Choosing the best kitchen wall tile materials

Choosing the best kitchen wall tile materials

When choosing wall tiles for your kitchen, it’s essential to consider not only the design but also practicality and durability. Kitchen walls are frequently exposed to heat, moisture, and the occasional spill, so selecting the right material can make a difference in both style and longevity. Popular choices are porcelain, marble, glass, and terracotta, each offering a range of styles, unique advantages, and potential drawbacks.

This guide will explore the best tile materials for a kitchen wall, comparing their features, and recommending ranges for you to consider in your next kitchen renovation.

Choosing porcelain and ceramic tiles for your kitchen wall

Porcelain is a versatile and popular choice for kitchen walls. Known for its durability and resistance to moisture, porcelain offers an excellent balance between practicality and style.

Read our guide on porcelain wall tiles for more information on their benefits.

These highly durable tiles are perfect for kitchens due to their high resistance to stains, scratches, and water. Porcelain wall tiles are also available in various finishes, from matt to glossy, and can mimic the appearance of other materials, such as stone effect and wood effect.

While porcelain is lower maintenance, it can be slightly pricier than other tile options. However, given its ease of maintenance and long lifespan, porcelain is a cost-effective choice in the long run, especially if you plan to keep your kitchen design for many years.

Our top pick for a kitchen porcelain tile range:

Copenhagen Kit Kat Dark Green Mosaic

Shop our entire collection of Copenhagen porcelain tiles.

These beautiful mosaic-style porcelain tiles are perfect for creating a statement on your kitchen wall, working particularly well as a splashback behind a hob. They are available in blue, dark green, white and pink to match your style preferences - read our guide on adding a splash of colour with our Copenhagen tile range.

Which porcelain lookalike tiles are beneficial for a kitchen wall?

These porcelain effect tiles offer the visual appeal of high-end materials, like natural stone and wood, while retaining porcelain's durability and low-maintenance benefits. Why not consider the following porcelain lookalike tiles for your kitchen wall:

Read our entire guide on kitchen wall tile effects.

What are the benefits of marble wall tiles in a kitchen?

Marble is synonymous with luxury and timeless elegance. Its distinctive veining and natural beauty have made it popular for homeowners seeking a sophisticated kitchen.

One of the primary benefits of marble is its natural veining and unique colouration. No two marble tiles are alike, giving your kitchen a unique and bespoke quality. Available in colours ranging from classic whites and greys to darker hues, marble wall tiles can complement both traditional and modern kitchen designs.

Our top marble pick for a kitchen wall:

Monet Luna Verde

Shop our Monet Luna Verde tile.

Marble also has a natural sheen that reflects light, helping to brighten up smaller kitchens or areas with limited natural light. To create a statement kitchen splashback, consider our Monet marble collection for something different – available in luxurious Verde and Calacatta hues.

However, marble does have some drawbacks: it’s a more porous stone, which makes it susceptible to staining and etching without proper sealing.

Read our guide on maintaining and cleaning marble wall and floor tiles.

Choosing glass wall tiles for your kitchen wall

Glass wall tiles bring a fresh, contemporary look to any kitchen. These tiles are valued for their reflective properties, creating an illusion of space and brightening the room.

Additionally, glass is a non-porous material, meaning it’s naturally resistant to water and stains, making it well-suited to areas like kitchens. Glass kitchen tiles are easy to clean with a simple wipe-down, ensuring that splashes from cooking or washing won’t leave a lasting mark.

Our top pick for glass tiles in your kitchen:

Malmo Willow Leaf

Shop our Malmo Willow Leaf tile.

Though they look like marble, our Malmo tile collection is made of recycled glass and coloured using a state-of-the-art inkjet printing process. Available in various shapes, including the traditional rectangular tile and unique designs of scallop and picket, these glass tiles can be used practically anywhere – perfect when used behind a kitchen sink.

However, they can be more prone to visible scratches than other tile materials, such as porcelain or ceramic. Glass tiles also require careful installation due to some of the delicate mosaic styles. Make sure to hire a professional tile installer to guarantee the best outcome.

Why should you choose terracotta wall tiles in your kitchen?

At Fired Earth, we have a rich history interlinked with terracotta – which translates to “baked earth”. The tile material’s warm and earthy tones bring a rustic charm to the kitchen, perfect for a wall or floor. Terracotta wall tiles are made from natural clay and have a slightly textured surface, giving the kitchen a tactile, welcoming feel.

Our top pick for terracotta kitchen tiles:

Handmade Classic Square 30.5 x 30.5

Shop our Handmade Classic terracotta tile range.

Though they can be used on a kitchen wall, terracotta tiles are more synonymous with floors. They are naturally durable; however, terracotta tiles require sealing to protect against moisture and stains, especially in the kitchen, which can change their overall colour.

Comparing kitchen wall tile materials

Finding a wall tile material that meets your kitchen’s needs and style preferences can be challenging. In the table below, compare the different tile materials on features such as design and durability:

Tile material Pros Cons Durability Maintenance Aesthetic appeal Best kitchen styles
Porcelain
  • Highly durable and scratch-resistant
  • Moisture and stain-resistant
  • Variety of styles and finishes
  • Less variation compared to natural stone
  • The larger format sizes may be heavier and harder to install
  • Excellent
  • (Highly resistant to damage)
Low (simple cleaning, doesn’t usually require sealing) Versatile; can mimic other materials like stone and wood Modern, Minimalist, Traditional
Marble
  • Unique, luxurious appearance
  • Reflective surface brightens space
  • Each tile is one-of-a-kind
  • Higher cost compared to some materials
  • Requires regular sealing and maintenance to prevent staining and etching
Moderate (softer than porcelain) High (sealing required) Elegant, natural veining for a high-end look Luxury, Traditional, Transitional
Glass
  • Non-porous, easy to clean
  • Reflective, visually expands small spaces
  • Available in vibrant colours and finishes
  • Prone to visible scratches
  • Glass mosaics require careful installation
Good (can be fragile if mishandled) Low (easy to wipe clean) Sleek, contemporary; brightens kitchen Contemporary, Small or Dark Kitchens
Terracotta
  • Warm, earthy tones create a cosy feel
  • Develops a beautiful patina over time
  • Natural, rustic charm
  • Porous, requires sealing to prevent moisture absorption
  • Can be challenging to clean without proper sealing
Moderate(durable but porous) Moderate to High (Requires sealing) Rustic, traditional look with natural tones Farmhouse, Mediterranean, Rustic

How Fired Earth can help

Fired Earth has a longstanding reputation for high-quality tiles and flooring options that blend design with functionality. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of marble, the practicality of porcelain, or the charm of terracotta, our expertly curated ranges cater to various tastes and needs.

To help simplify your choice, we provide bespoke design services to help ensure you maximise your space and choose the appropriate material from our range of kitchen tiles that complement your decor. Our experts will use their knowledge and work with you, bringing your ideas to life and offering suggestions you may not have thought of.

If you’re interested, book your design appointment, or contact the Fired Earth team to speak to our experts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix tile materials in my kitchen?

Yes, mixing tile materials can add depth and personality to your kitchen. Combining porcelain with a marble or terracotta feature wall, for example, can create a beautiful and distinctive space.

Consider the different maintenance requirements, ensuring you follow guidance and regular upkeep for a timeless look.

Which wall tile material is best for a small kitchen?

In a smaller kitchen, lighter and more reflective materials like glass or glossy porcelain can help to create an illusion of space. These materials also make the kitchen feel brighter by reflecting light.

For more style tips, browse our inspiration page.

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