Everything About Tiles

Thai kitchens are very different from standard kitchens in many homes around the world. They are often used for heavy cooking such as frying, stir-frying, boiling, and grilling, which means more heat, moisture, smoke, and oil stains on a daily basis.

Because of this, choosing kitchen tiles for a Thai kitchen is not only about appearance — practicality and durability are just as important.

If you are planning to renovate or design a kitchen, here are the key things you should consider before choosing your tiles.

1. Prioritize Slip Resistance

Kitchen floors can easily become wet or greasy, especially in Thai kitchens where cooking is more intense. Slippery surfaces may increase the risk of accidents.

A safer option would be:

Matte finish tiles

Textured surfaces

Slip-resistant tiles rated R10 or R11

These surfaces provide better grip while still looking modern and stylish.

2. Choose Tiles That Are Easy to Clean

Oil splatters and cooking stains are common in Thai kitchens, so tiles should be easy to wipe down and maintain.

Recommended surfaces:

Smooth matte finishes

Semi-matte textures

Glazed tiles

Very rough surfaces may trap dirt and grease, making cleaning more difficult over time.

3. Make Sure the Tiles Can Handle Heat and Moisture

Thai kitchens deal with constant humidity and high temperatures, so durability matters.

Popular materials include:

Porcelain tiles

Granite tiles

High-quality ceramic tiles

These materials absorb less water and tend to last longer in demanding environments.

4. Pick Colors That Hide Dirt Well

Although pure white kitchens look beautiful, they can show stains very easily in real-life use.

Practical color choices include:

Warm grey

Beige

Sand tones

Cement grey

These shades help hide dust, water marks, and minor stains while still looking clean and modern.

5. Choose the Right Tile Size for the Space

Tile size affects how spacious the kitchen feels.

General recommendations:

Small kitchens → 60x60 cm tiles

Larger kitchens → 60x120 cm tiles

Narrow areas → medium-sized tiles for easier installation

Choosing the right size also helps reduce unnecessary tile cuts and creates a cleaner layout.

6. Don’t Forget About the Kitchen Wall Tiles

The backsplash area behind the stove and sink tends to collect the most grease and moisture. Wall tiles should therefore be easy to clean and resistant to stains.

Good options include:

Glossy wall tiles

Smooth ceramic surfaces

Marble-look wall tiles

These surfaces can usually be wiped clean quickly after cooking.

7. Use High-Quality Grout

Grout may seem like a small detail, but it plays a major role in keeping the kitchen looking clean.

It is best to choose:

Waterproof grout

Mold-resistant grout

Grout colors close to the tile color

This helps prevent dark stains and mildew from building up over time.

8. Match the Tiles With Your Home Style

Functionality is important, but aesthetics matter too. Choosing tiles that match the overall style of the house will make the kitchen feel more connected to the rest of the home.

Examples:

Minimalist → beige or wood-look tiles

Modern → marble or grey tones

Loft style → cement textures

Cozy style → warm earth tones

A consistent design always makes the home feel more polished.

Final Thoughts

Choosing kitchen tiles for a Thai kitchen requires balancing beauty with everyday practicality. Since Thai cooking involves heat, moisture, and oil on a regular basis, the tiles should be durable, safe, and easy to maintain.

The most important things to look for are:

Slip resistance

Easy cleaning

Moisture resistance

Practical colors

Appropriate tile size

Wood-look vinyl flooring has become super popular because it looks nice, feels cozy, and is much easier to maintain than real wood. But like any flooring material, it can still have some issues over time if it’s not installed or taken care of properly.

Here are some common problems people run into with wood-look vinyl flooring and a few simple ways to deal with them.

1. Flooring Starts Lifting or Peeling

One of the most common problems is when the edges start lifting up or the flooring begins to peel away from the surface.

This usually happens because the floor underneath wasn’t clean or flat enough before installation. Cheap adhesive or too much moisture can also cause this issue.

To avoid it, make sure the subfloor is dry, smooth, and dust-free before installing the vinyl planks. Using good-quality adhesive also helps a lot.

2. Scratches and Surface Damage

Even though vinyl flooring is durable, it can still get scratched from moving furniture, pet claws, or heavy items.

Adding felt pads under chairs and tables can help protect the surface. It’s also better to lift furniture instead of dragging it across the floor.

If you have pets or kids at home, choosing vinyl flooring (SPC Flooring) with a thicker wear layer is a smart idea.

