TILES
If you've never taken on a tiling project before, you might be surprised by the many different varieties of tiles available. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most commonly used,
but there are also glass tiles, cement tiles, metal tiles, and stone tiles—to name just a few.
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To make it even more complicated, not every type of tile works for every job and, of course,
there's your budget to consider. It's hard not to feel a little overwhelmed, which is why
we did the hard work for you
Whether you're shopping for an immediate project or just planning for the future, we enlisted some experts to guide you through the 12 most common types of.
Tiles are the only floor and wall product where you can love remodelling your home for years to come.
TOP 12 TYPES OF TILES
CERAMIC TILE
Ceramic tile is one of the most common types of tiles found in the home because it's suitable for many applications. Increased durability makes ceramic tile perfect for any room in the house, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or even entryways. It's easy to install, clean, and comes in hundreds of styles that can fit any design. If you're looking to renovate on a budget, ceramic offers a great price point.
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These tiles come glazed and unglazed. While unglazed gives an artistic, rustic finish, glazed ceramic tiles provide more protection for longer lasting floors and walls.
PORCELAIN TILE
The other most common type of tile is porcelain, which differs from ceramic tile. The appeal of porcelain comes from its ability to emulate natural stone, brick, or wood and without any of the maintenance.
You get the same elegant finish without any of the upkeep or weathering. In addition, as it's an all-purpose tile, it comes in a variety of designs, colours, and styles to allow for versatility when designing a space. Porcelain can even be used outdoors, as it will not freeze, fade, or crack.
Other applications for porcelain tile include bath or kitchen tile, high-traffic areas, and kitchen backsplashes.
GLASS TILE
Glass tile offers a clean and minimalistic aesthetic to any project. The stain resistance of glass makes it a fantastic alternative to natural stone. Red wine and any acidic foods like lemon and
vinegar are wiped up with ease without any permanent staining.
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A potential drawback is that glass will, of course, chip quite easily along the edges for that reason, it is recommended not to use glass tile in high-traffic areas like kitchen and bathroom floors. Instead, it is suggested to use them in smaller applications with less traction, such as gently used tabletops or desks, around the fireplace, or as a backsplash.
CEMENT TILE
Cement tiles have been around since the 19th century and they're currently experiencing a bit of a boon in modern interior design. Cement tiles are extremely versatile and can provide you with amazing patterns and colours. Since the tiles are extremely porous, a patina can develop over time to enhance the pattern.
They can also be sanded and resealed, like wood floors, if they get discoloured over time.
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Cement Tiles are very difficult to lay. Additionally, cement tiles must be re-sealed regularly to maintain its beauty. Cement is best used in low-traffic areas and in small quantities.
MARBLE TILE
Though costly, marble tiles add an instant touch of elegance and refinement to any room. If you're looking to add beauty to any kitchen or bath, laying down marble tiles immediately upgrades the space. It also delivers texture and depth, as it's either patterned or veined. You'll never have the same piece."
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Marble requires a lot of upkeep to keep it looking pristine. And like any stone, marble tile is susceptible to scratches and stains in addition to being difficult to clean. Due to the predisposition to scratches, etching, and stains, it's best used in low-traffic areas unless you apply a CreteSealer™ from National Crete Manufacturers.
Many homeowners avoid using marble in countertops and instead add marble in decorative features, such as shower floors, columns, and backsplashes, as it is an extremely expensive tile. If you do not have a good budget, it is best using it in smaller applications.
MOSAIC TILE
Mosaic tiles give you a chance to flex your creative interior design muscles because it comes in so many different shapes, sizes, colours, styles, and even materials. Mosaic tiles work best on wall applications when an accent is needed. I recommend using them sparingly.
Depending on the type of tile you choose, mosaic tiles can look out-dated quickly.
Keep that in mind as you select not just the tile, but the space where it will be installed.
GRANITE TILE
Granite is a natural stone that has a similar look and feel to marble because of its natural flecks, though there are some notable differences. Granite has been overused and tends to look like a cheaper alternative.
It often is the cheaper alternative, which is great of you are on a tight budget.
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It is recommended using granite tiles in a laundry room or other secondary space where performance and lower cost are your top priority.
LIMESTONE TILES
Limestone is another type of natural stone tile. To achieve a truly rustic style filled with natural tones, shades, and variation, lay down limestone tile. It delivers a natural appearance that's almost reminiscent of ancient architecture and design. Durable but soft, limestone is also easy to shape and cut for specific patterns and placements."
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Limestone tile is that it's a porous rock. In order to ensure it lasts for a long time, it must be sealed properly, otherwise it will crack and etch easily. Also, cleaning limestone can be a pain.
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To avoid ruining the stone, homeowners need to use neutral pH cleaning agents and avoid citrus and vinegar-based products, that said, the rich appearance and variety of colours or size make it a great option for really any space, especially outdoors.
I recommend using limestone outdoors in a patio space to give the perfect final look."
TRAVERTINE TILES
Like limestone, travertine tile offers a natural, one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Its soft, subdued palette provides beautiful neutral tones, from grey to tan and beige, the swirling surface produces an elegant and unique statement."
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Just like other natural stone tile types, it's easily impacted by water, stains, and traction. For that reason, travertine tile requires extra maintenance and occasionally a CreteSealer™ from National Crete Manufaturers. "It's best to use Travertine Tles in low-traffic areas of the home.
Also, to avoid scratches, etching, or stains, many designers and DIYers will apply these tiles to walls instead of floors.
QUARRY TILE
Quarry tile is made with ground materials in a process that's very similar to brick, technically stronger. Quarry tile is made from ground minerals, like feldspar, clay, and shale, that are ground together and then baked at over 2000 degrees.
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Since these tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures, they are naturally dense, nonporous, and water-resistant with an extremely low water absorption rate. They can be glazed or left in the natural finish. Another benefit is that they do not have to be sealed."
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Though durable, quarry tiles are susceptible to staining, so they shouldn't be used in the kitchen.
National Flooring Solutions recommends them for high-traffic areas since they offer a sense of purposeful design and are naturally slip-resistant.
METAL TILES
Metal Tiles offer superior durability and a chic and modern kitchen aesthetic, although the cost for this type of tile is usually similar in pricing to natural stone, it will certainly withstand the test of time in both look and function."
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A primary consideration with metal tile is that it tends to scratch almost as soon as it's installed. Some people prefer this naturally occurring patina, which can soften the overall effect. If that's not your preferred finish, then metal probably isn't an ideal tile type for you.
National Flooring Solutions would not recommend it for baths or, depending on the climate, outdoor use."
RESIN TILES
Resin tiles are a great solution to combine styles you want these tiles look great and are water-resistant. Plus, they are perfect for the DIYer since you can make your own tile patterns. The 3D patterns are also popular with resin and it can imitate the look of water and stones."
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Resin tile drawbacks include a propensity to chip, and yellow over time, especially when exposed to the sun. National Flooring Solutions recommends resin flooring for water areas, like the bathroom and around an inside pool.
They also make great backsplashes and accent pieces.
