Floor Tile

Floor tiles must meet specific requirements that wall tiles do not. They need to be thick and strong enough to handle foot traffic and furniture loads without cracking. They must have a surface hardness rating (PEI rating) appropriate for their intended use - PEI 3 for light residential, PEI 4 for heavy residential and light commercial, PEI 5 for heavy commercial. Floor tiles also need a slip resistance rating, and any tile used in wet areas like bathrooms must meet minimum R-value slip resistance standards.

Porcelain tile is the most durable standard floor tile option, with a hardness rating and water absorption rate that outperforms ceramic and most natural stone. For the highest durability in commercial or heavy-use environments, look for through-body porcelain with a PEI 4 or PEI 5 rating. Large format rectified porcelain is also extremely durable as the mechanical cutting process removes surface inconsistencies that can be vulnerable to chipping.

Porcelain and ceramic floor tile are both excellent kitchen choices. Look for a matte or textured finish for better grip, a PEI rating of at least 3, and a tile size that works with your kitchen layout - 12×24 and 24×24 are popular formats that are large enough to minimize grout lines (which are harder to keep clean in kitchens) while remaining practical to install. Wood look porcelain tile has become one of the most popular kitchen floor choices, combining the warmth of a wood aesthetic with the durability and moisture resistance of porcelain.

As a general rule, larger tiles work better in larger rooms and smaller tiles work better in compact spaces - though large format tile in small bathrooms is a notable exception that can make them feel bigger. Consider the grout joint frequency: more grout lines mean more maintenance. Also factor in the room's shape - rectangular tiles laid along the longest dimension of a room can make it feel more elongated, while a diagonal layout can make a square room feel larger.

Measure the length and width of your room in feet and multiply to get the square footage. Add 10% overage for standard rectangular rooms and up to 15% for rooms with many angles, alcoves, or diagonal tile layouts. Always order your full quantity from the same dye lot - tile color can vary slightly between production batches, and matching tile ordered later may not be a perfect match. Keep a few spare tiles after installation for future repairs.