The Complete Guide to Tile Selection for Kingston Homes [2025]

Ceramic tile is made from clay fired at lower temperatures than porcelain, making it one of the most popular and affordable tile options for Kingston home renovations. It is available in an endless variety of colors, patterns, sizes, and finishes.

Best Applications

• Bathroom walls and backsplashes
• Kitchen backsplashes
• Low-traffic bathroom floors
• Decorative accents and borders
• Interior walls in any room

Advantages

• Affordable: Typically $3-$8 per square foot for materials
• Versatile designs: Endless colors, patterns, and finishes available
• Easy to cut: Reduces installation time and costs
• Water-resistant: Suitable for all bathroom applications when properly sealed
• Low maintenance: Regular cleaning keeps them looking great
• DIY-friendly: Easier for homeowners to install than porcelain

Disadvantages

• More porous than porcelain, requiring proper sealing
• Can chip or crack with heavy impact
• Not recommended for high-traffic floors
• Glazed surface can wear over time in heavy-use areas
• Not suitable for outdoor use in Kingston freeze-thaw climate

Cost Breakdown

Materials: $3-$8 per square foot

Installation Labor: $5-$7 per square foot

Total Installed Cost: $8-$15 per square foot

Lifespan: 10-20 years with proper maintenance

Porcelain tile is our top recommendation for Kingston bathroom and kitchen floors. Made from refined clay fired at extremely high temperatures, porcelain is denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic, making it ideal for high-traffic and high-moisture areas.

Best Applications

• Bathroom floors (especially high-traffic)
• Shower floors and walls
• Kitchen floors
• Mudrooms and entryways
• Commercial spaces
• Outdoor applications in covered areas

Advantages

• Extremely durable: Lasts 30+ years with minimal wear
• Water-resistant: Absorption rate less than 0.5%
• Stain and scratch resistant: Ideal for high-traffic areas
• Versatile looks: Available in stunning wood, marble, and stone replicas
• Low maintenance: Rarely needs sealing, easy to clean
• Frost-resistant: Can be used outdoors in Kingston climate
• Compatible with radiant heat: Excellent for heated floors

Disadvantages

• Higher cost than ceramic
• Harder to cut, requiring professional installation
• Can feel cold underfoot without heated floors
• Heavier than ceramic, may require floor reinforcement
• Glossy finishes can be slippery when wet

Cost Breakdown

Materials: $5-$15 per square foot

Installation Labor: $5-$10 per square foot

Total Installed Cost: $10-$25 per square foot

Lifespan: 30-50+ years

Natural stone tile brings timeless elegance and unique character to any space. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, with natural variations in color, veining, and texture. Given Kingston limestone heritage, many homeowners appreciate incorporating natural stone in their renovations.

Types of Natural Stone

Advantages

• Unmatched natural beauty and uniqueness
• Increases home value significantly
• Ages gracefully, developing character over time
• Cool in summer, warm with radiant heating
• Timeless appeal that never goes out of style
• Eco-friendly natural material

Disadvantages

• Requires regular sealing (annually or biannually)
• Higher material and installation costs
• Some stones sensitive to acidic cleaners and substances
• Natural variation means tiles will not match perfectly
• Porous stones can stain if not properly sealed
• Softer stones like marble and limestone can scratch or etch

Cost Breakdown

Materials: $5-$25 per square foot depending on stone type

Installation Labor: $10-$15 per square foot

Total Installed Cost: $15-$40 per square foot

Sealing: $1-$3 per square foot annually

Lifespan: 25-100+ years depending on stone and care

Glass tile adds luminosity and visual drama to kitchens and bathrooms. The reflective properties create depth and amplify light, making small spaces feel larger and adding sparkle to any room.

Best Applications

• Kitchen backsplashes (most popular use)
• Bathroom accent walls
• Shower niches and decorative strips
• Border accents with other tile types
• Fireplace surrounds
• Decorative features and artwork

Advantages

• Stunning visual impact with light reflection
• Completely impervious to water and stains
• Never fades or discolors
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Available in endless colors, sizes, and finishes
• Eco-friendly recycled glass options available
• Hygienic and non-porous

Disadvantages

• Premium pricing compared to ceramic
• Shows water spots and soap scum easily
• Not suitable for floors (too slippery)
• Can chip or crack with impact
• Requires skilled installation with proper setting materials
• Transparent tiles require perfect substrate preparation

Cost Breakdown

Materials: $7-$30 per square foot

Installation Labor: $10-$15 per square foot

Total Installed Cost: $17-$45 per square foot

Lifespan: 25+ years

Mosaic tiles are small tiles (typically 2 inches or smaller) that create intricate patterns and designs. Available in ceramic, porcelain, glass, and stone, mosaics offer incredible design flexibility and work beautifully for curved surfaces and detailed work.

