We like to discuss four main tile categories when people come into the studio searching for their home projects.

The first and most widely used is porcelain tile. Porcelain comes in many shapes, sizes, and styles. It is very durable, easy to install, and easy to keep. This category of tile is popular for bathrooms and flooring throughout the house. The current trends for bathrooms include white and gray marble looks and patterned styles that are bold and colorful. If a tile floor throughout the house or in a large area is what you want, then wood-look porcelain is another excellent option. We frequently use porcelain tiles that look like bricks and even natural stone, such as slate or limestone. The most common size in this category is 12” x 24”, however, due to its durability, porcelain is available in even larger sizes such as 24” x 48”. If you are interested in a cleaner look with fewer grout lines, you may consider a large-scale porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is an everywhere tile. It is affordable and can be used on floors, walls, and even outdoor surfaces.

Ceramic tile is the second category to consider. This category is affordable and can be used in many places in the home; however, it is typically less durable and thus more suited for wall tile unless it is very thick. Ceramic tile is easy to keep and clean, which is why it is one of the top choices for shower walls and kitchen backsplash. The most popular style of ceramic tile is called Subway tile. While traditionally rectangular and 3” x 6” in size, Subway tile now comes in many shapes and sizes. The current trends in this category include bold colors and less uniform coloring and construction, creating a hand-crafted look and feel.

The next category is natural stone. Natural stone can be more expensive and harder to maintain depending on the specific properties of the stone you choose. Examples of natural stones that frequently come in tile form are: marble, slate, travertine, limestone, and granite. Due to the higher price tag, we see natural stone used when clients want to elevate a space, often a primary bathroom or kitchen backsplash. Natural stone tile should always be sealed after it is installed because it is typically more porous and prone to staining. However, for many, the look and feel of natural stone is an expense worth splurging on for particular spaces in their house.

The final category is a bit of a chameleon because it actually overlaps with all of the other categories we’ve discussed. A mosaic tile is a small-scale option that can be made out of porcelain, ceramic, and/or natural stone. Sometimes, it even includes a mixture of the three. Mosaic tile is made up of multiple small cuts of tile glued onto a mesh backing, making this tile the most expensive category. Yet, it is recommended to use this type of tile on shower floors because the extra grout lines make it easier for your feet to keep from slipping when the tile gets wet. Mosaic tile is also used as a decorative tile on shower walls, bathtubs, and kitchen backsplashes.

If you are currently working on a home project or are about to start one, we would love to help guide you through the selection process.