3. Bubbling or Warping

Sometimes the floor may bubble up or look uneven after a while. This is often caused by trapped moisture or heat exposure.

Direct sunlight over long periods can also affect the material, especially in rooms with large windows.

Using curtains, blinds, or UV-protection film can help reduce heat and sunlight damage. For humid areas, SPC vinyl flooring is usually a better option because it handles moisture better.

4. Clicking or Hollow Sounds

If you hear clicking sounds when walking on the floor, the issue is usually related to installation.

The subfloor may not be level, or there could be small gaps underneath the planks.

A proper underlayment and a smoother subfloor can help reduce noise and make the floor feel more solid.

5. Fading Color Over Time

Vinyl flooring can fade if exposed to strong sunlight every day.

Lighter colors usually hide fading better than darker shades. You can also rotate rugs and furniture once in a while so the color changes evenly across the room.

6. Cleaning the Floor the Wrong Way

A lot of people use strong chemical cleaners or soak the floor with too much water. Over time, this can damage the surface and shorten the lifespan of the flooring.

It’s better to use a damp mop and gentle cleaning products made specifically for vinyl floors.

Wood-look vinyl flooring is a great choice for modern homes because it’s stylish, budget-friendly, and easy to maintain. Most problems can be avoided with proper installation and simple everyday care.

Choosing the right kitchen tiles (กระเบื้องห้องครัว in TH) is not only about style. The color of your tiles can change how your kitchen looks and feels. It also affects cleaning and daily use.

Many people are unsure whether to choose dark tiles or light tiles. In this article, we will compare both options in a simple way, so you can decide what works best for your home.

Light Kitchen Tiles: Bright and Clean Look

Pros

Make your kitchen look bigger and more open

Reflect light well, so the space feels brighter

Give a clean and fresh feeling

Perfect for small kitchens or condos

Match styles like minimal, modern, or Scandinavian

Cons

Show dirt and oil stains more easily

Need more frequent cleaning

Can look too plain if not styled well

Best for

Small spaces

People who like a bright, clean kitchen

Light and minimal design lovers

Dark Kitchen Tiles: Stylish and Easy to Maintain

Pros

Hide stains like oil, dust, and dirt better

Look modern, elegant, and premium

Good for heavy cooking areas

Easier to maintain in daily life

Cons

Can make the space look smaller

Water stains may be more visible

May feel too dark if lighting is not enough

Best for

Medium to large kitchens

People who cook often

Modern, loft, or luxury style homes

How to Choose the Right One

1. Check your kitchen size

Small kitchen → choose light tiles

Large kitchen → dark tiles work well

2. Look at lighting

Low light → light tiles help brighten the space

Good natural light → dark tiles add contrast

3. Think about your lifestyle

Cook often → dark tiles are easier to maintain

Light cooking → light tiles are fine

4. Match with other elements

Try to create contrast:

Dark floor + light cabinets

Light floor + dark countertop

This makes your kitchen look more interesting.

Pro Tip: Mix Both for the Best Result

You don’t have to choose only one. You can mix both tones:

Dark floor + light wall tiles

Light kitchen + dark backsplash

Use natural patterns like marble to balance colors

This gives you both style and function.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing color based on trend only

Using dark tiles in a poorly lit kitchen

Choosing light tiles without planning cleaning

Ignoring tile texture (anti-slip is very important)

Conclusion

There is no single “best” choice between dark and light kitchen tiles. It depends on your space, lighting, and lifestyle.

Want a bright and spacious look → go for light tiles

Want easy maintenance and a modern feel → choose dark tiles

Want balance → mix both styles

If you're choosing floor tiles right now, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: “Should I go with large tiles or small tiles?”

At first, it might seem like just a matter of size. But in reality, tile size has a big impact on how your home looks, feels, and functions in the long run.

This post breaks it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way—so you can decide what works best for your space.

What’s the Difference Between Large and Small Tiles?

Let’s keep it simple:

Large tiles → fewer grout lines, cleaner and more open look

Small tiles → more grout lines, more detail but visually busier

This difference alone can completely change how a room feels.

Are Large Tiles Right for You?

Large tiles (typically 60x60 cm and above, like 60x120 cm) are very popular in modern homes.

