Whether it’s ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tile, this versatile floor and wall covering is available in a variety of colors, sizes and textures. Certain types of tile such as marble are great for creating a luxurious master bath, while others such as slate work better in high-traffic areas. From the difference between porcelain and natural stone to tile ratings, this guide will teach you about the different types of tiles, which types of tile are recommended for which rooms and what to consider before you buy.
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How to Choose Tiles
Before you select your new tile, there are three things to consider: size, color and rating. Based on its size and thickness, rating or color, different kinds of tile are a better choice for certain projects. For example, the best tile for shower walls or kitchen backsplashes may not be the same tile that’s best for bathroom floors.
- Floor, mosaic and wall tiles have different levels of thickness. The size tile you select for your room will have a direct effect on the room’s look. For instance, large tile can make small spaces look more expansive and smaller tiles can make an area look more intimate. As a rule, floor tile is typically 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. Wall tile tends to be thinner and available in squares (3 inches to 6 inches). Mosaic tiles are usually the smallest tile, available in 2-inch squares. The most popular and readily available tile sizes are (in inches) 12 x 12, 16 x 16, 12 x 24 and 18 x 18.
- The color of your tiles can hide wear and tear. It can also create warmth if you choose darker tones, or make a space feel lighter and brighter if you choose white or tan tiles. If you want to add more character to a bath or kitchen, choose patterned floor tiles or specific types of tile, such as brightly colored porcelain.
- Tile is both rated and graded. Tile is rated using the Porcelain Enamel Institute hardness rating or PEI. Make sure the PEI wear and break rating is at least a 4. A rating of 4 or higher ensures your tile is suitable for all residential uses. Tiles are graded by quality: Grade 1 tiles contain no flaws or defects. Grade 2 tiles contains slight imperfections and Grade 3 tiles are thinner and designed exclusively for walls. Use Grade 1 or 2 tiles for floors. Grade 3 tiles are suitable only for walls.
- There are many different kinds of tiles made from natural stone such as marble, granite, slate and travertine. Each has its own pros and cons when it comes to looks, durability and maintenence.
Porcelain Tiles
Made from clay and other natural resources, and fired at a higher temperature, porcelain is one popular and versatile tile option available.
- Durable; less porous compared to ceramic.
- Can be used outdoors and exposed to cold temperatures.
- Can emulate natural stone, brick or wood.
- Ideal for heavy-traffic areas, kitchens, baths, entryways and outdoor spaces.
- Water-resistant; can be coated for better traction.
- Easier to cut than other tile types.
- Affordable and low maintenance.
- Won’t hold onto dirt or dust so it’s ideal for those with allergies.
- Heavier than other tiles, so is not recommended for second or third floor projects.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tile is made from clay and other natural resources. It’s chosen often because it’s durable and works well in virtually every room in the house. A popular type includes terra cotta, which can be a glazed tile or unglazed quarry tile. Cermaic tiles are often used as floor tiles as well as shower tiles. Popular options include subway tiles which can be found in showers and kitchens.
- Glazed: Features liquid glass coating that helps resist stains, scratches, fire and fading.
- Unglazed: No coating; even color all the way through; must be treated to resist stains.
- Ideal for high-traffic areas; used for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms. Not recommended for outdoor use.
- Rated based on the amount of moisture it absorbs.
- Cost-effective and easy to maintain.
- Can mimic the look of hardwood without the worry of scratches.
- Types of subway tiles include beveled, double fired and standard ceramic tiles. You will typically see subway tiles in newly renovated, modern-style homes.
- Ceramic tile murals are quite popular in the kitchen as well as showers.
Mosaic Tiles
One of the most popular types of a tile backsplash, mosaic tile is often seen in bathrooms and the kitchen but can be installed anywhere throughout the home. Typically, these are glass tiles made of pieces of glass in various colors and formed into a pattern with mesh backing.
- Commonly used as bathroom wall, floor and kitchen backsplash.
- Usually sold in 12-inch x 12-inch pieces connected with mesh backing, for easier installation.
- Resists moisture and stains, doesn’t chip easily.
- Ideal for countertops and walls, both indoors and out.
- Easy to clean.
- Has more grout lines, so the surface is more textured and slip-resistant than other tiles.
Cement Tiles
Liked for their ability to bring style to any situation, cement tiles have been used for centuries, both indoors and out. While these durable tiles can make a bold statement, there are a few things to keep in mind when installing.
- Slip-resistant, making them perfect for bathroom and kitchen floors as well as patios and courtyards.
- Great for use outdoors and indoors.
- More costly than other types of tile.
- Eco-friendly; produced with natural components.
- Perfect for modern-style homes.
