Ceramic and porcelain are widely used and some come with coordinating trims like pencil and baseboard tile. There are other tile types that make a statement both in style and function.
In this blog post, we dig deep into some of the most popular types of tiles to look out for. Along with their unique characteristics and suitability for different spaces. Granted, your next home project will not only be a fun one but a well-informed one, too!
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Ceramic Tiles
Perhaps, the most widely used tiling material in home improvement projects, ceramic tiles are all around us. A blend of clays is pressed into shape, dried, glazed, and kiln-fired. Resulting in earthy-red tiles! Zellige and subway ceramics are notably popular.
What draws homeowners to ceramic tiles is their sheer variety of colors and shapes and their affordability. Creating a personalized look for less is simply within reach. But can these timeless classics stand up to the obsessive food experiments conducted by a messy foodie? Absolutely!
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean, standing as a great contender for a large number of applications. A tiled kitchen backsplash or bathroom wall is both stylish and practical. They are DIY-friendly: easy to cut and easy to install.
While they may not be as sturdy as porcelain, ceramic tiles still make a great choice for floors in extra-busy spots. They are water-resistant and can be used on bathroom floors, too. On the downside, they crack and chip easily which limits outdoor use to covered patios.
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Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile has become a more common sight in many homes, thanks to its exceptional durability. It emerges from a refined clay mixture that’s molded and undergoes a rigorous firing process. This high kiln temperature makes porcelain incredibly robust, nearly non-porous, and resistant to scratching and staining.
If you’re on the search for titanium-strength flooring, porcelain is your best bet. It can withstand high footfall and thrive in wet areas. All while requiring minimal ongoing maintenance. Laid outdoors, the tiles can handle adverse weather conditions.
Not looking to break the bank anytime soon? Porcelain emulates the appearance of marble, terrazzo, stone, and wood to perfection. These coveted dupes work in any space, offering remarkable beauty and strength at a fraction of the cost.
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Marble Tiles
From Roman times to modern day, marble continues to captivate with its luxurious good looks. It exudes an air of sophistication that reminds you of the finest villas in sunny Mediterranean destinations. Deeply veined with natural mineral lines, every slab is distinct. And it is this lack of uniformity that’s part of its charm.
This durable, everlasting classic creates a grand impression on walls and floors in living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and covered patios. If you decide on marble, note that it’s a porous stone vulnerable to water damage, stains, and scratches. It needs sealing at installation and every year after to enhance resistance and make cleaning easier. But with consistent care, your marble tile will maintain its exquisite allure for decades.
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Glass Tiles
Glass tile adds a luxurious and modern aesthetic. These lovely beauties in mosaic form make stunning wall coverings, bringing a one-of-a-kind look to backsplashes, shower walls, bathtub surrounds, and accent walls. They do work just as well on low-traffic floors.
Glass tiles have zero water absorption, are stain-resistant, and super easy to clean. Best of all, they reflect light, transforming any surface they adorn into a radiant work of art. And while they can be costly, their outstanding quality is for a lifetime.
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Mosaics Tiles
Mosaic tiles can be made of glass, porcelain, marble, and ceramic. They come in a dazzling variety of colors, shapes, and textures. From contemporary hexagons to classic rectangles and penny rounds. The latest designs mix materials to create interesting contrast. Whether it’s glossy or textured wall tiles, mosaics transform walls and floors into a lovely ensemble of elegance.
