How to Choose Ceramic Tile Flooring for Kitchens in Addiscombe, Shirley Park and Croham - Large Format Ceramic Tiles with Alba Flooring Installation
- Alba Flooring
- Sep 7
- 6 min read
Croydon homeowners are choosing ceramic tile flooring for kitchens because it is durable, easy to clean, and beautiful in open plan spaces. If you live in Addiscombe, Shirley Park, Croham, South Croydon or nearby, you can see hundreds of options at Alba flooring, a leading South London flooring supplier and installation company with a brand new cinematic tiles showroom on Wickham Road. This guide explains how to select the right tiles, why large format ceramic tiles are ideal for modern kitchens, and how to achieve a seamless finish with Alba Flooring Installation.
Quick FAQs and company background are available on our About page.
Looking to transform your space with ceramic tile flooring?
Our team at Alba Flooring are here to help.
Why ceramic tile flooring suits Croydon kitchens
Ceramic tile flooring gives you a hard wearing surface that copes with spills, busy family life, and regular cleaning. In open plan kitchens and living spaces across Addiscombe and West Croydon, tiles deliver a crisp, consistent look that feels calm and timeless. With the right size, surface texture, and grout, ceramics can make a mid sized kitchen look larger and brighter.
Performance in daily use. Ceramic is water resistant, stain resistant, and highly scratch resistant. The surface does not trap dirt, which is a common concern with older vinyl or soft wood floors in kitchens. For homes with pets and children, ceramic is an easy win.
Style range. From stone effect porcelain tiles to wood effect ceramic tiles and terrazzo styles, there is genuine variety to suit every scheme. You will find marble effect tiles, neutral greys, warm beige and greige tones, and classic white ceramics within our complete flooring catalogue.
Expert view:
In kitchens around East Croydon and Park Hill we often recommend a rectified edge tile with a matt finish. Rectified edges and narrow joints reduce grout lines and create a calm, premium look that works well in open plan spaces.
-Alba Flooring Installation Manager
The case for large format ceramic tiles in open plan spaces
Large format ceramic tiles create the visual effect of a continuous surface, which is exactly what open plan kitchens in Shirley Park and Coombe need. Fewer grout joints mean less visual clutter and easier cleaning.
What counts as large format. Common kitchen friendly sizes include 1200 x 600, 900 x 600, and 750 x 750. These sizes help a room feel wider and more connected to adjoining dining or living zones.
Layout strategy. In Croham and Sanderstead homes, running a 1200 x 600 in a staggered brick bond can soften long lines, while a straight lay grid feels contemporary and minimal. A rectified edge allows tight joints for that seamless, gallery like effect.
Designer tip:
Large format ceramics are excellent over underfloor heating because the bigger slab transfers warmth evenly and the rectified edge keeps grout to a minimum, which homeowners love for easy cleaning.
-Senior Tile Designer, Alba Flooring
Ceramic vs porcelain for kitchen floor tiles
Both materials are outstanding for kitchens in Croydon, however they behave slightly differently.
Ceramic tile flooring - Excellent value, wide choice of colours and patterns, ideal for most domestic kitchens. Lighter to handle and fit, which can reduce installation time.
Porcelain floor tiles - Denser body and very low porosity, superb for high traffic areas and for indoor to outdoor continuity at the same level threshold. Porcelain is a favourite for South Croydon families who want a super tough finish that still looks elegant.
If you are unsure, book a short visit to our showroom and our team will guide you to the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.
Slip rating, finish, and family safety
Kitchens are wet zones, especially near sinks and dishwashers. A tile with the right surface texture gives peace of mind without compromising style.
Finishes to consider.
Gloss finishes reflect light and can be stunning in small kitchens, however they can be slippery when wet. Matt finish ceramic tiles and textured matt porcelain provide better grip and a soft contemporary sheen that hides footprints. For utility rooms or back entrances consider tiles that meet R10 or similar slip resistance for added safety.
For background on slip testing, see the Health and Safety Executive guide to the pendulum test, which explains how slip resistance is measured in the UK. It is a useful reference when comparing finishes and ratings.
You can explore our full range of ceramic tile flooring in our Flooring Catalogue.
Underfloor heating and tile thickness
Ceramic and porcelain perform very well with wet or electric underfloor heating systems. They conduct heat efficiently and are stable when installed over properly prepared subfloors.
What to check?
