Floor Tile in Kitchens - Kitchen Designs
Kitchen designs encompass many elements in order to turn the room into a place where people can gather for food and conversation. In addition to the appliances, cabinetry, and counters, there is the kitchen floor to consider. It is perhaps the most used area in the kitchen but receives probably the least amount of consideration. However, the floor of your kitchen is an important design consideration. You want a floor that looks good but is also safe and will stand up to a lot of foot traffic over the years. When it comes to choosing the right floor tiles, you have many options available to you.
Since kitchen floors probably see the most foot traffic out of any other room in your home, you want floor tiles that can handle the abuse. Some of the most common types of tile used in kitchen designs include ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, and natural stone. Ceramic is, perhaps, the least expensive of the bunch but does not last as long as natural stone like granite or marble. However, while these heavier stones cost more, they easily add to the value of your home and many homeowners who use them see a good return on their investments.
Besides tiles, there are other types of materials you can use in your kitchen designs. Linoleum, vinyl, laminate, wood, and plank are all alternative flooring that is available. Most all of them offer the same benefits that you get with the other types of tiles and they are generally the cheapest on the market price wise. However, they don’t look as nice as the stone or ceramic tiles and they certainly do not add value to your home. But if you are on a budget, they will give you a nice look for a good price. An Authentic Home Interior Consultant can explain, in detail, all of the options available and save you a lot of time.
The other decision you’ll have to make when it comes to kitchen tiles is whether to get glazed or unglazed tiles. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Glazed tiles are coated with an agent that makes them stronger and less prone to damage such as scratching. The problem with glazed tiles is that they tend to be slippery and could spell trouble for homes with small children. Unglazed tiles are safer but are not as durable as their glazed counterparts. To determine which kind is best for your kitchen designs, you should consider how your kitchen is going to be used, who is going to be using it, and how long you expect to be in the home.
While the process seems easier than reality, much of the guesswork, color selection, material selection as well as coordination of cabinets, countertop, appliances and wall color can be presented to you with an Authentic Home Interior Consultant, all in the comfort of your kitchen.
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—Kathy Banak, Founder of Authentic Home, Seattle, Washington