The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Kitchen Floor Tiles

There are so many different types of kitchen floor tiles available on the market these days that it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. With so many options to choose from, how do you know which material is best?

CTM is here to help. We’ve put together this article to help you know what type of tile for kitchen floors are best. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of the different types of kitchen floor tiles we have available online and in store, so that you can make an informed decision about what's best for your home.

How Many Different Types of Kitchen Floor Tile Are There?

There are several different tile types available in South Africa, but not all are ideal for an area like the kitchen. The kitchen area should have a tile that is easy-to-clean, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant and durable, because of the type of area that it is.

We take a look at the three best tiles for the kitchen floor, and the most popular in South Africa. We’ll take a look at why they are a good choice and what the cons are for using them too.

Ceramic Kitchen Floor Tiles

Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice in South African homes because they come in a variety of colours and styles to choose from and are affordable. For those on a budget, ceramic tiles make a lot of sense because of their affordability.

The Pros of Ceramic Kitchen Floor Tiles

The pros of ceramic tiles include:

Easy to clean and only need to be swept and mopped
They are durable and can support heavy foot traffic
Water-resistant and resistant to allergens too

The Cons of Ceramic Kitchen Floor Tiles

There are not many cons to choosing ceramic tiles for your kitchen floor. Some people feel that they are quite hard under foot, making them a little uncomfortable to stand on for long lengths of time. This can always be mitigated by using non-slip floor rugs for more comfort. Ceramics, especially when glazed, can be slippery when wet, so caution needs to be followed when spills happen.

Porcelain Kitchen Floor Tiles

Porcelain tiles are one of the most popular flooring choices for many of our customers at CTM. Not only do people love the look and feel of porcelain tiles in their kitchen spaces but they love how durable they are as well.

The Pros of Porcelain Kitchen Floor Tiles

The pros of porcelain tiles include:

Porcelain tiles are hard, dense and incredibly durable
They are thicker than ceramic and therefore less likely to crack
Easy to clean as well and only require regular sweeping and mopping
Water-resistant making them resistant to both water damage and to stains from other liquids
They are ideal for high traffic areas like the kitchen

The Cons of Porcelain Kitchen Floor Tiles

Because porcelain tiles are heavier than most other types of kitchen floor tiles, it can make them more difficult to install. Working with porcelain needs to be done by a professional team because it is quite labour-intensive and needs a keen eye for detail. Porcelain tiles are also a more expensive tiling choice, but you are going to get an aesthetically-beautiful and long-lasting tile for your money when you go porcelain.

Natural Stone Kitchen Floor Tiles

Natural stone, can bring a timeless elegance and warmth into your kitchen space when you use natural stone tiles for the floor. They too are a durable and beautiful tiling choice that is popular amongst many homeowners today.

The Pros of Natural Stone Kitchen Floor Tiles

The pros of natural stone tiles include:

Thanks to its durable nature, natural stone is hard-wearing and very easy to clean too.
Natural stone is cool to the touch, making it an excellent choice for homes in South Africa especially during the hot summer months.
It’s durability and hard-wearing nature make it the perfect material to place underfloor heating under as well, making the tiles able to be warmed up in winter.
Thanks to the colours, patterns and characteristics of natural stone, it can give the kitchen floor a unique, interesting feel.

The Cons of Natural Stone Kitchen Floor Tiles

Natural stone is quarried from natural resources and not manufactured like ceramic or porcelain tiles. Natural stone, by nature, is porous making it susceptible to stains and spills. Natural stone tiles can also be slightly brittle making them more likely to chip or crack under pressure.

Now that you know all the pros and cons of our preferred flooring type, which tile is best for your kitchen floor?

Let CTM Help You Choose the Best Type Of Kitchen Floor Tile for your Needs

Come in store or browse online and view our full range of Kitchen Floor Tiles now. We stock a variety of ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles in a range of colours, styles and patterns to choose from. Find your perfect floor tile for the kitchen with help from CTM today.

Shop at CTM online now and get your tiles (and other tiling accessories) delivered to your door now.