Different Types of Tiles Explained
Are you about to tackle a home renovation or remodel in the New Year? Does part of your project involve laying new tiles? That could be floor or wall tiles, as they are versatile and useful in different rooms of a house. As you start to wade into the project, the first thing that will likely strike you is the sheer amount of choice when it comes to the types of tiles.
The word “tiles” is just a blanket term, as there are so many different ones that fall under this umbrella. To make the selection process more streamlined and help you to find what it is that you envision, here’s a look at some of the most common types of tiles, including their pros and cons.
Ceramic Tiles
If you were to ask someone to name a type of tile, ‘ceramic tiles’ is often the answer. These are very common and for good reason. They tend to be reasonably priced, easy to find, and come in a huge selection of colours/textures/sizes/shapes. They work in different rooms of the house and are pretty easy to install yourself.
The biggest question you’ll probably need to answer is what kind of finish you want. Ceramic tiles come in a glazed or unglazed finish. Both are distinct and will create a different vibe in the room. Experts recommend that if durability and lifespan are the main concern, you stick with a glazed finish.
So, what are the downfalls of ceramic tiles? For some, they may seem too commonplace. They aren’t exactly unique, and they don’t tend to have the intricate details that some other types of tiles have.
Terracotta Tiles
Another well-known type of tile is terracotta. Terracotta works beautifully as floor tiles, giving the home a rustic charm that some of the other types can’t achieve. This also happens to be one of the oldest types of tiles, which is what adds to its charm.
You can find glazed and unglazed versions and if you purchase high-quality tiles, you can expect them to last forever. Besides being used on floors, they can also be used on walls and countertops. Where you need to be wary with terracotta is the quality. If you purchase poor quality terracotta, it won’t be durable, and it will start to show wear and tear quite early on.
Travertine Tiles
While not as popular as the abovementioned tiles, travertine still has its place in home decor. It is often compared to limestone in that it is a natural tile. Also, each piece is unique, so you won’t find two identical tiles. This fact alone is enough to catch the eyes of some homeowners, whereas others want a more uniform look. The typical colours in travertine are tan, grey, and beige, and they tend to feature swirling patterns.
For all its beauty, this type of tile isn’t exactly low maintenance. You need to know this going into the project so that you’re prepared to do what’s necessary to maintain its beauty. Travertine tiles need to be sealed because stains, water and even lots of traffic on them will damage the surface. It may be too much work for some. Cost can also be quite high with travertine tiles, potentially pushing them right out of the budget.
Marble Tiles
Homeowners who want to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their home may want to consider marble tiles. These are some of the most luxurious looking tiles you can find, and they work beautifully in bathrooms and kitchens.
You may even want to extend the tiling into other areas of the home. Designers often suggest these types of tiles to add depth and interest to a room.
One of the things marble tiles are known for is their veining and naturally occurring patterns. This creates a variety of colours, which is where the texture and depth come into play.
As for the downfalls, there are a few with marble tiles. The first is the cost since marble is easily one of the most expensive types of tiles there are.
If you’re just tiling a small space, it may be feasible, but if it’s a big room or multiple rooms, marble may not be the best idea.
Not only that, but it’s not very durable. It is prone to scratches and staining which will greatly alter its appearance. To keep it in like-new condition, there is constant maintenance. For anyone with young kids and/or pets, this may not be very practical.
Glass Tiles
Here’s a style of tile that seems to be gaining popularity in the past decade or so. Glass tiles can be a great option for the wall as they are resistant to stains, are simple to install and come in a massive selection of styles, shapes, colours and sizes. This is ideal for homeowners who appreciate a modern and minimalistic look as the tiles aren’t overstated. They also tend to be fairly reasonably priced. One drawback is the fact they can chip and even break, they are glass after all.
Learning about all the different types of tiles you can use on the floor and/or walls will help you to figure out which option best suits your home renovation.
Different Types of Tiles Explained