The 8 Different Types Of Tile

Designing the interior of your home remodeling project allows you to be creative and add your personality to your home. One of the easiest, and most interesting ways to do this is by having tile installed in your home remodeling project. We have compiled a list of the eight types of tile we most commonly install in a home, kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.

Natural Stone

Natural stone tile is made from stone that naturally occurs in nature. There are four main natural stones that are used to make tiles: marble, granite, limestone and travertine.

Marble

Marble tiles are among the most common natural stone tiles requested by our clients. Though expensive, marble tiles add elegance and heirloom quality to any room. Marble adds texture and depth because it is either patterned or veined. Because marble is a natural stone, no two tiles are the same. Marble tiles come with either a polished or honed surface.

Marble can require upkeep to keep it pristine. Like any stone, marble is susceptible to scratches and stains. Because of this, marble tile is often used in lower traffic areas of the home, such as a shower floor or a kitchen backsplash. Additionally, marble tiles should be resealed every twelve months to maintain their beauty and strength. If the marble tile scratches, it can be buffed to remove the scratches.

With proper installation and upkeep, marble tiles can add a lifetime of elegance and beauty to your home remodel.

Granite

Another of the high-end natural stone tiles is granite. Granite has natural flecks, which give it its unique appearance. Just like marble, granite tiles come in either a honed or polished finish. It can be a more cost-effective option when compared to marble, but granite can still provide elegance to your home remodeling project.

Granite is one of the most durable types of tile on the market. If granite tiles are sealed properly and cleaned often, they can last for decades. One reason many clients elect to have granite tile is that it does not stain easily. Because of this, granite is often chosen as food preparation surface, or as flooring. Similar to marble, granite tiles should be resealed every twelve months.

Limestone

Limestone tiles are often used by clients who want a rustic, natural look to their home remodel. It comes in many natural shades and tones, which can be combined to add a splash of color. Due to its rustic look, many of our clients request limestone tiles for an outdoor space like a patio. One thing to note about limestone is that it is a porous rock. To ensure that limestone tiles last, they must be sealed properly, and resealed every two years.

Travertine

Similar to limestone, travertine offers a natural, rustic aesthetic. Travertine stone is often used in low traffic areas of a home, because it is susceptible to scratches and stains. Due to this, we often apply travertine stones to walls instead of floors. It can be used as flooring, but will require a special sealant to ensure it retains its original look.

Unlike its other natural stone counterparts, travertine tiles only need to be resealed every three to five years, which can be a benefit to those looking for a more cost-effective natural stone tile.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are among the most commonly used tiles in home remodeling. This is due to their low cost and easy installation. There are also hundreds of styles and colors available, which makes it easy to find the right tile for your space. Ceramic tiles can be used in almost any room, but are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, either as flooring or on the wall.

When used as flooring or on the wall, ceramic tiles are typically glazed to ensure the surface does not scuff or scratch. However some may opt to use unglazed ceramic tiles for a more rustic or artistic look.

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are prevalent in home remodeling. Many use these tiles because they look similar to stone, brick or wood, but without the same maintenance requirements. Similar to ceramic, porcelain tiles are a cost-effective option, but are more durable than ceramic tiles. They are most commonly used as flooring or on the walls in kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, porcelain tiles can be used outdoors because they are stable in extreme temperatures, and resist fading or cracking.

Glass

Glass tiles are often used in modern spaces. One of the biggest reasons that clients pick glass tiles for their home remodel is that they are easy to clean, and do not absorb water. Because of this, glass tiles are commonly used as a backsplash in a kitchen, or on walls in a bathroom or powder room. However, due to their ability to easily break, glass tiles are almost never used as flooring or on walls in high traffic areas of a home.

Additionally, glass tiles come in a variety of colors and shapes, making it easy to find the right tiles to add beauty and character to your home. Tile installers often warn that glass tiles can chip, crack, and require special mortar, making them more difficult to install.

Cement

While some of the tiles we mentioned can be installed by a motivated DIYer, cement tiles are best left to the professionals. This is because cement tiles are extremely heavy, and typically need a team of builders to install correctly. Cement tiles are versatile and durable, which makes them usable in almost any area of a home.

Most commonly, cement tiles are used as flooring or on walls. Because cement tiles are extremely porous, a patina can develop over time, enhancing the pattern. However, if you would like to retain the original look, cement tiles should be released every two to three years.

Quarry

Quarry tiles are made from natural ground minerals, such as feldspar, clay and shale. These materials are ground together then baked at over 2000 degrees. Because they are fired at extreme temperatures, quarry tiles are naturally dense, nonporous and water resistant. One of the biggest benefits to quarry tiles is that they do not need to be sealed, which many of the other types of tile require. Quarry tiles are durable, naturally slip-resistant, and most often used as flooring in kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms.

Metal Tiles

Metal tiles can be incorporated into a chic and modern design. Though durable, metal tiles are prone to scratching. Some prefer the naturally occurring patina which can soften the overall look of the metal tiles. One of the biggest benefits to metal tiles is that they are easy to clean and highly resistant to damage. Because of this, metal tiles are often used as a backsplash in kitchens or between a range and range hood.

Resin

Resin tiles are water resistant and a viable DIY option because they allow you to create a unique look. Because of they way they are manufactured, some resin tiles look 3D. However, most resin tiles are made to imitate the look of water or stone. Resin tiles can chip or yellow over time, especially when exposed to the sun, so they are most commonly used as backsplashes or unique accent pieces.

Type	Common Applications	Durability	Cost
Marble	Kitchen and bathroom flooring, walls and backsplashes	💪💪	$$$$
Granite	Flooring, bathrooms and backsplashes	💪💪💪	$$$$
Limestone	Kitchen, bathrooms and outdoor spaces	💪💪	$$$$
Travertine	Kitchen and bathroom flooring and walls	💪💪	$$$$
Ceramic	Kitchen and bathroom flooring and walls and backsplashes	💪💪💪	$$$$
Porcelain	Kitchen and bathroom flooring and walls and outdoor spaces	💪💪💪	$$$$
Glass	Backsplashes or accent pieces	💪	$$$$
Cement	Flooring and walls in most areas of home	💪💪💪	$$$$
Quarry	Flooring	💪💪💪	$$$$
Metal	Kitchen, bar and utility room	💪💪	$$$$
Resin	Backsplashes or accent pieces	💪	$$$$

Getting the Right Tiles for Your Remodeled Home

Incorporating tile into your home remodeling project can add elegance and character to your home. There are a variety of materials available, allowing you to select the perfect look for your home. Please contact us at LaBonte Construction about incorporating tiles in your next home remodeling project.