Why people like them:

They create a clean, seamless, and more luxurious look

Help make rooms feel bigger and more open

Fewer grout lines = easier to clean

Things to consider:

Usually more expensive (materials + installation)

Require skilled installation

The floor needs to be very level

Are Small Tiles a Better Choice?

Small tiles (like 10x10, 20x20, or 30x30 cm) are more traditional and still widely used.

Why people choose them:

More budget-friendly

Easier to install

Great for small or irregular spaces

More design options (like mosaic styles)

Downsides:

More grout lines = harder to maintain

Can make a space feel more crowded visually

Grout can get dirty over time

So… Which One Should You Choose?

It really depends on what matters most to you.

If you want a modern, premium look:

Go with large tiles. They make your home feel more open and elegant.

If you want practicality and value:

Small tiles are a solid choice—especially if you're working with a tighter budget.

Best Tile Size for Each Area

Instead of using one type everywhere, many people mix both:

Living room → Large tiles (for a clean, open look)

Bedroom → Large tiles (more relaxing visually)

Bathroom → Small tiles (better grip in wet areas)

Kitchen / utility areas → Small tiles (more practical)

This approach gives you a good balance between style and function.

Tips to Help You Choose

Small room → Large tiles can make it feel bigger

Large room → Either works, depends on your style

Safety matters → Choose anti-slip surfaces, especially in wet areas

Don’t rely on photos → Always check real samples

Lately, you’ve probably seen more home design ideas using tiles as furniture—from dining tables and coffee tables to shelving units.

So the question is… can tiles really be used this way? And are they actually practical?

The short answer is: yes, they can—and it’s becoming more popular.

Why tiles can be used for furniture

Not all tiles are suitable, but materials like porcelain tiles or large-format slabs (Big Slab) are strong enough for this kind of use.

They typically have:

High strength

Dense surface

A wide range of beautiful patterns

When properly cut and fabricated—like edge finishing or corner joining—they can be turned into furniture that looks sleek and works well in daily life.

What kind of furniture can you make?

👉 Tables (Dining / Coffee Table)

This is the most common use.

Large tiles are used as the tabletop, giving a clean and modern look. They’re also easy to maintain and handle everyday use well.

👉 Shelves / TV units

Tiles can be used as shelf surfaces or to cover structural frames.

This creates a minimal, modern look that feels clean and well-designed.

👉 Kitchen counters / bar tops

Very popular in modern homes.

Tiles handle heat and moisture well, making them suitable for kitchen areas. With proper fabrication, especially at the edges and corners, the result looks seamless and refined.

👉 Bathroom countertops / vanities

Another great application, especially in areas exposed to water.

Tiles are easy to clean and help keep the space looking neat.

Why people are choosing tile furniture

Durable for everyday use

Easy to clean and maintain

Wide variety of designs and patterns

Creates a clean, modern, high-end look

What you should know before using tiles for furniture

Even though it looks great, there are a few important things to consider:

The structure underneath must be strong enough

Cutting and fabrication need to be precise

Edges must be properly finished

Especially the edges—if left unfinished, they can look rough and may feel sharp.

In many cases, tile trims are used to finish the edges. They help improve the overall look and also protect the corners from damage.

Yes, fabricated tiles can definitely be used for furniture. They’re a great option if you want something that looks clean, modern, and easy to maintain.

The key is not just the tile itself, but also the quality of fabrication and installation.

If you’re decorating a minimalist home, floor tiles matter more than you think. Since the floor covers the largest surface area, the right color helps create a clean, calm, and airy atmosphere.

For a safe minimalist look, choose light neutral tones like:

Off-white – makes the room feel brighter and bigger

Light grey – modern, clean, and easy to maintain

Beige or cream – warm and cozy

Light wood-look tiles – natural and inviting

Avoid bold colors, very dark tones, or heavy patterns, as they can make the space feel busy.

Tip: Go for a matte finish and larger tile sizes for a smoother, more seamless minimalist look.

When it comes to kitchen flooring, porcelain tiles are often the top recommendation. They are known for their strength, scratch resistance, and low water absorption. However, many homeowners don’t realize that these advantages come from a very different manufacturing process compared to ceramic tiles.

Let’s break down why porcelain is stronger — starting from how it’s made.

1. Different Raw Materials from the Start

Porcelain tiles are made from high-quality refined clay (Kaolin), mixed with feldspar and quartz sand.

These materials are highly purified and finely milled, resulting in a denser and more compact tile body.