Tile thickness, decoupling system, and adhesive choice. Our team will match the adhesive to your heating system, and if ceiling heights are tight we can recommend thin porcelain tiles for renovation combined with low profile tile underlay systems to keep build up low.
Colour, pattern, and grout that suit Croydon homes
In Addiscombe terraces and Shirley Park semis, neutral stone effect porcelain and warm beige tones create a welcoming kitchen that ages gracefully. Patterned ceramic tiles can define a breakfast nook or pantry zone. Wood effect herringbone porcelain planks look authentic and are practical where real wood would suffer.
Grout is not an afterthought. We offer grout colour matching, premium ceramic tile adhesive, and a grout and sealant service that keeps joints looking fresh. Narrow joints on rectified edge tiles reduce maintenance and give that minimal grout line look which is trending in London.
Visit Our New Cinematic Showroom in Shirley
Nothing beats seeing the texture and light play of ceramic tile flooring in person.
In our brand new showroom, at 574 Wickham Road, Shirley, CR0 8DN, you can explore full-scale installations and view samples under natural light.
With over 100 display boards featuring solid polished concrete, parquet, and the latest tile designs,
it’s the best place to buy ceramic tile flooring in the South London.
10% off for all walk-in clients*
(*Terms and conditions apply)
Subfloor preparation, the foundation of a flawless floor
A great result begins below the tile. Alba Flooring Installation includes:
Moisture testing and subfloor preparation.
Self levelling compound to perfect flatness.
Tile removal and preparation if we are replacing old floors.
Waterproof tanking in adjacent utility or cloakroom spaces where required.
Tile levelling system during installation for crisp, even planes.
Correct tile trims and skirting for neat finishes at edges and plinths.
This approach reduces lippage, speeds up installation, and protects your investment.
How much to allow for waste and lead times
For most kitchen layouts, allow 5 to 10 percent extra for cuts and pattern matching, rising to 10 to 15 percent for diagonal or intricate patterns. Our surveyor will confirm exact figures during your free home survey. We can also discuss same day tile fitting or next day tile fitting in Croydon where schedules and stock allow.
Transparent pricing matters. We provide clear itemised quotes for ceramic tile fitting Croydon, porcelain tile installation Croydon, and accessories, so there are no surprises.
Trusted brands and a broader choice under one roof
Alba Flooring works with respected suppliers including Ted Wood, Amtico Flooring, Woodpecker, and Tuscania Ceramiche. This breadth gives Croydon homeowners access to ceramic floor tiles, porcelain floor tiles, and complementary surfaces for hallways and bathrooms. You can learn more about our story and values on our About us page, and browse guides on our Expert advice page.
From the fitting team:
We treat kitchen projects as precision work. The right layout, the right adhesive system, and careful cuts around islands and plinths make the difference between a good floor and a great one. Large format tiles reward accuracy and that is where our installers excel.
-Lead Tiler, Alba Flooring
Buying confidence, local presence, and aftercare
You want a partner you can trust. Our showroom is minutes from Addiscombe, South Norwood, Selhurst, Woodside, and Broad Green, which means you can pop in for samples and advice. Search for tile installers near me and you will find us ready to assist with tile supply and fit Croydon and Alba Flooring tile installation Croydon.
Aftercare is simple. We supply guidance on how to clean ceramic floor tiles, how to seal porcelain tiles where appropriate, and long term ceramic tile maintenance tips. We stock low VOC adhesive and grout options and can advise on eco friendly choices, including recycled content ceramic tiles.
For more expert guidance, visit our News and Blog.
Five step journey with Alba Flooring Installation
Free showroom consultation and home survey in Croydon, including East Croydon and West Croydon.
Design and product selection with samples, finish tests, and advice on what slip rating is best for kitchen tiles.
Detailed quote that covers materials, labour, preparation, and delivery.
Professional installation by vetted tilers, tile installers Croydon, with careful protection of your home and tidy working practices.
Final sign off, care pack, and optional aftercare visit.
This end to end approach is why homeowners searching for ceramic tile installers Croydon and best tile installers Croydon reviews choose us again and again.
Ready to choose your tiles
For ceramic tile flooring Croydon, kitchen floor tiles Croydon, or ceramic tile flooring Shirley and neighbouring areas, the fastest way to decide is to see full size samples in person. Explore our complete flooring catalogue online, then visit the showroom to compare finishes under real light.
Free quote and consultation. Call 02087775958 or Email sales@albaflooring.co.uk
Need quick answers, view our About and FAQs page.
Supplied and Fitted by Alba Flooring.
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