Beginners Guide to Different Types of Tile

There are many types of tile flooring – natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain. Our beginner’s guide explains the differences and features of each.

Marble and granite and limestone, oh my! The types of tile flooring span a wide variety of colors, shapes, textures, and—most importantly—materials. If you’re thinking about replacing your floors with tile, first off, congratulations on making a decision that will give you beautiful, resilient floors that will last as long as your home. Secondly, roll up your sleeves and get ready to learn about what makes each tile different from the others.

Natural Stone

Natural stone is classic and timeless and has been a popular flooring choice for centuries. Natural stones feature variations in color and pattern making stone floor tiles beautiful and extremely durable. Natural stone tile is made from natural materials such as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and slate. With periodic sealing and polishing, natural stone will last forever. Contact Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers for more information and for a free no obligation estimate on your natural stone installation.

Marble is durable, easy to clean, versatile, and gives your room a look of refined elegance. Although available in a variety of colors, classic marble tile is typically white or off white with gray to black veining.

Granite is a highly durable, hard and dense rock and a good option for countertops and floors. Granite resists scratching when polished. With its unique veining and specks of minerals, granite is a classic and distinctive look and a good choice for kitchen and bathroom areas.

Limestone has a luxurious look and feel. Limestone is a soft, porous rock characterized by its earthy appearance and can be polished or textured. Limestone gives your room a look of classic luxury.

Travertine, a type of limestone, is characterized by classic neutral colors and unique natural patterns. Travertine provides a look of soft, natural, earthy tones.

Slate is extremely dense and durable and generally comes in darker tones. Slate is naturally textured, but can be honed to a smooth finish. Slate is a good choice for kitchens and high traffic areas and can also be used in outdoor areas. The richness of slate gives your room a look of classy elegance.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is durable and versatile and comes in a myriad of styles, colors, and finishes. Ceramic tile, made from clay, is molded and kiln dried at high temperatures. Color glaze is added before a second firing, to give ceramic tile its color. Ceramic tile is a budget-friendly choice. Ceramic tile can be glazed to matte, semi-gloss, or high gloss finishes.

Quarry tile is a sustainable, natural product made from clay and shale. Quarry tile is durable and easy to clean and features red and brown hues. Quarry tile is modestly priced and can be used outdoors as well as indoors.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is made from a mixture of clay and feldspar fired at very high temperatures, resulting in a highly durable, moisture-resistant tile. In addition to flooring, porcelain tile is a good choice for walls. Available in numerous colors, sizes, and textures, porcelain tile is a beautiful, durable, long-lasting option.

Mosaics and Medallions

Mosaic tiles are small pieces containing rock, shell, tile or glass that form a pattern. Mosaics can be used on walls and backsplashes. Medallions are single larger pieces that form designs and are used to provide focal points or give interest to a large expanse of tile.

Contact Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers

Whether you choose natural stone, ceramic or porcelain, let Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers’ skilled craftsmen install the hard surface tile of your dreams. Call or email Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers today for a free consultation. We know you only want the best in flooring. That’s why it’s important to hire the best in the business, and at Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers, we can guarantee you that’s us.

Flooring Masters & Professional Remodelers have been flooring and remodeling Kentuckiana for over 30 years. Our certified installers have the ingenuity and know-how to assist you in choosing the perfect floors for your home. Don’t take matters into your own hands—let us guide your next project.