Ceramic Tiles

• Ceramic tiles are essentially clay that has been hardened by heat. It is available in various sizes, shapes and colors. Ceramic tiles also usually have a glazed surface that not only changes the color of the tile, but also keeps the material from absorbing water.
  
  Ceramic tiles for the kitchen should have a glaze to prevent staining and water damage. However, glazes can make the tiles slippery when wet, so a tile that is glazed, but has a texture may be a good option for the kitchen. Tiles are rated with a coefficient of friction rating to denote how spill-proof they may be: for the kitchen, choose one that is 0.60 or more, according to absoluteremodeling.com.
  
  Also, the grout in between the tiles can be difficult to clean. Therefore, it might be a good idea to use larger ceramic tiles, which require less grout to clean.
  
  For those who desire the ease of cleaning, yet still favor the look of hardwood, porcelain hardwood tiles come in 2-inch, 3-inch and 4-inch planks, according to HGTV.com. These tiles carry the look of hardwood, yet have the water-resistant characteristics of tile.
  
  

Vinyl Floor Tiles

• An option that is less expensive than ceramic and porcelain tile is vinyl floor tile, generally considered easier to install. These tiles are not as thick as their ceramic counterparts and therefore may wear down more easily, causing the edges to curl. They are not as high-end in appearance as ceramic tiles, but may be a good basic flooring option as they are easily removable should the homeowner wish to install a more lasting option.
  
  Vinyl tiles are easy to clean and are water-resistant.
  
  

Tiling to Avoid

• There are many types of tiling that for one reason or another may not be suitable for kitchen use. These include quarry tiles, as they stain easily; mosaic tiles, as their small size makes them difficult to clean, and non-vitreous tiles, which are not water-resistant