The Complete Guide to Using Penny Tiles for Your Kitchen Floor

With their charming vintage aesthetic and versatile design potential, penny tiles are emerging as a stylish and practical flooring choice for today's kitchens. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about installing and caring for a penny tile kitchen floor.

We'll cover the pros and cons, sourcing your tiles, installation tips, maintenance requirements, and inspiring design ideas to make the most of these diminutive tiles' outsized visual impact.

A Brief History of Penny Tiles

Penny tiles, also known as penny rounds, are ceramic or porcelain tiles that are 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Their name comes from their similarities to old British pennies in size and color. Penny tiles first became popular in Victorian times as an affordable and durable tiling choice for floors and walls in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

Traditionally, the tiles had a reddish-brown terracotta hue. Today, you can find penny tiles in a vast array of colors, finishes like glossy or matte, and even natural stone varieties. But their signature small, round shape remains unchanged and adds lovely old-world character to both period and contemporary spaces.

Why Choose Penny Tiles for Your Kitchen Floor?

Here are some of the top benefits that make penny tile a wise choice for kitchen floors:

• Durability - Their small size makes penny tiles less prone to cracking and chipping than larger tiles.
• Ease of Maintenance - They don't require sealing, and can be swept and mopped easily.
• Cost Effectiveness - Penny tiles offer visual impact for less cost compared to materials like natural stone.
• Vintage Appeal - The round shape and classic colors give penny tiles a timeless, retro look.
• Slip Resistance - The texture provides traction underfoot, especially when sealed properly.

Beyond being functional and budget-friendly, penny tiles infuse kitchen floors with warmth, character, and craftsman-like Old World appeal. Their versatility allows them to complement both traditional and contemporary kitchen designs.

Considerations for Penny Tile Floors

While penny tiles offer many advantages, there are a few aspects to weigh when deciding if they are the right choice for your kitchen:

Installation

Achieving a flawless finish requires an experienced tile setter. The small tiles make for an intricate laying process that is more time and labor intensive than larger format tile. The subfloor must be perfectly level and stable. And care must be taken to properly fill all grout lines and keep the pattern aligned.

Maintenance

The grout lines on penny tile floors are more apt to trap dirt, requiring frequent sweeping and mopping. Resealing the grout every 1-2 years is important to prevent staining. Sudden cracks can occur if heavy pans or appliances are dropped. Harsh cleansers should be avoided.

Costs

While penny tiles themselves are fairly affordable at $5-$15 per square foot, professional installation is recommended due to the intricate pattern work. This can add $5-$10 per square foot for labor. The total cost for materials and installation often ranges from $10-$25 per square foot.

Choosing Your Tiles and Colors

One of the great aspects of penny tiles is the vast range of colors and finishes available. Here are some popular options:

• Glossy Ceramic - Offers shiny, vibrant colors from bold primaries to softer pastels.
• Matte Porcelain - Has a subtle, soft matte finish and muted earthy hues.
• Terracotta - Has the classic reddish-brown tones of traditional penny tiles.
• Metallic - Adds glamorous sheen, available in silver, gold, copper and more.
• Stone - Offers natural texture and appearance in materials like marble or travertine.

Whether going for a modern, rustic, minimalist or ornate look, you're sure to find penny tiles to complement your design vision.

Layout Patterns and Placement

One of the most creative aspects of planning a penny tile installation is choosing your layout pattern. Here are some top options:

Grid

The most common pattern is a basic grid, with tiles lined up in orderly rows and columns. This clean, linear look works well in both modern and heritage kitchens. For variation, alternate the direction of every other row.

Herringbone

The herringbone pattern adds visual interest with its staggered rows that create a zigzag effect. It brings movement and dimension while still feeling classic.

Shapes and Borders

Geometric shapes like diamonds or octagons can be created by manipulating the grid. Contrasting border or accent stripes also add flair. Have fun playing with shape and color combinations.

While penny tiles lend themselves beautifully to an entire kitchen floor, they can also be used more sparingly as a focal point or border. Consider framing an island, stove or sink area to create a decorative accent.

Sourcing and Ordering Your Tiles

You can often find a good selection of penny tile varieties at your local independently-owned tile showroom. National tile chains may have more limited options. Be sure to inspect samples closely for quality and color accuracy.

Online sources can provide convenience and wholesale savings, but be cautious about color representation in photos. Request samples before purchasing. Order 5-10% extra to allow for cuts, waste and future repairs.

Installation Tips and Process

While ambitious DIYers can attempt to install penny tiles themselves, hiring a professional tile setter is highly recommended. The intricate pattern work requires skill, precision and experience to get right. Here's an overview of the installation process:

• Thoroughly clean and level the floor and apply any needed patches or self-leveling underlayment.
• Select the mortar, such as a latex-modified thinset, and grout.
• Snap perpendicular chalk lines on the floor establishing a baseline grid.
• Mix and spread mortar, laying tiles row by row using spacers for grout lines.
• Allow mortar to cure 24-48 hours before grouting.
• Grout tiles, taking care to fully fill joints. Wipe away excess.
• Seal grout with a penetrating sealer once cured, typically 24-72 hours.

With good prep and patience, your floor will cure into a stunning penny tile showpiece you'll enjoy for decades.

Caring for and Maintaining Your Floor

To keep your penny tile floor looking sharp:

• Sweep frequently and mop weekly using gentle pH neutral cleanser.
• Re-seal grout lines annually or biannually with a penetrating sealer.
• Rinse spills quickly to avoid staining grout.
• Use furniture pads under chair and table legs.
• Never use vinegar, ammonia or abrasive cleaners.

With proper care, your floor will provide lasting beauty with minimal maintenance required. Take pride in your handcrafted, vintage-inspired penny tile kitchen floor.

FAQ

Is penny tile too slippery for kitchen floors?

Penny tile provides more traction underfoot than larger tiles or very smooth stone. The grout lines allow for drainage, and sealing helps improve slip resistance. For added traction, mix in some textured tiles.

Do penny tiles need to be sealed?

Penny tiles themselves don't require sealing. But sealing the grout lines is highly recommended to prevent staining from spills and moisture. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.

Can you install penny tiles over existing flooring?

In most cases, existing flooring should be removed to create a smooth, level subfloor for penny tiles. Thin vinyl can sometimes be overlaid if in good condition. Self-leveling underlayment can help smooth uneven substrates.

How long does penny tile installation take?

A typical kitchen floor of 150-300 square feet could take a professional installer 1-3 full work days depending on the pattern complexity. Prepping the floor adds time too. DIY installs will require significantly more time.

With their timeless circular shapes and vintage vibe, penny tiles can infuse your kitchen with warmth, texture and personality. Their smaller size makes them more budget-friendly than many other options. And installed properly, they are built to last for generations.

Just be sure to account for potential maintenance requirements and the need for an experienced installer. Follow the tips in this guide, and you'll have a penny tile floor sure to delight for decades to come.