Tiles are thin objects, usually shaped as squares or rectangles, used for flooring, roofing, as well as wall coverings. The reason why tiles are great is that they’re so versatile that they can fit virtually any style of interior design. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. This means that when designing a house, your options are virtually limitless. With that in mind and without further ado, here are several types of tiles, as well as their pros and cons which may help you in your future house designing project.
1. Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are a standard option, some would even argue the most popular option in households all over the globe. They are versatile and can be used on floors, walls, countertops, and even backsplashes. The material is durable and incredibly low-maintenance, which is why it’s commonly used in areas like the kitchen and bathroom (places that are likely to get messed up).
Price is fairly reasonable and you can find a great deal for anywhere between $3 to $7 per square foot. The problem is that if you decide to replace some times, it’s sometimes hard to find the exact match. This is why it’s for the best to have some spares.
2. Porcelain
Porcelain tiles come in many shapes and forms, which makes them a great fit for any style or design plan that you have in mind. Porcelain is water and stain-resistant, which again makes it ideal for the kitchen and bathroom. The material is often mistaken for something brittle but the truth is that porcelain doesn’t get scratched or broken that easily. Cleaning porcelain is fairly easy, regardless if you use homemade or commercial cleaners.
The downside is the cost, seeing as how it can cost up to $25 per square foot. It is also quite difficult to install, which is why not all handymen can do it properly. Lastly, if not covered it can be quite slippery. For this reason, the cost of installation tends to be relatively high, as well. This makes it less than ideal in areas with a lot of foot traffic (like hallways).
3. Stone
According to experts behind Stone & Tile Projects, there are two main reasons why you should go for stone tiles. The first one is the fact that the area is high traffic and that you want the most durable solution there is. Stone is incredibly weather-resistant and, chances are, that even without maintenance, once installed, they will be there for decades and centuries. Second, stone tiles are one of the most luxurious options, so you go for them when you aim to impress.
The downsides are porosity and a fact that some stone types may be easier to chip than others. Nonetheless, the main reason why some people decide against stone tiles is the fact that this is one of the more expensive flooring options out there. In other words, if your budget permits it, you should definitely go for stone.
4. Glass
The biggest selling point of glass tiles is the fact that it is incredibly beautiful. The reflective surface will enhance the effect of natural light in these rooms, which is incredibly handy. Remember, the bathroom is the area that sacrifices a lot of natural light for the sake of privacy. This way, you can make up for it.
Apart from this, glass is easy to clean and it doesn’t absorb any water. Glass is impervious to water, even more so than ceramic. After all, the absorbency rate of ceramic is 0.5% to 0.3% (depending on the variety) while the absorbency rate of glass is 0%. Finally, since glass tiles are often made from recycled materials, this method is eco-friendly. A sustainable lifestyle can start with these choices. The downsides are the cost of materials and professional insulation.
5. Cement
Cement tiles are not often discussed, seeing as how the majority of people just go for ceramics or porcelain. Still, this is an option worth considering. The option itself has three major advantages that shouldn’t be neglected. First, they’re environmentally friendly (the eco-friendliest option of them all). Second, they’re available in all colors and patterns. Lastly, they’re relatively inexpensive.
The downsides are that this material is not as commonly worked with. This means that you’ll have trouble finding a handyman with real experience. Second, they’re quite thick, which may be problematic in the door area, unless you’re extra careful with your calculation.
6. Marble
Those who aim for maximum elegance and have no budget issues can always go with marble flooring. Marble tiles are one of the options they have available. Marble is elegant, natural material, and your maintenance options are both easy and quite effective. Freshly polished marble will always look brand new, which is a huge advantage seeing as how marble is particularly easy to polish. It is also quite effective with radiant floor heating.
The problem is that marble is porous and it both scratches and stains easily. It can also be quite cold if you don’t have floor heating or don’t invest in rugs. Overall, this is one of the most expensive tile options that you’ll encounter on the market but there are a lot of those who choose it for this very reason.
7. Granite
Granite tiles are durable, inexpensive, and heat resistant. This, however, is just the top of the list of all that makes them such an amazing tile option. They are stone but tend to be more resistant to moisture. Also, granite floor tiles come in so many different options. Moreover, granite is a popular choice for the countertop material. Combined with a granite tile backsplash this can be a great setting for your kitchen, overall.
Problems with granite are mostly tied to its cost. Sure, it’s not exactly marble but it’s not ceramics either. Moreover, you need professionals to install it, while with ceramics you would be able to DIY it without much trouble.
In conclusion
At the end of the day, the choice of tile material should be made based on the cost, physical properties, and aesthetics of the tiles. In other words, context and your own personal preference should never be underestimated but you need to look at the hard data first.
