Kitchen Tilers and Tiles: Transforming Your Extended Living Space
With kitchens fast becoming a fundamental part of the living areas of many homes, it is becoming more important to present this area in an inviting style that integrates seamlessly into the rest of the space. Kitchens are no longer simply functional food preparation and clean-up areas that used to be visually separated from the rest of the home, but more the central hub around which families and friends gather to cook, relax and socialise. Even in older or larger homes with separate kitchens, this area needs to be appealing, functional and easy to keep clean and hygienic. Expertly installed tiles are one of the most impactful and aesthetically pleasing ways to enhance your kitchen, and kitchen tilers play a crucial role in transforming this space, combining artistry and precision to create beautiful, durable finishes.
Why Hire Kitchen Tilers in Particular?
Kitchen tilers are skilled professionals who specialise in installing tiles on walls, floors, and countertops. They understand the intricacies of working with various materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and glass, and can recommend the best options for your kitchen's design and usage needs. A knowledgeable tiler can help you choose the right tiles based on durability, maintenance, and design choices. This professional can suggest materials that suit the specific needs of your kitchen, considering factors such as moisture and heat exposure. Hiring a professional tiler can save you time and reduce the risk of poor workmanship which will ultimately result in costly repairs. An inferior tiling job can result in uneven surfaces, cracked tiles, or water infiltration, leading to expensive repairs in the future. By enlisting the help of professional kitchen tilers, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your kitchen remains durable, aesthetically pleasing, and fully functional.
Kitchen tilers often have a strong sense of design and can provide valuable input on tile patterns, colours, and layouts that complement your kitchen aesthetics. Kitchen tilers are professionals with the knowledge and experience to be able to offer you the best advice on the type of tile to choose in terms of appeal, durability, functionality and safety. Whilst you may like the idea of a high-gloss floor in the kitchen, there are safety factors to be considered, such as the risk of slipping when the floor is wet, especially for older people and young children. It is also important to remember that floors need a more durable tile than backsplashes, and maintenance requirements must be considered since different tiles demand more upkeep than others.
Choosing the Right Tiles
After deciding on the look you want for the kitchen or wider kitchen area, you need to decide on the type and style of the tile to be used.
The following options are available:
- Ceramic tiles, widely used in kitchens, are durable, easy to clean, and are available in various styles, patterns, colours and sizes. They are ideal for kitchens as they are moisture resistant and consequently well suited to backsplashes and floors. These tiles are a great choice for modern, streamlined kitchens.
- Porcelain tiles are made of a denser and less porous material than ceramic tiles, making them more resistant to moisture and staining. They are extremely durable in heavily used and high-traffic areas. They are available in styles which mimic the look of natural stone or wood, adding a rustic appeal. Their appeal extends across both ultra-modern and traditional kitchen décor.
- Glass tiles are often used for kitchen backsplashes because of their glossy finishes and reflective qualities which make any space feel brighter and larger. They come in various colours to suit any décor scheme and are easy to keep clean as they can withstand many chemical cleaning agents. They are stain-resistant but may be more prone to chipping than other materials. Glass tiles are a popular choice in modern kitchens.
- Natural stone tiles made from granite, marble and slate offer a unique blend of beauty, luxury and character, bringing a bespoke and timeless appeal to any kitchen. They do, however, require more maintenance than ceramic and porcelain as they need regular sealing. These tiles fit in well with both contemporary and older-style kitchens.
- Mosaic tiles, which are ideal for a more creative and bespoke appearance, as they offer extensive design options. They can be used to create intricate patterns, accent walls, or borders, thus making a space unique and full of character.
When choosing tiles, a few important aspects need to be considered. Apart from the initial cost of the tiles themselves (plus a few extra for repair purposes), a professional kitchen tiler will charge according to the difficulty of the job, i.e., pattern matching or tiling around awkward areas to ensure full functionality and durability. Furthermore, if you are retiling as part of a kitchen renovation, you should plan on additional expenses for the removal of the old tiles, cleaning the surface, and preparing the area for the installation of the new tiles.
How do I find a Kitchen Tiling Expert?
Using a reputable online search site is an incredible ally in finding the right supplier for your needs. A site that lists in geographical locations, such as Uptasker, will reduce your search time – and costs – as you can find a specialist in your specific area and avoid unnecessary travel costs. Once you have located a supplier, it is important to check their online ratings and customer reviews, as this will give you a good idea of their service and customer satisfaction levels, which is an invaluable indicator of their quality, and which can be found on this site when posted. Where available, Uptasker offers “one-click” links to suppliers’ websites, which is a great time saver, and also provides additional information on previous jobs. Uptasker also allows you the opportunity to obtain quotes from different tilers to compare costs and services, but it is nonetheless advisable not to select a tiler based solely on the lowest quote, as the best quality you can afford should always be a priority.
