Types of Tile for Your Home

Tile is a classic, upscale look that lends a beautiful finish to kitchens, baths, or almost any other room in the house. One of the biggest benefits of using tile for floors or walls is the wide variety of tile types available. There are materials used to make indoor tile that fit any budget and blend in with any practically any style of interior design. What’s more, tile can be used as the main material in a room, or just as a tasteful accent. These are some of the most popular varieties of tile for use indoors.

Porcelains

Porcelain is a popular, versatile material for tiles, and it’s easy to see why. The material has a lot of advantages, including being strong and resistant to stains. It also has a beautiful, classic look and is easy to cut into different shapes and sizes. Though generally not the cheapest option, it does offer a good balance of price and quality.

Vinyl

Vinyl tile is lightweight and inexpensive. It is very forgiving and easy to work with, so it’s a great choice if you plan to install the tile by yourself. In addition, newer vinyl tiles replicate the look of sturdier materials very well, giving your kitchen or bath the appearance of stone or porcelain tile at a fraction of the cost.

Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone that is ideal for making oversized tiles. Though they are very striking, travertine tiles are somewhat limited in what they can be used for. The tiles tend to echo when stepped on, so they are not ideal for small rooms. However, they are very popular in hotels, business lobbies, and homes with open layouts.

Faux Stone

Faux stone tiles can be made from either vinyl or porcelain. They are designed to replicate the look of cobblestones, travertine, or other tiles cut from natural stone, but they have several advantages. Faux stone tends to be easier to clean and more stain resistant. It also holds temperature better, making it better for insulation.

Slate

If you think natural stone is a good choice for you, slate is a great material to start with. Slate is durable and has a natural texture that makes it slip resistant. The stone also comes in color varieties like gray, blue, and green so you can integrate it into your house more easily.

Terracotta

Terracotta tiles are made from clay-based ceramics. They break relatively easily compared to other materials, but they are very receptive to being painted and shaped. For this reason, terracotta tiles are most often used for accent or decoration in combination with other types of tile.

For help finding the right tile for your home, or to schedule a consultation, contact Mission Tile West at one of our three convenient locations today.