If you’ve never done a tiling project before, you’d be surprised by the different types of tiles available. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most commonly used, but there are also natural stone, mosaic, cement, and glass tiles—naming just a few. To make things more complicated, not every type of tile is suitable for every job, and then there’s your budget for tiling to consider.
In interior design, every small detail matters, including the tiles. That’s why knowing your various options, and their suitable applications, is important to make an informed decision. It can be hard to not feel overwhelmed when there’s so much on the market, but we’ve done the hard work for you and put together this comprehensive guide to tiling your home. Keep reading to learn about the top 11 types of tiles, and find out which one is best for your project.
1. Ceramic Tile
Credit: Daltile
Ceramic tile is a classic choice in home improvement projects. It’s suitable for the floors and walls alike, in different rooms of the home. This is because of its durability (ceramic tile is crafted from clay that’s fired in a kiln). So, don’t hesitate to use it in your kitchen, bathroom, or even entryway.
Ceramic tile is easy to install and clean. It comes in so many different colors, patterns, and finishes, including glazed and unglazed options, so you’re sure to find something for every type of design. As a bonus, if you’re looking to renovate on a budget, you can find ceramic tiles at a decent price point. Yet, they can add elegance to any room.
Keep in mind: An unglazed finish can give you a more rustic and artistic look. A glazed finish provides the protection for longer lasting floors.
2. Porcelain Tile
Credit: Tile Mountain
We’d like to call porcelain tile the denser and more durable cousin of ceramic tile. It is often used in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Porcelain tile has a low water absorption rate, so it works just fine in wet environments like the bathroom. Moreover, you can use it outdoors, and it will not fade, freeze, or crack.
What truly appeals to designers is porcelain’s ability to emulate natural stone, wood, or brick, but without any of the maintenance! There are also solid color options. Ceramic tiles are resistant to water, scratches, and stains. So they’re a practical and stylish choice.
However, installing porcelain tile can be tricky. You can DIY the installation, but many homeowners tend to forget that they need an adhesive while laying down this type of flooring.
3. Natural Stone Tile
Credit: Stamford Stone
Natural stone simply exudes luxury. It adds sophistication to your interior and showcases your high-end taste in design. Options for natural stone tiles include marble, granite, limestone, and slate. Each stone has its unique characteristics, including the color, pattern, and texture. Marble adds opulence to your interior with its distinct veining. Granite, on the other hand, has a similar look but is a more affordable choice.
Natural stone tiles are durable and can last for generations if you give them the right care, including properly maintaining your granite countertops. But the elegance and luxury come at a cost: natural stone tiles are priced higher than other tile types.
4. Mosaic Tile
Credit: Mosaic House
Mosaic tile is made of small pieces of tile that are arranged in patterns or designs. This unique look is why we love to use it as backsplash, a shower wall, or accent wall.
Mosaic tiles come in a variety of materials, including glass, ceramic, and stone. So you get the chance to flex your creative interior design muscles! We usually recommend using them sparingly—particularly where an accent is needed. They can be used to create intricate patterns or simple designs, depending on your personal style.
However it’s important to note that, depending on the type of tile you go for, mosaic tiles can look dated quickly. So keep that in mind as you select the tile as well as the space where it will be installed.
5. Glass Tile
Credit: Home Depot
We love glass tile for the clean and minimalist aesthetic it offers. It is perfect for backsplashes, showers, and accent walls.
You can find glass in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes. This includes clear, opaque, and iridescent. Glass tile is easy to clean; it’s resistant to water and stains; and it can create a stunning focal point in any room. Its stain resistance is what makes glass tile a fantastic alternative to natural stone. Even drops of acidic foods, like lemon and vinegar, can be wiped up with ease, without any permanent staining.
However, a potential drawback is that glass will chip easily along the edges. So you don’t want to choose it for high-traffic areas like the bathroom floor. Instead, you can use them in smaller applications with less traction, like a gently used tabletop or as a backsplash.
6. Cement Tile
Credit: Granada Tile
Cement tile, also known as encaustic tile, is a handcrafted tile. It is made from a mixture of cement, pigment, and water. Cement tile offers a unique and vintage look with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The tiles are extremely porous, and a patina can develop over time, which enhances the pattern. If they get discolored, the tiles can be sanded and resealed.
Cement tile is durable and can be used both indoors and outdoors. However, it requires regular sealing (once a month) to maintain its beauty and protect it from water damage. Plus, it’s a beast to lay.
7. Terracotta Tile
Credit: Design Cafe
Terracotta tile is a type of clay tile. It is known for its warm and earthy tones, so if you want to create an inviting interior, terracotta tile will do good (especially if you style terracotta floor tiles the right way). It is often used in Mediterranean-inspired designs because it can add a rustic charm to your space.
Terracotta tile is durable and resistant to different weather conditions. So, in addition to using it indoors, you can also use terracotta tile on your patio.
8. Slate Tile
Credit: Garden State Soapstone
This is a natural stone tile. Slate tile is known for its durability and slip resistance. That’s why it is often used in bathrooms, mudrooms, and outdoor spaces.
Slate tiles come in many different colors. We see homeowners picking dark grays to light grays, with each adding a modern or traditional touch to your home.
9. Marble Tile
Credit: Honor Ceramic
Marble tile is a luxurious and elegant option. It is often used in high-end bathrooms and kitchens—also why it makes way into most, if not all, of our luxury home improvement projects in Arizona. Marble tile is known for its beauty and durability. It delivers texture and depth, as it is either patterned or veined. It’s safe to say, you’ll never have the same piece.
But keep in mind, marble is prone to etching and staining. You will need regular sealing to keep marble tiles intact.
10. Granite Tile
Credit: Chandan Marbles
Granite tile is a durable and heat-resistant natural stone. It’s a popular choice for kitchen countertops and backsplashes. We see granite tile in many different colors and patterns, from solid colors to intricate veining. Granite tile is relatively easy to clean and maintain.
Granite is a good choice if you’re on a budget, because it’s cheaper than marble but offers similar specks. That’s why we recommend using granite tiles in the laundry room or other secondary spaces, where performance and lower cost are at the forefront.
11. Quartz Tile
Credit: Classic Quartz Stone
Quartz tile is an engineered stone that combines natural quartz with pigments and resins. It is durable, non-porous and stain-resistant. Because of these qualities, we recommend using quartz tile for high-traffic areas.
Quartz tile, too, is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. So, it is a versatile choice for any space. But remember, quartz tile can get slippery. So you want to wipe it dry after it gets wet.
Final Words
You can tile your way to a stunning interior, and with this guide, we hope you found the perfect pick for your home. If you’re looking for a tiling upgrade in your luxury Arizona home, let’s chat today 🤍