When it comes to flooring, there are a wide range of different types of tiles available for both DIYers and professional installers. From ceramic tile and porcelain tile to natural stone tile such as marble, granite, limestone, and travertine, the possibilities for different textures, colors, and styles are virtually endless.
Whether you’re looking for something classic or modern, something that will stand up to high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms, something slip-resistant that’s perfect for walkways or showers, or even just want something with a natural look that adds character to your home, there is sure to be the perfect type of floor tile out there waiting for you!
In this blog post we will explore many different types of tiles to choose from so homeowners can make an informed decision when selecting their new flooring.
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The Benefits of Having Tile Floors
You may be trying to decide if you should install tile floors in your home or not. In fact, there are many benefits to having tile floors!
Not only are tile floors incredibly durable, they can also stand up to moisture, chips, scratches, and even extremely high temperatures. They are also water-resistant and can be a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, or any other areas in your home that may come into contact with water. Plus, tile is low maintenance and easy to clean, which makes it perfect for busy households!
Different Types of Tiles
Tile floors have become increasingly popular in the past few years, and there are now a wide range of different types of tiles available. No matter what you are looking for, there is sure to be the perfect type of floor tile out there waiting for you! Now that you have learned about the benefits of having tile floors, let’s look at different types of tiles so you can choose the best type for you!
Manufactured Clay Tile
Manufactured clay tiles are some of the most popular kinds of tile used in residential homes today. This is because they are readily available and are also less expensive, so they fit many more homeowner’s budgets.
Here are a few of the most well-known types of manufactured clay tiles available on the market today:
#1 Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are among the most popular types of tile available on the market today. This type of tile is made from clay minerals such as feldspar, sand, and talc that have been fired at higher temperatures. The firing process adds strength and color pigments to create different textures such as matt and gloss surfaces.
Ceramic tiles come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, making them perfect for different applications like kitchen backsplashes or shower walls.
#2 Quarry Tile
Quarry tile is a type of unglazed ceramic tile that is highly durable due to its strength and moisture-resistant properties. This type of tile is perfect for high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways due to its slip-resistant surface. Quarry tile is also less expensive than some tiles and is great for outdoor spaces such as patios or pool decks.
#3 Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is a denser clay and is more water-resistant, which is great for areas such as bathrooms or outdoor patios. Porcelain tile also comes in different sizes, textures, and colors so you can customize the look according to your preferences.
It is also extremely durable and resistant to chips, scratches, and other types of damage.
Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone tiles are classic materials used in homes for centuries due to their timeless elegance. Each type of natural stone tile provides different textures and colors that can add a unique touch to any space in your home.
Here are a few of the most popular natural stone tile types:
#1 Marble Tile
Marble tile is a luxurious option that can create an elegant look in different areas of the home. This type of tile is made from different types of minerals and comes in different colors, textures, and sizes due to different pigment concentrations. Marble tile is highly durable, so it is perfect for different applications such as countertops or showers!
#2 Granite Tiles
Granite tiles are a great choice for those looking to add a unique touch to different areas of their home. This type of tile comes in many different colors and designs, and it is extremely durable, making it resistant to extremely high temperatures, chips, scratches, and cracks. It is often used in higher-end homes as countertops.
#3 Onyx Tile
Onyx tile is a type of quartz, and it is a luxurious option that can create an elegant look in any space in your home. This type of tile has an ethereal yet natural look with veins of contrasting colors and a sense of translucency to it. Highly durable, it is great for many different applications such as kitchen backsplashes, showers, or even walls or walkways!
#4 Slate Tile
Slate tile is another great option for those looking to add a unique touch to different areas in their home. Made from shale and other minerals, slate is rough and uneven in texture and can come in different earth-tone colors. Consumers love to use it on floors, as well as for stepping stones or on the walls.
Slate tile is also highly durable, slip-resistant, and resistant to moisture which makes it perfect for high-traffic areas!
#5 Travertine Tile
Travertine tile is a type of limestone tile that has been popular for centuries. This type of tile is perfect for creating different looks in different areas of the home such as kitchen backsplashes or countertops. While it is very durable, it is also porous, meaning that you have to seal it every so often in order to protect it. Overall, it is a type of tile that is used a lot in higher-end homes.
#6 Igneous Rock Tile
Igneous rock tiles are a great choice for those looking to add an exotic touch to different areas of the home. While other types of natural stone, such as granite, are a kind of igneous rock, we split it into its own category here because this type of tile can also be lava rock, coming in different colors, textures, and sizes.
There are many different applications such as countertops or flooring! Igneous rock tiles are extremely durable and resistant to extreme temperatures, so they are worth looking into.
Other Types of Tiles
Along with the most common types of tiles – ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, and natural stone tiles – there are many other types of tiles too. All of them make unique, quality, and interesting tile choices for your home’s flooring needs. Here are several options that you might like:
#1 Glass Tile
Glass tile is another popular choice for adding style, character, and durability to different areas in the home.
Just like all forms of glass, glass tiles are made from sand, and they come in different colors, shapes, and sizes – making them perfect for creating different patterns on different surfaces around the home. This includes, but is not limited to, backsplashes, accent walls, or shower walls and floors.
Glass tile is also highly resistant to moisture which makes it perfect for different types of surfaces around the home. However, glass can break, so be careful to place them where they won’t need to withstand a lot of pressure. It is stain resistant though, so that is a huge plus!
#2 Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tiles are another popular choice for adding style and character to different areas in the home. Mosaic tiles are usually made from different materials such as glass, ceramic, or stone and come in different shapes and sizes.
We gave it its own category because the style of mosaics is so different than the other types of tile. They are great for creating different patterns on floors or walls, giving homeowners the chance to show off their personalities.
#3 Cement Tile
Another tile choice that homeowners love is cement tiles. They are sleek and stylish, giving a home a unique touch. Cement tiles are highly durable and resistant to moisture, chips, scratches, tears, and heavy foot traffic – making them perfect for different areas of the home, such as countertops or showers!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tile
When choosing the right type of tile for different areas around the home, it is important to consider factors such as durability, slip-resistance, texture, and color. Not to mention, you will want to check your budget so that you choose something you can afford.
Additionally, different types of tiles may need different types of installation depending on the area they will be used in. For example, high-traffic areas like bathrooms or kitchens, or tight and complicated spaces like showers, may require professional installers. Be sure to include labor fees in the overall budget for the project.
Conclusion
All in all, when it comes to different types of tile, there are many options available to choose from. From porcelain tile to travertine tile, marble tile to limestone tile, and everything in between – you’re sure to find a type of tile that fits your needs and budget! Happy hunting!
What type of tile do you have in different areas in your home? Let us know down below! We’d love to hear from you.