eli5: Why do kitchens have different tiles from the rest of the house/apartment?

Question

eli5: Why do kitchens have different tiles from the rest of the house/apartment?

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Answer 1

Practically, kitchens get wet and dirty with messes that need wet things to clean it off. Tile is waterproof and easier to clean than other surfaces (except for the grout gaps though…). The tile is often light colored so you can see any stains on it. This is why you find tile in the kitchen and bathroom.

Drywall absorbs splashes and messes and would require a repaint to get back to normal. Other flooring like hardwood can absorb water if it doesn’t have enough finish or stain on top to protect it from moisture. This can lead to warping or rot.