When you're making your checklist for a kitchen remodel, there's one big step you might be dreading: the kitchen flooring. Do you want an understated look to let the rest of your kitchen decor take the spotlight? Or do you want to experiment with an eye-catching floor that will delightfully surprise your guests? If you haven't already considered it, we've got a suggestion: Look into porcelain tile ideas for your kitchen floor.
Porcelain tile has a smooth finish, and is made with "finer clay packed at higher pressures," according to The Home Depot. They are dense, and therefore heavier than ceramic tiles. You can find plenty of styles, whether you want to stick to something neutral or yearn to mimic the look of hardwood floors.
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Here are some kitchen flooring ideas if you're thinking about venturing into porcelain tile.
1. Opt for a neutral cream tone.
If you're into the idea of cream kitchen flooring, you can definitely find porcelain tile options out there. Use mixed sizes to create a subtle pattern or stick to the same measurements for an even cleaner look.
2. Choose a dark wood color.
If you want to go for a classic hardwood floor style, opt for a style like this one. The dark hue goes great with deep blue cabinets and white walls. This particular model comes in five different natural hues, but we love this quintessential tone.
3. Go for a lighter look.
Not a fan of darker kitchen floors? Lighten things up with this style, which mirrors the look of antique stone. You can set it up in a uniform rectangular fashion or play with differing tile sizes for a stylish look.
4. Try a multicolored style.
This vintage-inspired porcelain tile is great for a modern farmhouse vibe. It's meant to recreate "the look of painted wood that has been weathered and reclaimed," giving it a timeless look. When paired with white cabinets and brown bar stools, the floor really becomes the focal point of this cook space.
5. Keep it minimal with a light grain.
We love the way that porcelain tile flooring can actually be pretty versatile. Take, for instance, this look, which mimics a lighter hardwood floor with a visually interesting grain.
6. Play with shades of gray.
We love a subdued color palette in the kitchen space, and this gray kitchen flooring really pulls this look together. Try mixing and matching different shades of gray for a cool and collected cook space.
7. Add a little terrazzo to the mix.
Terrazzo has been in vogue again for the last couple of years, and we don't see it going anywhere any time soon. This porcelain tile in a neutral shade adds just a hint of terrazzo to your space. Much cooler than your average kitchen flooring in a light hue.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tile Kitchen Flooring
If you're ready to take the dive into porcelain tile kitchen flooring, here are a few things you should keep in mind. For starters, porcelain tile usually gets a good reputation for durability. Since the kitchen obviously gets a lot of activity, this is an important factor. It's also pretty good at resisting moisture, which obviously happens quite often in cook spaces. Most porcelain tile floors can also resist stains. And as you can tell from the spaces above, you can find a variety of styles to suit your kitchen aesthetic.
But word to the wise: Installation can get tricky, and it's usually recommended that you check in with the manufacturer to make sure you've got all the accurate information. Some of the challenges include cutting the tile correctly and making sure you seal your grout correctly. Also keep in mind that porcelain usually runs a little more on the pricey side compared to other kitchen flooring materials.
Cost and Maintenance of Porcelain Tile Kitchen Flooring
To keep your space looking pristine, there are a few general rules to cleaning porcelain tile. The manufacturer can answers your questions about cleaner, or you can make your own with a simple recipe: 1/4 cup vinegar and 2 gallons of hot water into a bucket. If the stains or dirt just aren't budging, you might need to find a floor cleaning tool with an abrasive pad. And the most important rule: Pay attention to spills and moisture. Make sure you can clean it up ASAP when it happens.
When it comes to cost, it really depends on the style you choose and the installation process. According to Improve Net, the average price of porcelain tile ranges from $0.49 to $15 per square foot. And the average price of installation comes out to at least $4 per square foot. Retailers like The Home Depot list both the price per square foot and price for the entire case; this tile, for example, has a case option that covers around 14 square feet.