Quarry Kitchen Tiles

Frequently Asked Questions

Are quarry tiles suitable for kitchen floors?

Quarry tiles are an excellent choice for kitchen floors thanks to their exceptional durability, slip resistance and timeless appearance. Made from natural clay and fired at very high temperatures, quarry tiles are incredibly hard-wearing, making them ideal for kitchens where foot traffic is high and spills are frequent. Unlike some glazed tiles, quarry tiles have a natural, unglazed surface that provides good grip even when wet, offering additional safety in areas where water, oil or food may be dropped. They’re also less prone to chipping and cracking, which adds to their long-term appeal in busy family kitchens. At Hyperion Tiles, we find that quarry tiles are particularly popular in period properties, rustic homes and farmhouse-style kitchens, but they also work beautifully in contemporary spaces where natural materials are used to soften modern design. Their rich earthy tones, such as terracotta and deep red, help create a warm and inviting atmosphere underfoot. When properly sealed and maintained, quarry floor tiles will retain their beauty and performance for decades. They also work well with underfloor heating, giving you both the comfort and practicality needed in the heart of your home. If you're looking for a reliable, heritage-inspired floor material, quarry tiles are a brilliant choice.

Do quarry kitchen tiles need sealing?

Yes, quarry kitchen tiles do need to be sealed, particularly when used in a space like the kitchen where they are regularly exposed to moisture, food splashes and grease. Although quarry tiles are less porous than some other natural materials, they can still absorb liquids if left unsealed, which can lead to staining or discolouration over time. Sealing your quarry tiles helps protect them against these everyday hazards and also makes them easier to clean and maintain. At Hyperion Tiles, we recommend applying a high-quality penetrating sealant during installation and reapplying it every few years, depending on the level of use. The right sealant will not alter the natural look or colour of the tile but will form an invisible barrier that repels moisture and oil. In some cases, especially with lighter-coloured quarry tiles, sealing can help prevent patchy absorption of stains or cleaning products, ensuring the floor retains an even, attractive finish. If you want to maintain the tiles’ traditional matt appearance while also protecting them against wear, sealing is a simple but important step. Our team can advise on the best sealing products to suit your chosen tile and offer aftercare tips to help keep your quarry kitchen tiles looking their best.

How do I clean and maintain quarry tiles in a kitchen?

Cleaning and maintaining quarry tiles in a kitchen is straightforward and, with the right care, helps preserve both their appearance and durability for years to come. Because quarry tiles have a natural, unglazed surface, it’s important to avoid harsh or acidic cleaners that could damage the sealant or alter the colour of the tile. For regular cleaning, a simple routine of sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and debris followed by mopping with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner is usually all that’s required. If you’ve sealed your quarry tiles, the sealant will do much of the work in repelling grease and spills, making it easier to wipe away food stains or water marks. For deeper cleans, avoid using steam mops or strong chemical cleaners, as these can erode the protective seal over time. Any stubborn stains can often be treated with a specialist tile cleaner that is suitable for sealed natural clay surfaces. Quarry tiles are also less likely to show every speck of dirt, which is ideal in busy kitchens. With proper sealing, occasional resealing and regular gentle cleaning, quarry kitchen tiles will stay looking warm, rustic and characterful while providing a hard-wearing and practical surface underfoot.

Can quarry tiles be used on kitchen walls or splashbacks?

While quarry tiles are most commonly used on floors, they can absolutely be used on kitchen walls and splashbacks to create a cohesive, characterful look. Their natural tones and rustic texture bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to vertical surfaces and work especially well in traditional, farmhouse or industrial-inspired kitchens. Using quarry tiles on walls can help tie your kitchen design together, particularly when paired with matching floor tiles. They can be installed behind hobs, around sinks, or as a feature wall to create a strong visual statement. Due to their dense, clay-based composition, quarry tiles are naturally heat-resistant, making them suitable for use near cookers or ovens. However, because they are unglazed, they will require sealing to protect against splashes, food stains and grease if used in high-impact areas. Once sealed, quarry wall tiles are easy to clean and maintain, offering the same practical benefits as their floor counterparts. At Hyperion Tiles, we can help you choose quarry tiles that are suitable for wall applications and advise on suitable sealing and grouting techniques. Whether you're after a fully tiled rustic kitchen wall or a simple tiled splashback with a heritage feel, quarry tiles offer timeless appeal with excellent performance.

