If you have not taken a tiling project before, you might be surprised by the many different types of tiles available. Despite ceramic and porcelain tiles being commonly used, glass tiles, cement tiles, metal tiles and stone tiles are also used.
Whether it is for short-term or long-term projects, we enlisted some experts to guide you through the 12 most common types of floor and wall tiles. Find out which tiles are the best type for your home project that will ensure you love your remodel for years to come.
Ceramic Tile
It is one of the most common types of tile to find in any home due to its numerous applications. It is highly durable making it perfect for any room in the house. According to Tony Castellano, senior merchant for The Home Depot, it is easy to install, and clean and comes in different styles. They also offer the best price point if you want to renovate on a budget.
When shopping, Castellano advise you to check the ceramic tile number to ensure you have a clean, uniform end result. Also, you need to ensure you understand the difference between glazed and unglazed. Unglazed ones give artistic, rustic finish while glazed ones offer protection hence ensuring longer-lasting floors.
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Porcelain Tile
The appeal of porcelain comes from its emulation of natural stone, brick or wood with low maintenance. According to Castellano, you will get an elegant finish without the need for maintenance.
Moreover, it is an all-purpose tile with a variety of colours, designs and styles that allow for versatility when designing a space. Porcelain can be used outdoors, as a bath or kitchen tile, high traffic areas and on kitchen backsplashes. The biggest disadvantage of porcelain tile is its difficulty in installation.
Glass Tile
Glass tile provides an aesthetic value to any project. According to Melissa Morgan, an interior designer and founder of M Interiors in San Antonio, glass is more resistant as compared to natural stone and is also easy to wipe in case of contact with acidic foods hence making it fantastic. The only problem with glass is the chipping along the edges as Morgan recommends not using it in high-traffic areas like kitchen and bathroom floors. She, therefore, suggests the use of glass tiles in smaller applications such as around a fireplace or backsplash.
Cement Tile
According to Docia Boylen, franchise owner of Handyman Connection, cement tiles have been around as early as the 19thcentury and are currently experiencing a boom in modern interior design.
Boylen says that cement tiles are extremely versatile and provide amazing colours and patterns. The biggest disadvantage of this tile is that they are a beast to lay. It must also be resealed once every month to maintain its beauty. It is most effective in low-traffic areas.
Marble Tile
Marble tiles add some sense of elegance and refinement though they are expensive. According to Castellano, you can add beauty to your kitchen by laying down marble tiles which also upgrades the space. Castellano believes that the tile delivers texture and depth since it is either patterned or veined.
Marble requires proper maintenance to keep it looking pristine. It is susceptible to scratches, and stains and also difficult to clean. Marble tile is therefore effective in low-traffic areas as it is susceptible to scratches, etching and stains. Many homeowners use marble in decorative features while foregoing countertops hence saving on budget according to Castellano.
Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tile comes in many different shapes, sizes, colours, styles and even materials making it so flexible. According to Morgan, mosaic tiles work best on walls. She also notes that depending on the type of tile chosen, the tiles can look dated quickly. The space where the tile is installed must be taken into consideration.
Granite Tile
Granite has the same look as marble and has natural flecks though there are some notable differences. Morgan notes that granite has been overused and seems to look like a cheaper alternative to other tiles. Morgan recommends the use of the tile in a laundry room or other spaces where performance and low costs are your highest priority.
Limestone Tile
Limestone is an example of a natural stone tile. Castellanobelieves that limestone delivers a natural appearance that almost resembles ancient design and architecture. It is durable but soft, easy to shape and cut for specific patterns and placements.
Limestone is a porous rock. In order to ensure it lasts longer, it must be sealed properly to avoid cracking and etching. Homeowners need to use neutral pH cleaning agents and avoid citrus and vinegar-based products to avoid ruining the stone. Castellano also insists that the rich appearance and variety of colours and sizes make it a great option for any space.
Travertine Tile
Travertine offers a natural, one-of-a-kind aesthetic just like limestone. Castellano notes that it is a soft, a subdued palette that provides beautiful neutral tones.From grey to tan, Castellano believes that the swirling surface produces an elegant and unique statement.
It is easily impacted by water, stains and traction. It is for this reason that it requires extra maintenance and occasional resealing. Castellano advises the use of travertine tiles in low-traffic areas of the home and also highlights why most designers apply these tiles to walls than floors. If you are applying to floors, make sure you know what type of sealant to use and what cleaning products to use.
Quarry Tile
It is made with ground materials in a process that is very similar to a brick. Quarry tile is extracted from ground minerals such as feldspar, clay and shale that are ground together and then baked to over 2000 degrees Celsius.
According to Boylen, they get their name from ‘quarry’ where the minerals come from. Boylen notes that these tiles are naturally dense, porous, water-resistant and with extremely low water absorption rate since they are fired at extremely high temperatures. They can be glazed or left in the natural finish and they do not have to be sealed. The biggest drawback is their susceptibility to staining hence Boylen recommends their application in high-traffic areas since they offer a sense of purposeful design and are naturally slip-resistant.
Metal Tile
According to Morgan countertops made of metal offer durability and a modern aesthetic to the kitchen. According to him, despite the cost of this type of tile is the same as that of natural stone, it definitely withstands the test of time in both look and function.
A primary consideration with metal tile is that it tends to scratch almost as soon as it is installed. Some people prefer this natural patina, which softens the overall effect. Metal is not an ideal type for you if that is not your preferred finish. Morgan adds that metal works great on any work surface such as a kitchen, bar or utility room and does not recommend it for baths or outdoor use depending on the climate.
Resin Tile
According to Boylen, resin tiles are a great solution to combine styles you want. These tiles are beautiful and resistant to water. They are also perfect for the DIYer since you can make your own tile patterns. Its 3D patterns which are popular with resin can resemble the look of water and stones.
Some of the problems associated with resin tiles according to Boylen are the propensity to chip and yellowing over time when exposed to the sun. Boylen recommends resin flooring for water areas such as bathroom and mudrooms. According to him they also make great backsplashes and accent pieces.
Conclusion
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