Metal Tiles
From ceilings to backsplash, metal tiles are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability, versatility and stylish appeal. Here are some features of metal tiles:
- Available in a variety of finishes to match your style preference.
- Available in peel-and-stick versions, which is popular for kitchen backsplashes.
- Able to be used for flooring, ceilings and countertops.
- May be cold, making them uncomfortable for a flooring choice.
- Can be easily dented or scratched.
Best Tiles for Floors
How much wear and tear the tile will undergo and your style preferences are both important factors when choosing the best tiles for floors. For example, your living room floor tiles will probably not experience as much traffic as your mudroom. While a durable porcelain tile works well in high-traffic areas, like entryways, the best types of floor tiles for most rooms are those with an added or natural non-slip resistant surface such as cement or travertine tiles.
Tip: As a rule of thumb, for floors, choose durable tiles with a hardness rating of Class 3 and up.
Best Tiles for Walls
When choosing wall tiles, if you want to DIY your wall tile project, choose tiles that look like stone instead or go for the natural look of wood-like tiles. These types of tiles are usually made of porcelain and are a budget-friendly way to add the rustic look of real hardwoods to a wall.
Things to Consider When Choosing Tile
Tile can be a beautiful and durable way to cover and enhance your floors or walls. Here’s some considerations on selecting the right types of tiles for flooring, best tiles for shower walls and more.
- Which room your tile will go in? Think about durablity, slip resistance and maintenence concerns for that space.
- What you are using your new tile for? Is it the right type for a backsplash or patio?
- Will your new tile fit in your budget? Choose more expensive tiles for smaller projects such as a guest bath or unique entryway floor.
The T&A not only carries the type of tile you want, we also make your project easier with truck rental or free delivery.
We have everything you need when it’s time to find the right types of tiles for your home. Need help identifying a tool or material? Find products fast with image search in The T&A. Snap a picture of an item you like and we’ll show you similar products. Or if you’d rather not do it yourself, we offer professional tile installation.
Sorts of Tiles
Whether it’s ceramic, porcelain, or all-natural rock floor tile, this functional floor as well as wall covering is offered in a range of shades, dimensions as well as textures. Specific sorts of tile such as marble are terrific for developing a lavish master bathroom, while others such as slate work better in high-traffic areas. From the difference in between porcelain in addition to natural rock to flooring tile scores, this guide will tell you the different types of floor tiles, which kinds of flooring tile are encouraged for which locations, as well as likewise what to think of prior to you get.
Exactly How to Choose Floor tiles
Before you pick your brand-new ceramic tile, there are three points to consider: size, shade, and also ranking. Based upon its size and density, score or shade, various type of tile are a better selection for sure projects. As an example, the very best ceramic tile for shower walls or cooking area backsplashes might not coincide tile that’s finest for shower room floors.
Flooring, mosaic and wall surface ceramic tiles have different levels of thickness. The dimension floor tile you select for your room will have a straight effect on the room’s appearance. As an example, large ceramic tiles can make small spaces look even more extensive as well as smaller ceramic tiles can make an area look even more intimate. As a rule, flooring tile is generally 9.2 CM to 11.2 CM thick. Wall surface ceramic tile tends to be thinner and readily available in different lengths (30 centimeters to 90 CM). Mosaic tiles are generally the tiniest tile, available in 5 centimeters squares. One of the most popular and readily available floor tile dimensions are (in CM) 30 x 30, 30 x 60, 60 x 60 as well as 80 x 80.
The color of your ceramic tiles can conceal deterioration. It can also produce warmth if you choose darker tones, or make a space feel lighter and brighter if you select white or tan floor tiles. If you wish to include more personality to a bath or cooking area, select patterned floor ceramic tiles or certain sorts of ceramic tile, such as brightly tinted porcelain.
Tile is both ranked as well as graded. Tile is rated using the Porcelain Enamel Institute firmness rating or PEI. Make sure the PEI wear and also break rating goes to least a 3. A ranking of 3 or greater ensures your tile appropriate for all domestic uses. Floor tiles are graded by top quality: Grade 1 floor tiles contain no flaws or problems. Grade 2 ceramic tiles has small imperfections. Usage grade 1 product whenever feasible to ensure there will certainly be no problems.
There are many different types of floor tiles made from all-natural rock such as marble, granite, slate and also travertine. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks when it involves appearances, sturdiness as well as maintenance.
Porcelain & Ceramic tiles
Made from clay as well as other natural deposits, and also fired at a higher temperature, porcelain is one preferred and functional tile alternative readily available.
Resilient; less permeable compared to ceramic.
Can be used outdoors and also exposed to chilly temperatures.
Can imitate all-natural stone, block or timber.
