Taking on your very first tiling project? You may be surprised by the vast array of tiles available. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most popular one around while cement and metal tiles are less common. Different tiles suit different applications which makes it crucial that you understand each tile’s unique characteristics. To simplify your buying process, we’ve rounded up 10 types of tiles that are commonly used by tiling companies in remodelling projects today. Read on to find out which tiles best fit your intended applications.
1. Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles are very popular and for good reason. They’re affordable, they’re versatile, and they look good in almost any flooring you choose to install it in. Ceramic tiles are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and even entryways because of how durable they are. Add in the fact they’re easy to clean and it’s no surprise why many homeowners favour ceramic tiles over any other varieties. Ceramic tiles come in glazed and unglazed options, with the latter giving off a rustic finish while the former is coated with enamel for a longer-lasting finish.
2. Porcelain tile
The appeal with porcelain tiles that they can emulate a wide variety of materials like wood, stone, and brick. This, in turn, gives your home an elegant finish but without the added maintenance or upkeep. Porcelain is viewed as an all-purpose tile and comes in a wide range of styles and colour options. The only downside to porcelain tiles is that the installation process can be time-consuming and requires expert knowledge to install correctly.
3. Glass tile
Glass tiles are known for their stain-resistant characteristics which makes them suitable for kitchen applications. This type of tile also maintains a clean and simple look that homeowners may find attractive. If you’re looking for an alternative to natural stone, then glass tiles are a good choice. But since glass tiles can be slippery, use them only in low-traffic areas like tabletops, desks, and backsplashes.
4. Cement tile
Cement tiles have been around since the 19th century and are currently experiencing a resurgence in terms of interior design. Cement tiles provide you with stunning colours and designs for that truly distinctive look. But since they’re porous, they require more maintenance than your conventional tiles. For those reasons, cement tiles are best used in small quantities since they can also develop a patina over time.
5. Marble tile
Nothing exudes luxuriousness more than a marble tile. It adds a touch of elegance to any modern home by providing a mix of texture and depth for that sophisticated look. While marble tiles are on the upper echelon of tiles, they are prone to scuffs and scratches which equates to higher maintenance costs. You’ll often see marble tiles in countertops and decorative features because they’re very expensive and using them in large quantities is highly impractical.
6. Mosaic tiles
Mosaic tiles have that artistic flair that many tile varieties simply don’t have. This makes them perfect for accent pieces that you want to highlight like walls and outdoor decor. But depending on the style you choose, mosaic tiles can look outdated fast so we recommend going for a timeless design that matches the design elements of your home.
7. Granite tiles
Natural stones like granite resemble marble quite well due to their inherent flecks. It’s a cheaper alternative to marble and is best used on secondary spaces such as laundry rooms and storage areas where cost and performance are your main concerns. Granite tiles are moisture-resistant, making them perfect for pool surrounds and the like.
8. Limestone tiles
Limestone tiles have been growing in popularity over the years and it’s because of its aesthetics and performance. Just like granite tiles, limestone tiles are a natural stone tile that creates a rustic-themed look which looks great on outdoor spaces like patios and verandas. Keep in mind that limestone is a porous material and will require resealing every few years to keep it in great shape.
9. Quarry tiles
Quarry tiles are made from earth materials like clay and feldspar. These materials have been processed similarly to bricks, albeit at a much stronger manufacturing process for durability and longevity. Although tough as nails, quarry tiles are prone to staining. We recommend using quarry tiles on footpaths and high-traffic areas since they’re very slip-resistant and won’t wear out easily over the long-term.
10. Metal tiles
Metal tiles aren’t that common in remodelling projects, but they do have their fair share of advantages. They offer superior durability compared to most other tile varieties and are guaranteed to last decades if properly cared for. However, metal tiles are notorious for getting scuffs and scratches which means its applications are fairly limited. For areas like kitchen bars and utility rooms, metal tiles are a worthy consideration.
There are plenty of other tile varieties available on the market, but these ones are the most commonly used tiles for remodelling and interior design. Before purchasing tiles, make sure to conduct thorough research to see if the tiles fit your needs in terms of value, aesthetics, and performance.