Tile Material Guide
Understanding different tile materials helps you make the best choice for your project's needs and budget
Ceramic Tiles
$Made from clay and fired at lower temperatures, ceramic tiles are versatile and budget-friendly.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Wide variety of colors and patterns
- Good for walls and light-traffic floors
Cons
- More porous than porcelain
- Can chip more easily
- Not ideal for outdoor use
Best For
Bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes, low-traffic areas
Porcelain Tiles
$$Dense, durable tiles fired at high temperatures, making them less porous and more durable.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Water resistant
- Suitable for indoor/outdoor use
- Low maintenance
Cons
- More expensive than ceramic
- Harder to cut
- Can be slippery when wet
Best For
High-traffic floors, bathrooms, outdoor patios
Natural Stone
$$$Including marble, granite, travertine, and slate - each with unique characteristics.
Pros
- Unique natural beauty
- Increases property value
- Long-lasting
- Cool surface temperature
Cons
- Requires sealing
- Can be expensive
- Susceptible to staining
- Needs special care
Best For
Luxury bathrooms, feature walls, outdoor applications
Glass Tiles
$$Non-porous tiles that reflect light and create stunning visual effects.
Pros
- Non-porous
- Easy to clean
- Reflects light
- Stain resistant
Cons
- Shows water spots
- Can be expensive
- Limited size options
- Requires careful installation
Best For
Backsplashes, accent walls, pool areas
How to Choose the Right Material
Consider Your Location
- • Bathrooms: Choose water-resistant materials like porcelain
- • Kitchens: Non-porous materials for easy cleaning
- • Outdoor: Frost-resistant porcelain or natural stone
- • High-traffic: Durable materials like porcelain
Think About Maintenance
- • Low maintenance: Porcelain and glass tiles
- • Regular sealing: Natural stone materials
- • Easy cleaning: Smooth, non-textured surfaces
- • Stain resistance: Non-porous materials
Tile Sizes and Formats
Small Format (Under 6")
Mosaic tiles, penny rounds, small subway tiles
Best For: Accent walls, backsplashes, shower niches
Medium Format (6"-12")
Standard subway, square tiles, hexagons
Best For: Walls, moderate-sized floors
Large Format (12"+)
Slab tiles, large rectangles, oversized squares
Best For: Modern looks, small spaces, minimal grout lines
Need Help Choosing Materials?
Our experts can help you select the perfect tile material for your specific project and budget.