Best Applications

• Shower floors (excellent drainage)
• Curved surfaces and columns
• Decorative accent strips
• Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes
• Border treatments
• Feature walls and artistic installations

Advantages

• Creates stunning visual interest and custom patterns
• Perfect for shower floors with proper slope for drainage
• Conforms to curved surfaces and irregular shapes
• Available in multiple materials (glass, porcelain, ceramic, stone)
• Mesh-backed sheets make installation easier than individual pieces
• Slip-resistant for wet areas due to numerous grout lines

Disadvantages

• More grout lines require additional maintenance
• Higher installation labor costs
• Time-consuming to clean thoroughly
• Can be overwhelming if used extensively
• Grout can discolor over time in high-moisture areas

Cost Breakdown

Materials: $5-$30+ per square foot depending on material

Installation Labor: $10-$20 per square foot

Total Installed Cost: $15-$50 per square foot

Lifespan: 20-30+ years depending on material

Bathroom floors require tiles that are water-resistant, slip-resistant, and durable enough to withstand daily traffic and moisture exposure.

Top Choice: Textured Porcelain Tile

Porcelain offers the best combination of water resistance, durability, and longevity. Choose textured or matte finishes with slip-resistance ratings. Wood-look porcelain provides warmth without moisture concerns.

Budget-Friendly: Ceramic Tile

For low-traffic guest bathrooms, quality ceramic tiles offer good performance at lower cost. Select glazed tiles rated for floor use.

Luxury Option: Natural Stone

Slate and honed granite provide natural beauty and excellent slip resistance. Requires regular sealing but creates spa-like ambiance.

Mosaic for Shower Floors:

Small mosaic tiles allow proper sloping for drainage and provide excellent traction when wet.

Bathroom walls do not face the same traffic demands as floors, allowing for more design flexibility and lighter materials.

Top Choice: Ceramic Tile

Offers the best value with endless design options. Lighter weight than porcelain makes installation easier on walls.

Modern Option: Large-Format Porcelain

12x24 or larger tiles create seamless, contemporary looks with minimal grout lines. Easier to clean than smaller tiles.

Accent Walls: Glass or Mosaic

Create stunning focal points behind vanities or in shower niches. Reflects light beautifully.

Classic Choice: Subway Tile

Timeless 3x6 ceramic subway tile works with any style. Affordable and always in style.

Kitchen backsplashes protect walls from cooking splashes while providing design impact visible from throughout the home.

Top Choice: Glass Tile

Reflects light beautifully, never stains, and cleans effortlessly. Available in endless colors and styles. Creates high-end look.

Budget-Friendly: Ceramic Subway Tile

Classic, affordable, and versatile. Works with traditional and contemporary kitchens. Easy to install.

Modern Option: Large-Format Porcelain

Minimalist look with fewer grout lines. Available in marble and stone looks. Very easy to clean.

Statement Piece: Patterned or Mosaic Tile

Creates focal point in kitchen. Use for smaller backsplash areas behind range.

Kitchen floors face heavy traffic, dropped objects, and moisture from cooking and cleaning.

Top Choice: Porcelain Tile

Superior durability handles dropped pots and pans. Water and stain resistant. Wood-look porcelain adds warmth.

Alternative: Natural Stone

Slate and honed granite offer durability and natural beauty. Requires sealing but very long-lasting.

Budget Option: Quality Ceramic

Choose ceramic tiles specifically rated for floor use. Look for PEI rating of 4-5 for high-traffic areas.

The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rates tile durability on a scale of 0-5 for floor applications:

• PEI 0-1: Wall use only, not for floors
• PEI 2: Light traffic (bathroom floors in private homes)
• PEI 3: Light to moderate traffic (most residential floors)
• PEI 4: Moderate to heavy traffic (kitchens, entryways, commercial light)
• PEI 5: Heavy traffic (commercial, public spaces)

For Kingston homes, choose PEI 3 minimum for bathroom floors, PEI 4 for kitchens and high-traffic areas.

Grout color significantly impacts the overall appearance of your tile installation and affects maintenance requirements.

White and Light Grout

Creates seamless look with light tiles. Shows dirt quickly but can be cleaned. Best for low-traffic areas or when you want tile pattern to disappear.

Gray and Medium Grout

Most practical choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Hides dirt better than white. Works with most tile colors.

Dark Grout

Creates striking contrast with light tiles. Hides dirt well. Modern, graphic look. Can make spaces feel smaller if overused.

