Best Kitchen Tiles: Splashbacks, Floors & Features

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and tile choices here affect both daily functionality and overall design impact. Kitchen tiles need to withstand spills, heat, grease and heavy foot traffic while looking good. The two main tile decisions in a kitchen are the splashback and the floor.

Kitchen Splashback Tiles

The kitchen splashback is the most visible tile surface in the kitchen and one of the most popular places for feature tiles. Splashback tiles need to be easy to clean (grease and food splatter are constant) and, behind the cooktop, heat-resistant.

• Subway tiles — the classic choice; laid in brick bond or herringbone for added interest
• Feature / patterned tiles — mosaics, encaustic-look or geometric patterns for a statement splashback
• Large format tiles — fewer grout lines means easier cleaning; a sleek, modern look
• Marble-look porcelain — premium appearance without the maintenance of real marble
• Stacked stone / textured tiles — add depth and texture; consider sealing for easier cleaning

Kitchen Floor Tiles

Kitchen floor tiles need to be durable, slip-resistant and easy to clean. They endure spills, dropped items, heavy foot traffic and sometimes chair movement. Porcelain is the recommended material due to its hardness, low water absorption and stain resistance.

• Porcelain floor tiles — the standard choice; durable, water-resistant and available in countless styles
• Large format (600×600mm or larger) — modern look, fewer grout lines, easier to keep clean
• Timber-look porcelain — the warmth of timber with the durability of tile; popular in open-plan kitchens
• Concrete-look / stone-look porcelain — contemporary, industrial aesthetic
• Slip resistance — choose matt or lightly textured for safety; avoid gloss in kitchens

Coordinating Kitchen Tiles

Kitchen tiles should be coordinated with your benchtop, cabinetry and paint selections. A common approach is to choose the benchtop first, then select a splashback tile that complements it. If you have a busy or patterned benchtop (like a veined stone), choose a simpler splashback tile. If your benchtop is plain, a feature tile splashback can add personality.

• Plain benchtop → feature tile splashback (adds personality)
• Patterned/veined benchtop → plain splashback tile (avoids visual clash)
• Light cabinetry → darker floor tiles for contrast, or light floor tiles for a bright, airy look
• Dark cabinetry → lighter tiles to balance the overall tone

Open-Plan Kitchen Flooring

In open-plan homes, the kitchen, living and dining areas typically share the same floor tile. This creates a seamless, expansive feel. Choose a tile that works across all these spaces — durable enough for the kitchen, but also aesthetically appropriate for living areas. Large format porcelain tiles in a neutral tone (grey, beige, concrete-look) are a popular and practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions