Types of tile
Picking the perfect tiles for your bathroom can be exciting, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the options out there. I’ve put together a simple guide to help you explore the different types of tiles and find the ideal match for your space.
Ceramic
Description: Made from clay and baked at high temperatures, ceramic tiles are a popular option for walls, floors, and even backsplashes.
Areas: Floors, walls, backsplashes, kitchens, bathrooms.
Features: Available in glazed or unglazed finishes, relatively affordable, versatile.
Porcelain
Description: A subtype of ceramic, porcelain tiles are made from a denser clay and baked at a higher temperature, making them more durable and water-resistant.
Areas: High-traffic areas, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors.
Features: Highly durable, resistant to moisture, available in many designs.
Wood-Look
Description: These are porcelain or ceramic tiles designed to mimic the look of hardwood flooring.
Areas: Floors, bathrooms, kitchens.
Features: Combines the aesthetic of wood with the durability and low-maintenance qualities of tile.
Cement
Description: These tiles are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and pigments, then pressed into molds. They often feature intricate patterns.
Areas: Floors, walls, patios, kitchens, bathrooms.
Features: Decorative, durable, but need to be sealed to protect against stains and moisture
Marble
Description: A natural stone, marble tiles are known for their luxurious look, unique veins, and wide color variations.
Areas: Floors, walls, countertops, bathrooms, kitchens.
Features: Elegant and timeless, each tile is unique, requires maintenance to preserve its finish.
Terrazzo
Description: Made from a combination of marble, quartz, granite, and glass chips mixed with a cement binder, terrazzo tiles are often used for their unique, speckled appearance.
Areas: Floors, commercial spaces, modern homes.
Features: Customizable with different chips, durable, stylish.
Granite
Description: Another natural stone, granite is harder and more durable than marble, and it offers a more uniform appearance.
Areas: High-traffic floors, countertops, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Features: Very durable, resistant to scratches and heat, typically needs sealing to protect against stains.
Slate
Description: A natural stone with a textured surface, slate tiles offer a rustic, earthy look.
Areas: Floors, walls, fireplaces, kitchens, bathrooms.
Features: Slip-resistant, durable, available in various colors and finishes.
Cork
Description: Made from cork oak trees, these tiles are eco-friendly and provide a unique, soft surface.
Areas: Floors, especially in living rooms or bedrooms.
Features: Comfortable underfoot, eco-friendly, sound-absorbing, but less durable than other tiles.
Mosaic
Description: Small tiles, often made from glass, stone, ceramic, or porcelain, arranged in patterns or designs to form a larger picture or texture.
Areas: Backsplashes, decorative accents, swimming pools, bathrooms.
Features: Customizable designs, artistic, ideal for creating unique visual effects.
terracotta
Description: Made from natural clay, these unglazed tiles are durable and rustic in appearance.
Areas: High-traffic areas, floors, commercial spaces.
Features: Earthy, slip-resistant, long-lasting, unglazed so they require sealing
Vinyl
Description: Made from synthetic materials, these tiles are affordable, water-resistant, and come in a wide variety of designs, including wood and stone patterns.
Areas: Floors, kitchens, bathrooms.
Features: Soft underfoot, easy to install, and maintain, good for budget-conscious projects.