Matching Grout

Grout color that matches tile creates seamless appearance. Best for large-format tiles or when you want tile to be the focus.

1. Large-Format Tiles

Tiles measuring 12x24, 24x48, or even larger continue to dominate modern Kingston renovations. These oversized tiles minimize grout lines for a sleek, seamless look and make small spaces feel larger. Easier to clean with fewer grout lines to maintain.

Best for: Contemporary bathrooms, modern kitchens, minimalist spaces

2. Wood-Look Porcelain

The warmth and beauty of hardwood combined with the durability and water resistance of porcelain. Technology has made these virtually indistinguishable from real wood, with realistic grain patterns and varied plank sizes.

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, any area where wood look is desired but moisture is a concern

3. Textured and 3D Tiles

Tiles with dimensional surfaces add depth and visual interest to accent walls. Wave patterns, geometric shapes, and relief designs create focal points without overwhelming spaces.

Best for: Feature walls, behind vanities, kitchen backsplashes

4. Geometric and Patterned Tiles

Hexagons, arabesques, Moroccan patterns, chevrons, and fish scales add personality and character. These work beautifully for floors or as accent features.

Best for: Powder rooms, backsplashes, shower floors, entryways

5. Marble-Look Porcelain

Get the luxury appearance of marble without the maintenance, cost, or staining concerns. Modern printing technology creates incredibly realistic marble looks in durable porcelain.

Best for: Bathrooms, shower walls, anywhere marble is desired but maintenance is a concern

6. Terrazzo and Speckled Tiles

The terrazzo look is making a comeback with modern interpretations. Speckled and multicolored tiles hide imperfections while adding visual interest.

Best for: Modern spaces, commercial-inspired designs, high-traffic areas

7. Sustainable and Recycled Materials

Eco-conscious homeowners are choosing tiles made from recycled glass, reclaimed materials, and sustainable sources. These tiles offer environmental benefits without sacrificing style.

Best for: Environmentally-focused renovations, LEED projects

Kingston unique climate requires specific considerations for tile selection and installation to ensure long-lasting performance.

Temperature Fluctuations

Kingston experiences significant temperature swings between summer and winter, with indoor heating creating additional expansion and contraction cycles. Choose tiles with low expansion coefficients and ensure proper installation with appropriate thinset and grout that allow for movement.

High Humidity

Lake Ontario proximity means higher humidity levels, especially in summer. This makes proper bathroom ventilation and water-resistant tiles essential. Porcelain and fully-vitrified ceramic tiles perform best in high-humidity environments.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles for Exterior

If considering tile for covered outdoor areas, choose frost-resistant porcelain rated for exterior use. Ceramic and most natural stones will crack in Kingston freeze-thaw conditions. Avoid using any tile for exposed exterior floors or walls.

Radiant Floor Heating

Heated floors are popular in Kingston to combat cold tile surfaces during winter. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles work excellently with radiant heating systems. Ensure your installer uses thinset compatible with heated floors.

Costs are estimates for Kingston area. Actual prices vary based on specific products, project complexity, and contractor rates.

DIY-Friendly Projects

Some tile projects are suitable for experienced DIYers with proper tools and patience:

• Kitchen backsplashes with standard ceramic subway tile
• Small bathroom floor refresh (existing subfloor in good condition)
• Simple geometric patterns on walls
• Replacing individual damaged tiles

Hire a Professional For

These projects require professional expertise to ensure proper installation and avoid costly mistakes:

• Shower installations: Proper waterproofing is critical to prevent mold and structural damage
• Large-format tiles: Require specialized techniques and tools for proper leveling
• Natural stone: Needs specific installation methods and sealing
• Heated floors: Must be installed correctly to avoid damage to heating elements
• Uneven subfloors: Require leveling before tile installation
• Complex patterns: Herringbone, chevron, or intricate designs
• Porcelain floor tiles: Difficult to cut and require proper substrate preparation

Choosing the right tile installer in Kingston ensures your investment looks beautiful and performs flawlessly for years to come.

What to Look For

• Specialized experience: Look for contractors who specialize in tile work, not general handymen
• Portfolio of work: Request to see photos of completed tile projects similar to yours
• References: Contact past clients about quality, timeliness, and professionalism
• Licensing and insurance: Verify proper credentials and liability coverage
• Waterproofing expertise: Critical for bathroom and shower installations
• Warranty: Reputable installers stand behind their work

Questions to Ask

• How many years have you been installing tile?
• Can I see examples of recent tile work?
• What waterproofing system do you use for showers?
• Do you handle substrate preparation and leveling?
• What warranty do you offer on installation?
• How long will the project take?
• Who will be doing the actual work?
• Do you have experience with my specific tile type?