference for a classic or cosy kitchen style, you might consider unrectified tiles, also known as cushioned edge tiles. These tiles keep their natural edges, resulting in slightly wider grout lines that bring a textured, handcrafted charm to your space. The softer lines are especially popular in traditional, farmhouse, or eclectic kitchens, where a bit of character and warmth can go a long way.

To explore more about the impact of edge types on design and durability, visit our full guide on Rectified vs. Unrectified Tiles.

Don’t Overlook Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle plays a significant role when selecting kitchen tiles, particularly for high-traffic areas like the floor or hardworking spaces like the splashback. If you love to cook, spend a lot of time in the kitchen, or have a busy household, it’s essential to choose tiles that can handle the demands of your daily life.

For kitchen floor tiles, durability is key. Look for tiles with at least a medium-duty wear rating, though heavy-duty or extra-heavy-duty ratings are ideal for homes with high foot traffic. Slip resistance is another important factor—opt for tiles with a higher slip rating to ensure safety.

When it comes to splashback tiles, consider maintenance as well as aesthetics. If you’re an avid home cook, you’ll want to avoid mosaic tiles or small tiles that require lots of grout lines—they can be harder to clean and may stain from cooking splashes. Instead, opt for larger, easy-to-clean tiles like glazed porcelain or glass tiles, which are both functional and stylish behind a cooktop.

By factoring in how you use your kitchen, you can select tiles that not only look great but also stand up to the demands of everyday life, ensuring your kitchen stays beautiful and practical for years to come.

Consider Your Colour Scheme and Kitchen Design Style

Your kitchen tile choices should align with the overall colour scheme and design style of your kitchen and home. Tiles not only need to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic but also complement its key features, such as cabinetry and benchtops.

If you’re replacing existing tiles, you likely already have a sense of what works with your current kitchen design. For new kitchens, it’s best to finalise your cabinetry and benchtops first, as these elements establish the foundation for your colour and material choices.

When deciding on a colour scheme, consider three approaches: monochromatic, contrasting, or complementary. Monochromatic designs use variations of the same tone for a seamless look, while contrasting schemes incorporate bold tile colours to stand out. Complementary schemes balance colours and tones for a cohesive, inviting appearance.

Popular kitchen tile colours include timeless whites, warm beiges, versatile greys, and earthy tones like muted greens or soft blues. These shades are not only on-trend but also highly adaptable to various design styles, from modern to rustic. Whether you want a subtle backdrop or a bold statement, the right tile colour can tie your entire kitchen design together.

The beauty of kitchen tiles is their versatility—you can create any look you desire, from sleek and modern to warm and traditional. There’s a perfect tile out there to suit your vision, and finding it starts with understanding your kitchen’s style and colour palette.

Conclusion

The key to choosing kitchen tiles is to study the area and research the product.

When choosing your kitchen tiles, make sure you think of the overall style of your home, look for tiles that match, and determine where you wish to use tiles as your flooring and/or splashback. Measure the area and set a budget; understand the different types of tiles available and their ratings; take into consideration your lifestyle; and always consider the colour scheme of your kitchen cabinets and benchtop.

Whether you are looking for kitchen tiles for use on the floor or splashback, know you will find them here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. We have a huge range of kitchen tiles in an array of shapes, sizes, styles, and materials to suit your needs. Best of all, they are all in stock and all available at the most affordable prices in Perth.

For kitchen tiles in Perth, come in and visit our showroom in Guilford, Perth, or shop online and take advantage of our $50 Perth Metro delivery offer.

View Our Online Tile Range