In contrast, standard ceramic tiles are typically made from more common clay with a coarser composition, which creates more air pockets within the material.

The difference in raw materials is the first reason porcelain tiles are stronger.

2. High-Pressure Compaction

After the raw materials are finely ground and mixed, they are pressed under extremely high pressure — often hundreds of kilograms per square centimeter.

This intense pressure compresses the particles tightly together, significantly reducing internal air gaps.

As a result, porcelain tiles become:

Stronger

More resistant to cracking

Less porous

Less likely to absorb moisture

The compact structure is a key factor in their durability.

3. Firing at Higher Temperatures

Porcelain tiles are fired at temperatures ranging from approximately 1,200–1,300°C.

At this high temperature, the materials nearly vitrify (partially melt and fuse together), forming a very dense and hard structure — similar to natural stone.

Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are usually fired at lower temperatures, which results in a more porous and less compact body.

Higher firing temperature = stronger internal structure.

4. Why Porcelain Is Stronger Than Ceramic

Because of its refined materials, high compression, and high firing temperature, porcelain offers superior technical properties:

Very low water absorption rate (below 0.5%)

High impact resistance

Excellent scratch resistance

Suitable for heavy-use areas such as kitchens and commercial spaces

Ceramic tiles are generally better suited for lighter-use areas like bedrooms or decorative wall applications.

Porcelain tiles are not stronger just because of their name — they are stronger because of how they are manufactured.

From higher-quality raw materials and extreme compression to high-temperature firing, every step of the process contributes to their density and durability.

Some homes just feel expensive the moment you walk in. Clean, calm, and well put together. But here’s the secret — it’s not always about spending more money.

A big part of that “luxury” feeling comes from the floor tile you choose.

Simple, light tones like soft grey, beige, or warm off-white instantly make a space feel brighter and more open. If your home gets good natural light, this effect is even stronger ✨

Another safe choice is natural-looking floor tile with natural textures such as stone, concrete, or subtle wood-inspired patterns. They don’t shout for attention, but they age well and never feel outdated.

Many people think an expensive-looking home needs expensive materials. In reality, avoiding bold colors and busy patterns often makes a space feel more refined and timeless.

The takeaway ✔ Clean, neutral tones ✔ Natural textures ✔ Simple choices that feel calm, not flashy

Let’s be honest — when people talk about home design, kitchen tiles rarely steal the spotlight. Sofas get attention. Beds get attention. Even plants get attention. Kitchen tiles? Not so much.

Until the floor gets slippery… or the wall starts collecting grease like it’s a hobby.

Why kitchen tiles deserve more respect

The kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in the house. It deals with:

Oil splashes that appear out of nowhere

Water spills you definitely didn’t plan

Heat, steam, and daily cooking chaos

Constant cleaning (because food happens)

So no, kitchen tiles can’t just “look nice.” They need to survive real life.

Floor tiles: because slipping is not a personality trait

Kitchen floors get wet. They get oily. Sometimes both at the same time.

Matte or anti-slip tiles help reduce accidents — which is great, because nobody wants their cooking session to end with a dramatic fall. A slightly textured surface works much better than glossy tiles that turn into ice rinks the moment water hits them.

Wall tiles: grease happens, cleaning shouldn’t hurt

Cooking is fun. Cleaning greasy walls? Not so much.

Smooth wall tiles make life easier. They don’t absorb oil, they wipe clean quickly, and they keep your kitchen from looking like it’s been through a food fight. Backsplash areas especially benefit from tiles that handle heat and moisture without complaining.

Colors that forgive your cooking mistakes

Pure white tiles look amazing… until the first splash of sauce. Super dark tiles look cool… until water stains show up.

Neutral tones like beige, soft gray, or stone-inspired patterns are way more forgiving. They hide stains better, match almost any kitchen style, and don’t go out of trend every five minutes.

Good tiles = long-term peace of mind

Choosing durable kitchen tiles isn’t about being fancy — it’s about avoiding future headaches. Tiles with low water absorption and solid durability hold up better against daily use, frequent cleaning, and all the surprises that come with cooking at home.

If you’re curious about how to choose tiles that actually work in real kitchens, you can read more here: https://www.thaisoung.com/kitchen-tiles

Kitchen tiles may not be the most exciting part of home design — but when you choose the right ones, everything just works better. Cleaning gets easier, accidents happen less, and your kitchen stays functional without demanding constant attention.