Let’s talk about tile!
There is actually much to say about tile - the material types, sizes available, patterns, grout … the list goes on! This journal post will focus on material types. Don’t worry, I will have future journal posts on sizes and patterns, but for now, let’s start at the beginning. Below you will find the main types of tile currently used in homes, along with pros and cons of each.
Photos from past projects. From left to right: brick-look porcelain backsplash, glass mosaic tile, glass (blue) and ceramic (white) tiles, ceramic backsplash.
PORCELAIN TILE
I would say the most commonly used tile type these days would be porcelain. It is tough, solid, and good for any location: walls, floors, and even outdoors! Porcelain tile is created by “cooking” clay at extremely high temperatures, making it immensely hard and dense. It is available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. There are many porcelain tiles available that mimic natural stone and natural materials that give you the look without the maintenance.
Cons:
Pros:
Porcelain tile (and tile in general) has a cold feel to it most of the time, which can be uncomfortable for feet, especially in colder months
If not installed correctly, or if your home has significant settling, larger sized tiles can crack over time.
Tiles with a polished finish can be slippery.
Durable and long lasting
Scratch resistant
Many style and size options
Variety of price points
Waterproof
Stain resistant
Maintenance free
Suitable for all areas (walls, floors, outdoors)
CERAMIC TILE
Ceramic tiles are similar to porcelain tiles in that they are made of clay; the major difference, though, is that the clay of ceramic tiles is of coarser materials and is not fired at as high of temperatures. Ceramic tiles are therefore less dense, and not quite as tough. They can still be used for floors in light traffic residential areas (depending on the manufacturer), but they are not able to be used outdoors.
Cons:
Pros:
Ceramic tile (and tile in general) has a cold feel to it most of the time, which can be uncomfortable for feet, especially in colder months
If not installed correctly, or if your home has significant settling, larger sized tiles can crack over time
Tiles with a polished finish can be slippery
Ceramic tiles cannot be used outdoors
Fewer finish and texture options than porcelain tiles
Long lasting
Many style and size options
Variety of price points (typically lower than porcelain tiles)
Waterproof with glaze
Stain resistant
Maintenance free
Suitable for most areas (walls, floors)
GLASS TILE
Glass tiles are made up of various glass formulas, and can be smooth, textured, opaque, clear, solid or multi-color. Most glass tiles are not able to be used on floors, but some manufacturers do have options that are safe and durable enough for floor use. Most glass tiles are on the smaller side or set up as a mosaic pattern.
Cons:
Pros:
Glass tile (and tile in general) has a cold feel to it most of the time, which can be uncomfortable for feet, especially in colder months
Generally a higher price point
Not always safe or durable enough for floor or outdoor use (check with your supplier)
Sizes are generally 3 x 12 or smaller
Susceptible to scratches (especially smooth glass)
Unique look
Long lasting
Many color and finish options
Variety of size and shape options (smaller scale)
Waterproof
Maintenance free
Can be used in many locations depending on manufacturer
Some manufacturers use recycled glass material (yay for green products!)
NATURAL STONE TILE
Several different types of tile fit this description. Basically, what I mean by natural stone tile is any tile that is made from a naturally occurring stone material. This group includes marble, granite, travertine, pebbles, river rock, etc. These tiles have beautiful patterns, textures, and color variations that are unique to each piece. They are lovely but come with specific maintenance requirements that are important to be aware of.
Cons:
Pros:
Natural stone tile (and tile in general) has a cold feel to it most of the time, which can be uncomfortable for feet, especially in colder months
Generally, a higher price point
Not always safe or durable enough for floor or outdoor use (dependent on material type)
Susceptible to scratches (especially polished finishes)
Porous, therefore susceptible to stains and bacteria
Requires regular application of sealant to minimize liquid absorption
If not installed correctly, or if your home has significant settling, larger sized tiles can crack over time
Tiles with a polished finish can be slippery
Unique colors and patterns
Long lasting
Many color and finish options
Variety of size and shape options
Can be used in most locations, including outdoors (check with your supplier)
LUXURY VINYL TILE and planks
Luxury vinyl tile (also known as LVT or LVP for luxury vinyl planks) is made up of (you guessed it!) vinyl. But the LVT and LVP products that are on the market now are very different from the sheet vinyl flooring (or Linoleum) of years past. LVT and LVP are meant to be used for flooring. This material is a layer of the vinyl on top, with a substrate layer for firmness and stability. The thickness of the vinyl and the substrate layer vary by manufacturer. Luxury vinyl products are extremely durable and, in most cases, waterproof. LVT products imitate the look of porcelain tiles, and LVP products imitate the look of hardwood flooring.
Cons:
Pros:
Some finishes are not as successful at imitating stone or wood
Mainly used for flooring only (not for walls or in showers)
Not recommended for outdoor use
Durable and long lasting
Scratch resistant
Several color and finish options
Variety of size and shape options
Waterproof
Maintenance free
Typically a lower price point for materials and installation
Warmer feel than other tiles
No grout or sealant needed
Tile is one of my favorite materials to work with - between all of the tile types, there are almost endless options and design opportunities. This post doesn’t cover all tiles, but I did want to discuss the main types that are readily available and commonly used. Be sure to consider all the pros and cons when deciding on which type of tile to feature in your home. Other tiles that I have not yet mentioned that you may see out and about are brick tiles, cork tiles, and cement tiles. I would encourage you to look into those if you find them appealing; they all have very specific maintenance needs and vary in durability.
I will share another post soon that will discuss tile patterns and styling, so stay tuned!
JS