Are quarry tiles compatible with underfloor heating systems?

Yes, quarry tiles are compatible with underfloor heating systems and, in fact, work particularly well due to their density and excellent heat retention. When installed correctly over a compatible heating system, quarry tiles allow heat to transfer evenly across the floor surface, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient warming effect throughout the room. This is especially beneficial in kitchens, where you often spend a lot of time on your feet and appreciate the added comfort during colder months. Because quarry tiles are made from natural fired clay, they can handle temperature changes without cracking or warping, which makes them a reliable option when paired with underfloor heating. The key to a successful installation is ensuring that the tiles are laid with the correct adhesive and that the heating system is well matched to the tile type. At Hyperion Tiles, we’re happy to offer guidance on preparing your subfloor, selecting flexible adhesives and ensuring the heating system is compatible with the type and thickness of your chosen tile. When combined with a good-quality sealant and professional installation, quarry tiles offer a long-lasting, low-maintenance flooring solution that is both practical and comfortable, making them an ideal partner for modern underfloor heating systems.

At Hyperion Tiles, we know that kitchens are hardworking spaces that need materials capable of keeping up with everyday life. They need to be practical, durable, and easy to maintain — but they should also feel warm, welcoming, and in keeping with your home’s character. For homeowners who want flooring that combines strength with rustic charm, quarry kitchen tiles offer the perfect balance. These traditional clay tiles have been used in homes for centuries and are enjoying a well-deserved resurgence thanks to their natural beauty, durability and low-maintenance appeal.

Quarry tiles are made from natural clay that is fired at high temperatures, giving them a dense, hard-wearing finish that stands up incredibly well to heat, moisture and heavy foot traffic. Available in rich earthy tones such as terracotta, burnt red, brown and grey, they bring a sense of heritage and warmth to the kitchen — making them ideal for both country cottages and period properties as well as more contemporary homes looking to add texture and timeless character. At Hyperion Tiles, we offer a carefully selected range of high-quality quarry tiles that are suitable for both floors and walls in kitchen settings, all chosen for their long-term performance and classic appeal.

The Traditional Appeal of Quarry Tiles

Quarry tiles are often associated with traditional British interiors — particularly Victorian and Edwardian homes where they were commonly used in hallways, utility rooms and kitchens. Their rustic appearance and strong, earthy tones evoke a sense of heritage that works beautifully in older properties or in kitchens that aim to reflect classic design principles. They are unglazed, which means they have a natural matt finish that softens light and creates a warm, grounded atmosphere.

Their subtle variations in tone, slight irregularities in surface texture and time-worn aesthetic make them a favourite for homeowners looking to create an authentic feel underfoot. However, this doesn’t mean quarry tiles are only for traditional spaces. More recently, they have been embraced in modern rustic and industrial-style kitchens, where their raw, natural appearance contrasts beautifully with contemporary cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and minimalist design elements. At Hyperion Tiles, we believe quarry tiles have an enduring appeal that works just as well in modern interiors as they do in heritage settings.

Durable and Hard-Wearing Flooring for Kitchens

One of the key reasons quarry tiles have remained popular for so long is their incredible durability. Fired at extremely high temperatures, the clay becomes extremely dense and non-porous, making it highly resistant to wear, moisture, stains and heat. This makes quarry tiles particularly well suited to kitchens, where spills, splashes and heat from ovens and stoves are all part of daily life. Their tough surface doesn’t chip easily and is capable of handling the high foot traffic that a busy household kitchen experiences.

