- Thu, 25 Mar 2021
- Carlos Melgar Craftsman Handyman
Consider These 7 Types of Tiles for Your Home’s Walls and Flooring
Did you start your home renovation project but are stuck choosing the tile for a specific area or room? Well, fret no more! In this blog, we bring you the 7 best types of tiles and the places where they will work the best.
Some tiles are better flooring options than others. Also, there are types of wall tiles for the bathroom, kitchen, and other rooms. For that reason, you should know the specific characteristics of each tile style.
There are many more options available, but we have compiled the ones we considered are the best. Any of these choices will give your home a new and upgraded appearance. So, keep reading and find out which tiles you need!
Some Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Type of Tile
Before we discuss the different kinds of tile, there are some factors you should know first. Knowing these factors and taking them into account during the selection process will make your job easier.
Also, these factors will help you understand the best wall tiles and which ones are a great flooring option.
Coefficient of Friction (COF) Rating
When you’re about to buy new tile for your bathroom or kitchen floors, you want it to be slip-resistant. But, how can you know this specification? You can find out through a system called the Coefficient of Friction (COF) rating.
A tile with a COF rating of 0.50 (dry) is optimal for flooring. The higher the COF rating, the more slip-resistant the tile is. However, when a tile is very slip-resistant, then it is more difficult to wet or mop it.
If you’re looking for new flooring where you know you won’t slip and fall, then you need a tile with a high COF rating.
Tile Size
You may think that the tile size does not matter when making a decision. But, if you want your home to have a cohesive look, you must take this into account.
For a large room with a lot of floor space, we recommend a bigger tile. As a result, the room will maintain that open appearance.
On the other hand, it would be better for smaller rooms, such as a guest bathroom, to choose a smaller tile.
Color and Texture of the Tiles
During your decision-making process, you must think about the color and texture of the tiles. This is a very personal decision, but you still have to think carefully about it.
For a room with a lot of foot traffic, we recommend a darker color for the tiles. This is because, with lighter tiles and grout, any dirt will be more visible.
Regarding texture, a glossy tile would be better for a wall rather than a flooring option. You also have to think about your home’s decor when making this decision.
Water Absorption Rate
Finally, the water absorption rate is essential when choosing floor tiles. This rate will help determine if a tile is suitable for interior or exterior use.
You should use tiles with a lower absorption rate only indoors. On the other hand, tiles with a higher rate can be used both inside or outside.
If you want to know the COF rating and water absorption rate of a kind of tile, your tile store should be able to provide them for you.
These Are the 7 Best Types of Tiles
Are you ready to choose tiles for your flooring or walls? Then keep reading to learn more!
These are the 7 best types of tiles:
- Ceramic tile for all purposes
- Porcelain tiles: a waterproof option
- Mosaic tile: perfect for the shower
- Cement tiles: variety of patterns and colors
- Natural stone tiles for a high-end look
- Glass tiles: a versatile option
- Quarry tile: a great choice for flooring
Ceramic Tiles for All Purposes
Ceramic tile is by far the most popular style used in homes. This is because it is a very versatile option while being budget-friendly. It is made from clay baked at high temperatures. It then gets a glaze finish.
The ceramic tile texture will vary depending on the type of clay or if there were other materials added to the mix.
Subway tile is one of the most popular styles of ceramic. This is because you can lay it in various ways due to its shape. It is very common to use on bathroom walls or kitchen backsplashes.
Also, ceramic tiles can withstand a lot of foot traffic as they are very durable. So, you can use it in any room inside your home. But, don’t install ceramic tiles outdoors as they don’t do well with extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Porcelain Tiles: A Waterproof Option
You should consider porcelain tiles if you’re looking for a waterproof option. They have this characteristic because of the process by which they were created. The process is similar to that of ceramic tiles. The difference is that the clay used in porcelain is baked at higher temperatures.
The glaze used for porcelain tiles seals them and allows them to be impervious to liquids. So, it is an excellent choice for a kitchen backsplash or an outdoor patio.
In other words, you can use porcelain tiles both indoors and outdoors. As it is highly durable, even more than ceramic, you can install it in high-traffic areas such as entryways or halls.
Mosaic Tiles: Perfect for the Shower
The size of mosaic tiles is what sets them apart from other types of tiles. They come in only two sizes which are 1″x1″ and 2″x2″. For that reason, they are great for small areas such as shower walls.
Mosaic tiles are also known for having multiple pieces that appear on each tile or “sheet.” This gives them a distinct appearance that not all styles of tiles have.
You can find ceramic, porcelain, stone, glass, and other elements on mosaic tiles. They come with a mesh backing which makes installation much more manageable. This mesh backing also allows for the tiles to be separated, giving you flexibility in how you want to install them.
Cement Tiles: Variety of Patterns and Colors
When it comes to cement tiles, people have a love/hate relationship with them. This is because they are incredibly versatile, which means they provide a variety of patterns and colors. But, you need to reseal them at least once a month so that they maintain their beauty.
Cement tiles can also get discolored over time, so you would have to sand and reseal them when they start losing their color. For that reason, we recommend using cement tiles in low-traffic areas.
If you place them in areas with a lot of traffic, then they will start discoloring sooner than they should. You have to sand and reseal cement tiles very often because they are extremely porous.
Natural Stone Tiles for a High-End Look
Natural stone tiles are the most expensive but luxurious types of tiles. They provide an elegant and high-end option and have been around for a long time. So, you should consider them if you want a superior choice for your tile installation project.
Among the most popular natural stone tiles are limestone, sandstone, granite, and marble tile. Each can bring its uniqueness and beauty to the room where you want to install it.
You can install stone tiles indoors or outdoors. But, since natural stones are porous, you’ll need to reseal them every once in a while so that they keep their beauty.
Glass Tiles: A Versatile Option
Glass tiles are a very versatile option due to the material’s composition. It is prevalent to see it being used in subway tile and mosaics. Since it is very versatile, you can cut it into any shape you desire.
We recommend using glass tiles as a kitchen backsplash since they are stain-resistant. So, you wouldn’t have to worry about your backsplash staining. It can also work well in your bathroom’s shower walls.
However, we don’t recommend that you use glass tiles as a flooring option. This is because glass can chip in high-traffic areas.
Quarry Tiles: A Great Choice for Flooring
Since quarry tiles provide excellent slip resistance, they are a great flooring option both indoors and outdoors. They also have low porosity and water absorption rate, making them water-resistant.
The most popular color found in quarry tiles is red. But, you can also find them in gray and tan. Since quarry tiles are hard to clean, we recommend choosing darker colors for your flooring.
Any of these types of tiles will bring beauty and value to your home, whether you use them for your walls or floors. Be sure to choose correctly the handyman you’re going to work with for your tile installation project. As a result, you’ll get the results you expect!
If you need any help, be sure to get in contact with one of our experts!