The Difference Between Kitchen and Bathroom Tile

Tile Finish

• The tiles on the kitchen floor should have a harder, stronger finish than those in the bathroom, since the kitchen is often the area of the home with the most traffic. The finishing will also protect against food and drink spills. The finish for the bathroom floor can have a satin-like finish that will keep the tiles from staining, and the same finish can be used for the backsplashes or counters. The matte finish is unlikely to wear off over time, but stronger finishes that are shiny and shellac-like could weaken after a few years, so it's best re-finish the floors at the first sign of dullness to keep the tiles looking their best.

Moisture Resistance

• Ceramic tiles are best for the bathroom, since they are more resistant to water than porcelain or glass tiles. Tiles made of ceramic usually have a water resistance that is greater than 0.5 percent, while porcelain tiles have a water repellent factor of less than 0.5 percent. So ceramic tiles in the shower, on the wall closest to the bathtub, or on a bathroom counter is a sensible choice. The kitchen is better equipped to handle porcelain tile on the floors and backsplashes, although you want to use ceramic tiles for the counters where you cook or near the sink where you wash dishes.

Tile Thickness and Grout

• A stronger, thicker and especially waterproof grout or adhesive in between the tiles works for a bathroom floor, since this will be effective in keeping out the moisture. Sealing grout with grout sealant also protects grout from stains. Tile made of a thick ceramic material is also a good decision for floor tiles in the kitchen, as you'd want the strongest tiles in the flooring of the home that is walked on the most. Thinner tile made of glass or porcelain can add a decorative element to the kitchen or bathroom, like glass tile to surround the bathroom window or a stripe of porcelain tile in a bright color on a kitchen's accent wall.

Tile Size and Positioning

• The Home DIT website says that tiles for the bathroom walls should be bigger than the ones used for the floor; smaller floor tiles that are about 12-by-12 make for better drainage channels and keep the flooring from retaining too much water. Larger tiles in measurements like 24-by-24 or 36-by-36 are fitting for the kitchen floor and can help the room look more open. Smaller versions of the same tile applied to the backsplash and counters will add texture to the space and give the kitchen a coordinated look.