Tile is a common choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects - and for good reason! Not only does it look good, but it is easier to clean up spills than carpet and usually cheaper than hardwood flooring. But once you settle on tile, you may find yourself blanching at the possibilities - because there are many! And where do you place each kind - the walls? The floors? Backsplashes? Never fear - this post, we're covering the 5 most common types of tiling - glass, porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and exotic tile - to get you oriented on which is right for you and your home.
First up is glass. Glass is made from melting sand and other minerals together at incredibly high temperatures. It is fairly durable, is easy to clean and maintain, but can be pricier than other options. Still, the great look it adds to backsplashes, walls, flourishes and trims can make it worth the extra cost. Another bonus is that recycled glass is great to use and very much the trend in these eco-friendly days of home decor. There is a wide variety of colors and designs for glass, making it very adaptable for any kind of look. Avoid installing it on the floor - if it breaks, it can be dangerous!
Next, we'll cover porcelain. This versatile material is made from dense clay, and can be used for walls, showers, backsplashes, countertops, ceilings and flooring. It has high durability, is easy to maintain, and can cost relatively little - though this depends on the kind of porcelain you get. The coloring for porcelain is usually white or gray, but you can print on images for alternate looks, like natural stone or fabric. This, however, can get worn away, making the original colors come through, a fact that should be kept in mind. Still, porcelain is a popular choice for bathrooms for its durability and cost-effectiveness.
Ceramic tile is made from natural clay, sand, and water. It can be used in all the same places as porcelain. It's cost is low and is easy to maintain, but it is much more delicate than glass or porcelain. Often ceramic tiles feature a glazed finish, but there are a variety of options for it. Ceramic tiles come in a variety of sizes and colors, and can make bathrooms and kitchens look great.
The next option is natural stone. It can be fairly pricey and involve more maintenance than the previous options, but natural stone can lend an authentic look to your bathroom or kitchen that is unparalleled by porcelain, glass, or ceramic tile. In addition to anywhere in the bathroom or kitchen, it can be used outdoor and for tub decks.
Last, we've got the eclectic category of exotic tile. With materials ranging from animal hide to sea shells, the possibilities are limited by your funds and imagination. The cost to properly install these can run higher than others, but using these can give your kitchen or bathroom a unique look and have it stand out from your friends and families' homes.
We hope this overview of tile materials is helpful for you in your remodeling efforts. For even more information, check out the infographic below.