Because quarry tiles are slip-resistant even when wet, they are also a great option for family homes or properties where safety is a concern. They offer a textured surface underfoot that makes them feel secure and stable, even in high-use areas such as near the sink or cooker. If you’re after a floor that can handle muddy boots, pet paws, dropped pots and pans, and still look beautiful at the end of the day, quarry tiles are a sound investment. At Hyperion Tiles, we only supply high-grade quarry tiles that are built to last, helping you achieve the perfect balance of performance and style.

A Low-Maintenance, Practical Choice

In addition to their durability, one of the main reasons people choose quarry tiles for their kitchens is how easy they are to live with. Unlike some other tile types that require regular sealing or specialist cleaners, many quarry tiles are simple to maintain with just regular sweeping and mopping using a pH-neutral cleaning product. They don’t show every mark or footprint like some polished surfaces and are forgiving in spaces where life can be messy.

That said, we do recommend sealing quarry tiles, particularly in kitchens, to provide an added layer of protection against oil-based stains and spills. This is especially true for lighter-coloured tiles or for kitchens where cooking is a daily ritual. A good-quality sealant will help repel moisture and dirt without altering the natural matt finish of the tile. Resealing is typically needed every few years and is quick and easy to do. We’re happy to advise on the best sealing products and aftercare routines to ensure your tiles continue to perform and look their best over time.

Style and Versatility in Design

While quarry tiles are often chosen for their rustic, old-world appeal, they’re incredibly versatile in the way they can be used and styled. At Hyperion Tiles, we offer quarry kitchen tiles in a range of natural colours, from classic red and brown tones to more muted greys and buff shades that work well in minimalist and industrial kitchens. These colours are derived from the clay itself, which gives the tiles an authentic, natural feel that doesn’t fade or wear away with use.

You can choose traditional square formats for a clean, heritage-inspired layout, or opt for rectangular or hexagonal shapes to create a more contemporary pattern underfoot. Quarry tiles can be laid in simple grid formations or in more dynamic designs, such as herringbone or staggered brickwork, depending on the effect you want to achieve. They also pair well with contrasting grout colours if you want to highlight the shape of each tile and add definition to your floor or splashback. Whether you’re renovating a period kitchen or designing a new one from scratch, quarry tiles offer a timeless quality that never feels out of place.

Warm Underfoot and Suitable for Underfloor Heating

Although traditional in appearance, quarry tiles work well with modern features such as underfloor heating, which makes them an even more attractive choice for UK homes. Their density and conductivity allow them to distribute heat evenly, providing a comfortable underfoot experience throughout the year. When used with a compatible heating system and suitable adhesives, quarry tiles can transform your kitchen into a cosy and inviting space, especially in winter months.

They also retain warmth well, meaning that the heat generated from your underfloor system is held within the tile for longer periods of time, helping to improve energy efficiency. If you’re planning to add underfloor heating to your kitchen renovation, our team at Hyperion Tiles can guide you through the installation process and recommend the best products and techniques to ensure maximum comfort and performance.

Why Choose Quarry Tiles from Hyperion Tiles?

At Hyperion Tiles, we’re passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect materials for their kitchens — ones that not only look good but also deliver long-lasting performance. Our range of quarry tiles is carefully selected from trusted manufacturers who share our commitment to quality, sustainability and craftsmanship. Each tile we offer meets our high standards for strength, consistency and colour, giving you the confidence that your flooring will stand the test of time.

Whether you’re restoring an old kitchen to its former glory or blending modern elements with a rustic base, our quarry tiles can help you create a kitchen that feels rooted, durable and full of character. We offer expert advice on tile layout, colour combinations, sealing and aftercare, so you always feel supported throughout your project. With our experience and knowledge of materials, we can help you make confident decisions and bring your design vision to life.

Quarry tiles are more than just a practical flooring solution — they’re a design choice that adds richness, depth and a sense of authenticity to any kitchen. Explore our range today and discover the timeless charm that only a true natural tile can provide.

Quarry Kitchen Tiles

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Frequently Asked Questions