Kitchen design
Traditional Kitchen Tiles: Metro, Encaustic and Quarry
The tile styles that suit a traditional British kitchen, where to use them, and what to check before buying.
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Tiles do practical work in a kitchen (they are wipeable, heatproof and hard-wearing) and they set its character. Three traditional styles cover most British kitchens.
Where to buy
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The three classics
| Tile | Where | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (bevelled brick-shaped wall tiles) | Splashbacks | Victorian and Edwardian; clean, simple, easy to live with |
| Encaustic / patterned (pattern set into the tile) | Floors, feature panels | Decorative; the look of Victorian hallways and old churches |
| Quarry (unglazed fired clay) | Floors | Warm terracotta or red; the traditional farmhouse floor |
Practical points
- Floors must be rated for floors. Check slip resistance, especially for glazed tiles near the sink.
- Unglazed quarry and many encaustic tiles are porous and need sealing when laid and resealing from time to time.
- Grout colour changes the look. A darker grout with metro tiles hides kitchen marks and emphasises the pattern.
- Buy extra. Order around 10% more for cuts and breakages; batches can vary in colour.
Pairing
Metro tiles behind a Belfast sink and a quarry-tiled floor is a classic combination that works with painted Shaker units.
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Frequently asked questions
What are metro tiles?
Bevelled, brick-shaped wall tiles, a Victorian and Edwardian classic for splashbacks.
Do quarry tiles need sealing?
Yes. Unglazed quarry and many encaustic tiles are porous and need sealing when laid and resealing from time to time.
How many extra tiles should I order?
Around 10% more than the area, for cuts and breakages; batches can vary in colour, so buy them together.