So, it’s time to update your kitchen or bathroom, and the existing tile has to go. But before you get caught up with the colours and patterns, make sure you choose the right types of tiles for you. Each type of tile comes with its own set of pros and cons, but making sure you are aware of them means you can make sure they work for you and not against you.
The first thing to think about is what are your priorities. Are you planning to use tiles in a high-traffic area, in which case is wear and tear something that is important to you? It could be that you want to install underfloor heating. Not all tiles will work with underfloor heating, so it is essential to use the correct ones.
To help, here are 11 of the most common types of tiles.
11 beautiful types of tiles
Porcelain
Let’s start with the most popular type of tile, Porcelain. Porcelain tile is made from a mixture of clay, quartz and feldspar. The mixture is then fired at extremely high temperatures to dry the clay out. This means the tiles are very hard and non-porous, making them scratch and stain-resistant. They are perfect for high-track spaces in your home, such as a kitchen floor and will work with underfloor heating. Over the past few years, porcelain tiles have had a makeover as technology has meant that they can now be printed to look like stone and marble. This means they are a fantastic option if you want a marble look on a tight budget.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are made in a very similar way to porcelain tiles. They are made from a blend of shaped, glazed and fired clays. Although they are similar to porcelain, the makeup means they are much more fragile. They are softer and more porous, and because of this, ceramic tiles are not usually recommended for use as flooring tiles. The draw of ceramic tiles is the richly coloured glazes that can create a texture and artistic feel that others lack. They are also much lighter than other tiles. Ceramic tiles are easy to cut and install, ensuring your tiler’s life is easier! Because of all of this, ceramic tiles are best used on splash-backs.
Zellige
Zellige tiles are a specific type of ceramic tiles. They are most commonly from Morocco and are made from light-coloured clay that is fired and hand-glazed. Zellige tiles have been having a moment for the last few years and are growing in popularity. Due to the handmade nature of these tiles, each one is different. The colours and finishes will vary across a batch of tiles, but this is what makes them so unique. Zellige tiles can be installed on many different surfaces in your home. Because of the hand-glazing, they will work with traditional and modern interior styles. But please be aware that because of the handmade nature of these tiles, they can be costly.
Encaustic
If you have ever been in or walked past a Victorian terrace, you have probably seen encaustic tiles, even if you didn’t know what they were. Encaustic tiles are brightly coloured tiles that usually feature a geometric pattern, either within themselves or created with the tile layout. The designs are stamped into the tile and filled with coloured clay before firing. This means the pattern runs the whole way through the tile, meaning it cannot be chipped off or worn away. Encaustic tiles will wear over time and create a patina as they age. Creating a sense of charm and history within the interior. As with zellige tiles, due to the handmade nature of encaustic tiles, they are one of the most costly types of tiles.
Limestone
If you are looking for a tile that will help tie a scheme together but has its own beautiful details and colours, then limestone is the tile for you. Limestone is a natural stone created from compressed fossils and marine skeletons. The result is a stone with a lot of warmth, although the colours vary from the most common pale off-white to browns, grey and beige. It will also have a soft pattern created from the stone’s layers. Because of this, limestone is a fantastic option if you have other design elements that you want to highlight. As limestone is a natural stone, it can be very porous and easily stained and scratched, so it must be well cared for and sealed every few years. As it is a natural stone, limestone tiles work well with underfloor heating.
Slate
Another natural stone that works very well as a tile is slate. Slate is known for its dark grey, copper, and silver colouring, which creates a deep and striking finish to the surface. Slate will work well in many different interior design styles. A tile with much more texture will work well in a rustic interior. Still, a smooth, honed tile will create an eye-catching statement in a modern interior. Because of the colours and patterning of the slate, it will always have a soft movement to it, no matter how it is finished. As with limestone, because slate is a natural material, it will need to be sealed every few years, and it is worth noting that the textured slate tiles can chip from time to time. This is because of how slate is created in layers over time.
Travertine
Travertine is a type of limestone that is formed explicitly within natural springs. Because of this, the stone has a swirled pattern that travertine is most known for. Travertine is poised for a comeback within the interior design industry, although in a much more refined way than we have seen before. There is a greater range of colours and patterns in travertine than in limestone, but it still has the softness and warmth of the natural stone. Travertine works well with underfloor heating. Because it is less compressed, travertine is much more porous, so it is crucial to seal it correctly. Some suppliers use epoxy resin within the tiles to seal them, so it is worth researching before you buy. It is also worth visiting a showroom to see the tiles, as the more prominent pattern will vary across different tiles.
Marble
The biggest draw for using marble tiles is that no two are the same. The colour and veining pattern will vary depending on the marble you choose. For this reason, marble tiles have been popular in high-end interiors for many years and work well in modern homes as they can be fitted over underfloor heating. When you visit a supplier, you can pick the exact slab of marble you would like to use to ensure the marble fits with your interior scheme. Although marble goes with almost any interior style, as there are many different options. Like other natural stones, marble tiles are very porous and will mark and scratch over time. They can be sealed to help prevent this, but they must be resealed every few years and cleaned regularly to ensure they look their best.
Terracotta
Of all types of tiles, terracotta is one that has been used in interiors the longest. They are created from soft clay that is hand-shaped and kiln-fired. This makes the soft, earthy-red tone of tile that terracotta is known for. Because of terracotta tile’s handmade nature, they lend themselves to work well in a more rustic interior. They will add character to a floor and are commonly used in kitchens. If you want to use terracotta in a more modern interior. In that case, there are terracotta tiles that are machine-made to look more uniform. Terracotta tiles can be used with underfloor heating like other natural stone tiles. They also need to be sealed as terracotta is a porous material. If you plan to use them in a wet area, it is worth getting pre-sealed tiles.
Mosaic
Mosaic tiles are a type of tile that adds a touch of elegance to an interior. Mosaics can be made up of many different materials, including natural stone, glass, ceramic, and even precious stones. They can also be almost any shape, although square and button mosaics are the most common. Mosaic tiles will keep their new look over time. The grout can be difficult to clean as there is so much more than with other tiles. Mosaic tiles are attached to a backing sheet that holds the tiles together in the layout. Because of this, they can be moulded to any curves you have in the design. However, if you want to fit them to a flat wall, it is best to ensure the wall is entirely smooth, as they will show any bumps.
Quarry
Quarry tiles are very similar types of tiles to terracotta tiles. They are made from clay that is fired, but they are fired to a much higher temperature, making them less porous and more hardwearing than terracotta tiles. Quarry tiles are traditionally used with encaustic tiles to create patterns. They have a similar finish but can be bought at a much lower price. Quarry tiles still need sealing, as do many other types of tiles made from clay. They must also be resealed every few years but work well with underfloor heating.
This post has been all about types of tile and their pros and cons to make sure you can pick the right one for your home.
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