Comparing the most popular kitchen floor tile materials
The kitchen is seen as the heart of the home – every detail counts. Many homeowners may incorporate tiles into their kitchen design, both on walls (in places such as splashbacks and countertops), and on the floor. An increasingly popular choice, it’s important to choose a floor tile material that can withstand heavy foot traffic, all without sacrificing a timeless and aesthetically pleasing look.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular tile materials for kitchen floors, comparing their durability, suitability when used on a kitchen floor, colours, and cost.
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Browse our porcelain tile ranges for a kitchen, including lookalike tile effects.
Find out the benefits of marble tiles for a kitchen floor.
Compare the different natural stone tile ranges, including limestone and travertine.
Find out why you should use terracotta floor tiles in your kitchen.
Compare the most popular floor tile materials in terms of features such as cost and durability.
Read common queries on kitchen floor tiles.
Choosing the best porcelain tiles for kitchen flooring
Available in a wide variety of finishes and colours, porcelain is one of the most popular tile choices amongst homeowners – and it’s easy to see why. Porcelain floor tiles are extremely durable, known for their strength and a practical option in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. These tiles are also water-resistant, making them ideal for a kitchen floor where spills are inevitable.
One of the advantages of porcelain is that it can also replicate other classic tile looks, all without sacrificing their durable qualities. Examples include marble effect tiles and other natural stone effect floor tiles, which may be a better and cost-effective alternative.
Read our full guide on kitchen floor tile effects here for more information.
Should I use marble floor tiles in my kitchen?
Often synonymous with luxury and beauty, marble floor tiles are perfect for homeowners wanting a timeless feature to their kitchen space. With classic styles including Calacatta and Carrara white marble, these tiles each have unique veining, varying in their use of white, grey, and black tones.
However, marble tiles also come with their own challenges. As a natural stone, marble is more porous than other tiles, like porcelain. Heavy objects dropped on a marble floor can cause damage, so it may not be the best choice for busy households with heavy foot traffic. That said, many homeowners find that marble’s beauty and classic appeal make the additional maintenance worthwhile.
For a kitchen floor, many homeowners love a classic black and white look. These stylish and timeless aesthetics never go out of fashion, and can be created perfectly with marble tiles or marble effect floor tiles.
Read our full guide on choosing the best marble floor tiles for a kitchen and bathroom.
Why should I choose stone tiles for a kitchen floor?
Natural stone floor tiles, such as slate, limestone, and granite, offer a distinctive, earthy aesthetic that brings the versatility and beauty of the outdoors into your home. Each stone has its unique texture and colour variation, creating a truly one-of-a-kind floor that can stand the test of time. Kitchen stone tiles are highly durable and, in many cases, can last a lifetime if properly cared for.
If you are looking for stone floor tiles in your kitchen, there are a variety of styles and colours available – each with its own advantages and potential issues that may arise. Slate, for example, offers a rugged, textured surface with deep, dark tones. They are great for a kitchen floor that feels organic and grounded, and a natural slip resistance ideal for busy kitchens. In contrast, limestone slabs tend to come in softer and lighter shades, working well in airy kitchens and providing a contemporary look to your space.
Like marble, stone tiles are naturally porous, so without sealant, they can absorb liquid and stain easily. This may cause problems when used on a kitchen floor bound for occasional spills.
Choosing kitchen terracotta tiles for floors
Terracotta floor tiles offer a warm, rustic charm that is particularly well-suited to traditional and country-style kitchens. Made from natural clay, terracotta kitchen tiles have a distinctive reddish-brown hue that creates a welcoming, cosy atmosphere in any space. The handmade nature of terracotta means that each tile is unique, adding character and authenticity to your kitchen floor.
Though it is a popular choice, it’s important to remember that terracotta is a porous material, and without proper maintenance, the tiles can become stained by kitchen spills, such as oil. They may need frequent care to stop them from wearing over time, compared to modern alternatives like terracotta effect tiles.
Fired Earth has long been linked to beautiful terracotta tiles, and our company began back in the 1980s by creating terracotta floor tiles . Since then, we have made beautiful and rustic terracotta tiles that are timeless when used on a kitchen floor and wall.
If you want to speak to our team, contact Fired Earth today or visit one of our many showrooms.
Comparing kitchen floor tile materials
Choosing a kitchen floor tile material can be challenging, especially if you prioritise certain factors like aesthetics and durability. In the table below, we have included a clear comparison of each material for you to compare and find the tile that is most suitable for your kitchen floor:
| Durability | Water Resistance | Maintenance | Aesthetics | Cost | Best Suited For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | Extremely durable, scratch-resistant | Highly water-resistant, non-porous | Low maintenance, easy to clean | Available in many designs, like concrete effect and wood effect | Moderate | Busy kitchens, modern or traditional styles |
| Marble | Durable but prone to scratches and etching | Water-resistant but porous, needs sealing | High maintenance, requires regular sealing and polishing | Luxurious, timeless, unique veining and patterns | High | Luxury, modern kitchens, elegant and high-end designs |
| Natural Stone | Highly durable, especially granite | Water-resistant but porous, requires sealing | Medium to high maintenance, sealing required | Natural, earthy aesthetics, unique textures | High | Rustic, traditional kitchens, natural look |
| Terracotta | Moderately durable, can wear over time | Porous, requires regular sealing | Medium to high maintenance, needs sealing to prevent stains | Rustic, warm, handcrafted feel | Moderate to high | Farmhouse, country-style, or rustic kitchens |
If you are still unsure, we provide a bespoke design service to help visualise your ideas and ensure you are happy with the tile material chosen for your kitchen floor. Through mood boards and 3D visualisations, our expert designers can show you what the tiles would like, and offer tips and advice on ideas you may not have thought of. This also includes a colour consultation to find which hues and patterns work best in your home.
Book your design appointment today to speak to our experts.
Frequently asked questions
Which kitchen floor tile material is the easiest to maintain?
Porcelain tiles are generally the easiest to maintain, as they are non-porous, highly durable, and resistant to stains. They can be cleaned easily with household products and do not require sealing.
For more information, read our expert guide on porcelain kitchen tiles, which include wall and floor tiles, their benefits and how to maintain them.
Related content
Comparing the Best Porcelain Tiles For Kitchen Floors and Walls