A Guide to Different Types of Floor Tiles

Tiles have gained the reputation of being one of the most popular materials for home flooring and wall decor. Be it the interior or the exterior floor or walls, tiles are indispensable to elevate the beauty and usefulness of the spaces of your home. Contemporary home décor is impossible without tiles, which are present almost everywhere. Tiles are not only used in the floor and walls of your home, they are also applied to outdoor elevation walls, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom cabinets, countertops, and bedroom accent walls. The use of tiles has gone beyond the ordinary as they are now used to create furniture like table tops and for parking spaces, garages, and garden pathways of your home. Thus, we can say that tiles have become an all-purpose material used in multiple areas to serve multiple purposes. 

If you are planning a home renovation and are finding it tough to select floor tiles, read on as we get into the depths of different types of floor tilesin this post and talk about their advantages and disadvantages.

Ceramic floor tiles

Ceramic tiles have a long history that goes back thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt and China. Ceramics are a popular material that has been used for years to adorn flooring, backsplashes, showers, ceilings as well as for making pottery, sculpture, etc.   

When it comes to floor tiles, ceramics are widely used because of their sturdiness and high durability. Ceramic tiles are non-porous and are made from clay and water, which are then coated with glaze to make them smooth. These tiles present a natural appearance and enhance the aesthetics of your home interiors.

Advantages of ceramic tiles

• Available in glossy, matte, metallic, and other finishes and numerous colors and patterns  
• They are non-slippery and safe
• They can withstand heavy foot traffic
• They are resistant to wear and tear and last long
• They are easy to clean and cost-effective 

Disadvantages of ceramic tiles

• They may break due to the hard nature of tiles
• Remains cold during winter as ceramic is cold
• They are more porous than porcelain tiles

Vitrified floor tiles

This is again a kind of ceramic tile with very low porosity. Vitrified tiles for floorsare made from silica, clay, and quartz using hydraulic pressure. They have a glassy shine and can be used in place of marble or granite flooring.   

Advantages of vitrified tiles

• These tiles are strong and durable
• They can be used in high-traffic areas
• They have good resistance against scratches and stains  

Disadvantages of vitrified tiles

• More expensive than ceramic tiles
• Not eco-friendly 
• Require careful placement 
• Installation charges are more

Porcelain floor tiles

In terms of appearance, porcelain tiles are more similar to ceramic tiles with the quality of being less dense. Thus, porcelain tiles are tough by nature and their water absorption quality is low. This makes them highly suitable for high-traffic areas. Cost-wise, these tiles are on the expensive side as compared to ceramic ones.   

Advantages of porcelain tiles

• They are available in solid color and more earthy appearance 
• They have a high capacity to withstand heat
• They can withstand moisture easily. Hence can be used in wet areas 

Disadvantages of porcelain tiles   

• Expensive than ceramic tiles
• Need more installation time 
• Available in limited shades and modest designs
• Brittleness is more as compared to ceramic tiles 

Glass floor tiles

Glass tiles are appealing due to their transparent feature. They are highly appreciated and liked for interior decoration. They can elevate a simple space with their presence and add depth and character to it. Although glass tiles are not popularly used as floor tiles due to their high cost and maintenance issues, however, using glass for a particular section in your home like the hallway, car area, entrance, etc., can enhance the décor and add a special touch to the overall glamour of the space.    

Advantages of glass tiles 

• They can resist stains easily 
• Easy to clean 
• They are completely recyclable 
• Limitless aesthetic appeal
• They can make space look larger

Disadvantages of glass tiles

• Very high priced and doesn’t fit into the budget of most people
• Require more installation price 
• Susceptible to scratches and they are fragile

Stone floor tiles

Natural stone floor tile designs have always attracted homeowners with their charm. Limestone, marble, slate, sandstone, and granite are all examples of natural stones that are used to make floor and wall tiles. These materials are especially suitable in warmer climates as they keep your home cool. These materials present a cool and tranquil atmosphere to your interiors.  

Advantages of stone floor tiles

• These tiles are sturdy and long-lasting as they are made from natural stones
• These tiles can be used for both interior and exterior purposes
• They are safe and durable
• Available in different stone tile categories 

Disadvantages of stone floor tiles

• They are costly as they are made of natural stones
• Being brittle, they can break easily
• Some stones may not withstand scratches
• May become slippery over the years

Marble floor tiles

Marble tiles have ruled the floor-tiling industry with their elegance and opulence for years. Marble has been the favorite material used in the construction of palaces and historical structures. They are naturally beautiful as well as premium materials for floors. Cost-wise marble floors may not fit into the budget of many homeowners.   

Advantages of marble tiles

• They are very attractive and have a unique appearance 
• They can make simple spaces look stunning
• They offer a glossy and shining appearance
• They serve best for warmer climates

Disadvantages of marble tiles

• Being porous stone, marble requires sealing
• They are prone to stains and scratches 
• Can be slippery if comes in contact with water
• Costly than most other tile options

Wooden floor tiles

Wooden floors have been quite popular in most homes for years. However, the option of using hardwood flooring comes with the sacrifice of numerous trees, which is not worth it. Moreover, they are also very expensive. Hence, the best option is to go for wood floor tiles, which give you the appearance of wood using artificial materials.  

Advantages of wooden tiles 

• These tiles are easy to clean and are long-lasting
• They offer a unique appearance 
• They are easy to install and are cost-effective
• They look like hardwood floors

Disadvantages of wooden tiles

• They are costly compared to ceramic tiles
• They may not be suitable in colder areas 
• The layering of tiles is hard

Cemented floor tiles

Cemented floors have always been popular as they are made from sand, cement, and other materials using hydraulic pressure. Cement tiles are not just durable but practical as well due to their several benefits.   

Advantages of cemented tiles 

• Highly durable if taken proper care
• Can last for a lifetime
• Available in wide designs and patterns
• They are eco-friendly 
• They are slip-proof 

Disadvantages of cemented tiles

• Highly porous, can easily form molds
• Requires proper sealing
• Not suitable for colder regions
• May not present the same shine as other tiles 

Conclusion 

To conclude, it is definitely a daunting task to find the right floor tile from the plethora of options available. However, when it comes to choosing the right tile for your home, go for the ones that suit your needs and pocket, rather than going after any fancy item. Keep in mind the environmental aspect and don’t get lured by the highly-priced options that may make a hole in your pocket. You can shortlist the best options from the different types of floor tilesavailable and choose as per your taste, preference, budget, and most importantly your requirements.