Suitable for heavy-traffic locations, kitchens, baths, entrances as well as outside rooms.
Waterproof; can be coated for much better traction.
Simpler to reduce than various other floor tile kinds.
Budget-friendly and low upkeep.
Won’t hold onto dust or dust so it’s ideal for those with allergic reactions.
Larger than various other floor tiles, so is not advised for 2nd or third floor tasks.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tile is made from clay as well as various other natural resources. It’s selected often due to the fact that it’s durable as well as functions well in virtually every area in your house. A popular kind includes marfil series, which can be a glazed floor tile or unglazed quarry floor tile. Ceramic tiles are usually used as floor ceramic tiles in addition to shower ceramic tiles. Popular options include train floor tiles which can be discovered in showers as well as cooking areas.
Glazed: Attributes fluid glass finish that helps resist discolorations, scratches, fire as well as fading.
Unglazed: No coating; also color all the way with; must be dealt with to resist discolorations.
Perfect for high-traffic locations; utilized for kitchens, shower rooms, entryways and also mudrooms. Not suggested for exterior usage.
Rated based on the amount of moisture it absorbs.
Cost-effective and also very easy to preserve.
Can mimic the appearance of hardwood without the fear of scrapes.
Types of train tiles include beveled, dual discharged and typical ceramic floor tiles. You will generally see metro tiles in freshly restored, modern-style homes.
Ceramic floor tile murals are rather prominent in the kitchen area in addition to showers.
Mosaic Shingles
One of the most popular sorts of tile backsplash, mosaic floor tile is commonly seen in shower rooms as well as the kitchen yet can be installed anywhere throughout the house. Generally, these are glass floor tiles constructed from items of glass in different shades as well as developed right into a pattern with mesh backing.
Commonly used as shower room wall, floor and also cooking area backsplash.
Typically marketed in 30 x 30 CM pieces connected with mesh backing, for a simpler setup.
Resists wetness and stains, doesn’t chip quickly.
Ideal for countertops and walls, both indoors as well as out.
Easy to clean up.
Has more cement lines, so the surface is more distinctive as well as slip-resistant than other floor tiles.
Concrete Tiles
Liked for their capacity to bring style to any circumstance, cement ceramic tiles have actually been made use of for centuries, both inside your home and out. While these long-lasting tiles can make a bold declaration, there are a few points to remember when mounting.
Slip-resistant, making them best for restroom and kitchen floors along with outdoor patios and also courtyards.
Great for use outdoors and inside.
A lot more costly than various other sorts of ceramic tile.
Thicker (commonly 5/8 inches or more) and also not as functional.
Environmentally friendly; produced with all-natural elements.
Perfect for modern-style residences.
Metal Tiles
From ceilings to the backsplash, metal tiles are ending up being increasingly popular as a result of their sturdiness, versatility and also elegant allure. Below are some functions of metal ceramic tiles:
Offered in a variety of surfaces to match your style choice.
Readily available in peel-and-stick versions, which is popular for kitchen area backsplashes.
Able to be used for floor covering, ceilings and also kitchen counters.
May be cool, making them unpleasant for a floor covering option.
Can be conveniently dented or scraped.
Finest Ceramic Tiles for Floors
How much deterioration the tile will go through and your style choices are both vital variables when choosing the most effective tiles for floorings. As an example, your living room floor ceramic tiles will possibly not experience as much website traffic as your mudroom. While a sturdy porcelain floor tile works well in high-traffic areas, like entryways, the most effective kinds of flooring ceramic tiles for many rooms are those with an added or natural non-slip immune surfaces such as cement or travertine floor tiles.
Suggestion: As a rule of thumb, for floors, select resilient ceramic tiles with a hardness rating of Class 3 as well as up.
Finest Tiles for Wall Surfaces
When picking wall ceramic tiles, if you want to DIY your wall floor tile task, select tiles that resemble stone rather or choose the natural look of wood-like ceramic tiles. These types of floor tiles are usually constructed from porcelain and also are an economical means to add the rustic appearance of real hardwoods to a wall.
Points to Consider When Selecting Tile
Floor tile can be a beautiful as well as sturdy means to cover as well as boost your floors or walls. Here are some factors to consider on choosing the ideal kinds of tiles for flooring, best ceramic tiles for shower wall surfaces as well as more.
Which space your tile will go in? Think of durability, slip resistance, and also maintenance concerns for that space.
What you are utilizing your new tile for? Is it the ideal type for a backsplash or outdoor patio?
T&A Ceramics has more than twenty years of experience in the sector, we have over 1000 layouts for you to select from, or we can OEM the designs you supply, or style independently according to your demands (over 10 individuals in our professional design team). Invite to contact with us.
