choosing the best tile for your kitchen floor: beauty under foot

exploring the best types of tile for kitchen floors

terracotta

terracotta tile is a timeless choice for kitchen floors, bringing warmth, character, and an unmistakable rustic charm to any space. made from natural clay and typically left unglazed, terracotta floor tile features rich, earthy tones that range from pale peach to deep burnt orange, creating a welcoming foundation that feels grounded and inviting. the matte, slightly textured surface not only hides everyday scuffs and crumbs but also provides slip resistance underfoot. while terracotta is durable, it’s naturally porous, so sealing is essential to protect against stains and moisture.

paired with crisp white cabinets or warm wood finishes, terracotta floors evoke the relaxed beauty of mediterranean kitchens. if you love an organic look that ages gracefully and feels cozy year-round, terracotta is a standout choice.

(here are some ideas for terracotta kitchen floors.)

cement

cement tile is a bold and beautiful option for kitchen floors, known for its vibrant patterns, rich colors, and handcrafted appeal. made from a mixture of cement, pigment, and sand, these tiles are cured—not fired—giving them a matte finish and slightly silky texture underfoot. they’re incredibly durable and provide great water resistance when sealed properly, making them ideal for high-floor traffic kitchens.

these tiles shine in both classic and contemporary spaces, whether you're opting for geometric motifs, traditional floral patterns, or intricate designs. their thickness and weight add to their longevity, though professional installation is recommended. with endless design possibilities and timeless charm, cement tile allows you to infuse your kitchen with personality, color, and a touch of artistry.

ceramic

ceramic tile is a versatile, budget-friendly choice for kitchen floors that offers endless style options without sacrificing durability. available in a huge range of colors, patterns, and sizes, ceramic tiles can mimic everything from natural stone to wood planks, allowing you to create virtually any look. their smooth, glazed surface resists stains, moisture, and scratches, making them ideal for busy kitchens where spills and heavy foot traffic are part of daily life.

ceramic is also easy to clean and maintain, requiring only routine sweeping and occasional mopping to stay fresh. whether you prefer a classic checkerboard, sleek neutrals, or bold decorative designs, ceramic tile provides a practical foundation that feels polished and timeless.

stone

natural stone tile brings organic beauty, durability, and timeless elegance to kitchen floors, making it a favorite for both traditional and modern spaces. materials like slate tile, travertine tile, limestone tile, and marble tile each offer unique colors, textures, and patterns formed by nature, adding depth and character to your home.

stone is incredibly long-lasting and stands up well to heavy foot traffic, but it typically requires sealing to protect against stains and moisture. textured finishes provide extra grip, while honed or polished surfaces lend a more refined look.

though stone tile can be an investment, its enduring style and natural charm make it well worth the cost. for a kitchen that feels grounded, organic, and luxurious, stone tile is a compelling option.

brick

brick tiles are a distinctive choice for kitchen floors, infusing your space with warmth, texture, and a touch of rustic charm, creating an inviting, timeworn look that feels both cozy and authentic. their rich reds, browns, and earthy tones pair beautifully with farmhouse, industrial, or eclectic styles, bringing character to even the simplest kitchens.

this surface is naturally slip-resistant and hides dirt well, making it practical for busy households. to protect against stains and moisture, sealing is essential, and regular upkeep helps preserve its beauty. if you love a floor that tells a story and only gets better with age, brick tile is a standout.

zellige

zellige tile offers a stunning way to bring artisanal character and luminous texture to your kitchen floors. handmade from moroccan clay and individually glazed, each tile is beautifully imperfect, with subtle variations in color, thickness, and surface that catch the light in captivating ways. zellige tiles come in a range of soft neutrals, earthy hues, and deep jewel tones, making it easy to create a floor that feels both timeless and unexpected.

while traditionally used on walls, zellige can be installed on floors when properly sealed and maintained, adding a unique, handcrafted touch underfoot. their irregular edges and natural sheen give any kitchen a warm, lived-in elegance. if you’re drawn to surfaces rich in heritage and soulful beauty, zellige tiles are an inspiring choice.

discover the artisanal heritage of clé zellige moroccan tile for kitchen floors.

how to choose the best kitchen floor tile for your space

consider the demands of daily life

when choosing the best floor tile for kitchens, start by thinking about how your space works day to day. is it a high-traffic hub where kids and pets gather, or a quiet space mainly used for cooking? busy kitchens need tiles that are durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean, like porcelain or sealed stone. tile thickness is critical, since thin tile may not hold up as well underfoot.

if you love to cook, look for tiles with a bit of texture to reduce slips from spills. for households prone to heavy wear, darker tones and patterned surfaces help disguise dirt and scuffs between cleanings. considering your daily routine ensures you pick a tile that not only looks great but also stands up beautifully to real life.

think about surface finish

as you narrow down your kitchen floor tile options, pay close attention to the surface texture and sheen, since both play a big role in how your floor looks and feels. in the kitchen, floor tile functions differently than wall tile and requires different considerations.

matte finishes offer a soft, understated look and help hide smudges and scratches, making them ideal for busy spaces. glossy tiles, on the other hand, reflect more light and can brighten a small kitchen but may show footprints or water spots more easily. textured or tumbled surfaces provide extra grip underfoot, which is especially helpful if spills are common. think about how you’ll manage the design flow between tile and other surfaces, such as wood or concrete.

thinking through the finish allows you to find a tile that suits your style while adding the right balance of practicality and polish.

plan for sealing, care, and maintenance

before you commit to a kitchen floor tile, make sure you understand what it takes to keep it looking its best over time. natural materials like terracotta, stone, and cement usually need sealing to protect against stains and moisture, and they may require periodic resealing to maintain their durability. even tiles that don’t need sealing, like ceramic or porcelain, benefit from routine cleaning with gentle products to preserve their finish.

consider how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance—some surfaces develop a beautiful patina with age, while others demand more upkeep to stay pristine. planning ahead for care and maintenance ensures your floors stay as gorgeous as the day they were installed.

know how materials change over time

it’s important to think about how each material you use for your kitchen floor will naturally evolve with daily use. some options, like terracotta and brick, gradually develop a rich, lived-in patina that adds to their charm and character. others, such as polished marble or glossy ceramics, can show scratches, etching, or wear more noticeably over the years. cement tiles might mellow in color, while natural stone can reveal more texture as it ages. we recommend choosing a tile whose aging process aligns with the look you love, whether that’s a pristine, consistent finish or a surface that tells a story over time.

whether you’re working with contemporary, modern farmhouse, or mediterranean, or looking at something more in the wabi-sabi school of thought, choosing the best type of tile for kitchen floors can transform your space into something beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours. each material brings its own personality and strengths. think about factors like grout lines, layout, and patterns. reflecting on how you use your kitchen, how much maintenance you’re comfortable with, and how the tile will age over time, you can confidently make a choice that suits your lifestyle and design vision.

find the ideal kitchen floor tile in our curated kitchen tile collection.