Explore stylish tile flooring

Compare ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metal tile

Choosing the right tile material starts with considering where it will be installed.

• Ceramic tile is made from clay and comes in countless colors, patterns, and sizes. It is commonly used for residential floors and walls.
• Porcelain tile is a dense type of ceramic with low water absorption. Its durability makes many porcelain products ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and other demanding areas.
• Glass tile reflects light and adds color or shine. It is especially popular for kitchen backsplashes, shower accents, mosaics, and feature walls.
• Metal tile delivers a distinctive contemporary look. It can add an eye-catching accent to backsplashes and other decorative surfaces.

Choosing between glazed and unglazed tile

• Glazed tile receives a protective surface during manufacturing that can add color, pattern, shine, and stain resistance. The wide variety of designs makes glazed tile suitable for many decorating styles.
• Unglazed tile has no added surface glaze and often provides a more natural, earthy appearance. Depending on the product, it may offer added texture but could require sealing for protection against stains and moisture.

Always check the manufacturer's recommendations to make sure your tile is appropriate for its intended location.

Find tile shapes that match your style

Square and rectangular tiles remain timeless choices, but today's selection goes much further. Hexagons, penny rounds, diamonds, arabesques, chevrons, and other geometric shapes allow you to create distinctive designs.

Rectangular tiles can also be arranged in subway, stacked, offset, or herringbone patterns. Mosaic tiles are another great way to bring visual interest to backsplashes, showers, and accent areas.

Choose the right tile size

Tile size affects both appearance and function. Small tiles work particularly well for mosaics, shower floors, backsplashes, and detailed designs. Medium-format tiles offer versatility throughout the home.

Large-format tiles provide a clean, modern appearance with fewer grout lines. They are popular for bathroom floors, kitchens, walls, and open living areas. Your room dimensions and installation surface should also influence your choice.

Explore popular tile colors

Tile comes in virtually every color imaginable, from white, cream, beige, gray, and brown to blue, green, black, and statement shades. You can also choose tiles designed to recreate hardwood, marble, concrete, and natural stone.

Light colors can make spaces feel brighter and more open, while darker shades create depth and drama. Neutral colors offer flexibility as décor changes.

Don't overlook grout color. Matching grout produces a more seamless appearance, while contrasting grout highlights individual tiles and patterns.

Discover where tile can be installed

Tile isn't just for kitchen and bathroom floors. Depending on the product's specifications, you can install tile on floors, kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, shower floors, bathroom walls, fireplace surrounds, feature walls, entryways, mudrooms, and decorative accents.

Each application has different performance requirements. Wall tile, for example, isn't automatically suitable for floors. Shower areas may require additional consideration for water and slip resistance. Our team can help you select tiles designed for your specific project.

Keep tile flooring clean and beautiful

Tile flooring is relatively easy to maintain. Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit. Wipe up spills promptly and mop when necessary using a cleaner recommended for your tile material.

Avoid abrasive cleaners unless approved by the manufacturer. Grout should also be cleaned periodically and sealed when recommended to help prevent staining and moisture absorption.

Following the manufacturer's care instructions is the best way to protect your specific tile and keep it looking its best.

Tile flooring FAQs

Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for floors?

Both can be excellent choices. Porcelain tile is typically denser with lower water absorption, making it popular for demanding and moisture-prone areas. Ceramic tile also offers durable flooring options when properly rated for the application.

What tile is best for bathroom flooring?

Porcelain tile and ceramic tile are popular choices. Consider water resistance, slip resistance, texture, tile size, and the manufacturer's recommended application when selecting bathroom tile flooring.

Can wall tile be installed on floors?

Not necessarily. Some wall tiles aren't designed to withstand regular foot traffic. Check the product rating before using any wall tile as flooring.

Are large-format tiles good for small rooms?

Yes. Large-format tiles create fewer grout lines and a continuous appearance that can help smaller rooms feel more spacious.

How long does tile flooring last?

Quality tile flooring can last for decades with proper installation and maintenance. Longevity depends on the material, amount of traffic, care, and suitability for the application.

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