From the ancient Egyptians to today, tile has remained a versatile and timeless building material. With so many styles available, it can be hard to decide what best suits your needs - but don't stress! In this guide, Lisa Holt lends an authoritative hand in selecting your ideal tile solution.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is the go-to choice for nearly any room in your home. Its time-tested durability and affordability make it a popular option. At the same time, its vast range of colors and shapes ensures that no matter what look you're going for, ceramic tiles will bring out the best in every area of your house. With easy cleaning properties, there's little wonder why ceramic remains one of today's top picks.
Best Uses
Ceramic tile is an excellent choice for any indoor setting, offering great value and a wide range of possibilities. Whether you're looking to add style to your kitchen with backsplash tiles or upgrade the look of your entryway/mudroom flooring, ceramic will deliver both form and function. However, opt for a more durable material if you want resilient outdoor tiling for something like a patio.
Watch Out For
When deciding on a tile for your flooring, the choice between glazed and unglazed ceramic can make a big difference. If you're seeking a more rustic vibe in your home's décor, then unglazed tiles are perfect! However, if durability is what you want–particularly in high-traffic areas of the house–opting for a glaze should be priority number one.
Glass Tile
Glass tile is an ideal choice for adding sparkle and depth to your kitchen or bathroom, with the ease of clean-up that comes along with it. This unique material can easily be used as a beautiful decorative accent, though its relative delicacy means you'll want to avoid putting it on floors.
Best Uses
From subdued matte to dazzling gloss and all the colors in between, glass tiles are versatile enough for any interior or exterior application. Whether you're making a design statement in your kitchen with glossy backsplash tile or adding an elegant touch on outdoor pool sides, glass is sure to make it shine!
Watch Out For
Glass tiles may look stunning, but for higher-traffic areas, it's essential to be aware of the potential hazards. Splintering around edges and slippery surfaces when wet are two common issues – so if you're on a budget or concerned about safety, then use sparingly as small 1-inch squares instead. Although pricier than other options available, glass tiles can deliver that wow factor you want - making them worth every penny!
"For those looking for eco-friendly options, recycled glass materials can be found that still deliver top-notch quality and beauty – green has never looked so good!" - Lisa Holt
Marble
Bringing classic elegance to your space is as easy as adding marble tile. From its timeless, diverse look - from virtually solid blacks and whites - to deep grey marbling, there's a style for any taste. But although it may seem like the perfect option in terms of luxurious sophistication, make sure you consider where this delicate stone will perform best, namely areas with low foot traffic. If the hefty price tag makes it out of the question for you, then opt for similarly luxurious replicas made of cement or even high-quality porcelain tiles.
Best Uses
Marble can bring elegance and sophistication to your home, no matter the space. From grand bathrooms featuring large marble tiles that exude classic beauty to adding more subtle pops of luxury through smaller marble tiles in transitional spaces - this stunning material makes for an attractive statement piece that's sure to turn heads!
Watch Out For
Because marble is so porous, you must regularly commit to keeping up its appearance - sealing the surface at regular intervals will protect against staining caused by fruit acids or everyday wear-and-tear. Harder varieties may be less prone to stain damage – however, all types of marble still require upkeep for long-lasting luxury in your home!
Granite Tile
Granite tile is making a comeback, offering an extraordinary range of options. Its myriad varieties provide many creative possibilities that can enhance any space – from the kitchen countertop and bathroom flooring to outdoor furnishings. Plus, it's highly durable, so you don't have to worry about staining or scratches marring its beauty over time! Granite also has superior slip-resistant properties for those high foot traffic areas where safety comes first. So if you're looking for something sophisticated yet low maintenance, granite tile might do the trick!
Best Uses
Granite tile is an affordable and low-maintenance option for indoor and outdoor floorings. To avoid a dated look, go with solid colors or less speckled patterns – they'll help keep your floors looking classic instead of something straight out of the 90s!
Watch Out For
When selecting granite tile, it's important to pick carefully. Top-grade Class A tiles maintain their natural beauty for years, while Classes B and C have an average lifespan - but you'll want to skip the low-quality Class D variety as its color can turn yellow with time.
Metal Tile
Transform your home into a modern marvel with gleaming metal tiles! From copper to aluminum, tin and stainless steel varieties come in an endless array of finishes, textures, and shapes. For the ultimate contemporary look, use them as your entire flooring; or incorporate them thoughtfully as accents alongside other materials like porcelain or ceramic tiles. Alternatively, take inspiration from rustic farmhouse designs using stunning copper hues - perfect for upgrading bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes!
Best Uses
You can create an industrial yet sophisticated look in any bathroom or kitchen with various metal tile options. Perfect for both guest and primary baths, these tiles add texture to your walls and floors - bringing them alive with metallic accents!
Watch Out For
Metal tiles bring industrial flair to any room, but scratches can add an unintended aged effect. If you want a vintage look, the patina of metal tile is perfect for your design needs! However, if that's different from what you are aiming for and you don't love how these materials absorb heat or scratch easily, then consider metallic porcelain; it provides the same alluring aesthetic with more longevity.
Mirrored Tile
Mirrored tile provides an elegant and sophisticated detail for any design. With multiple colors, shapes, and sizes - including clear!- available and beveled-edged options to choose from, there are countless ways to get creative and make your space shine.
Best Uses
Mirrored tile is a great way to bring modern fun into your bathroom or kitchen. Not only does it look stylish, but its reflective surface can make even the tiniest space feel more open and airy - perfect for those tight spaces!
Watch Out For
Mirrored tiles may look stunning, but they can be dangerous for your floors. To reap the benefits of this stylish material without risking slipping or crashing into something delicate, you're better off choosing it as an elegant detail – like part of a mosaic design - to enhance any decorative flourish in your home.
Mosaic Tile
Enjoy the luxurious look of mosaic tile without spending a fortune - mix porcelain glass and stone in an eye-catching pattern for maximum impact with minimal cost! The textured finish will add depth to any project, giving it that high-end feel.
Best Uses
Transform your home into a creative masterpiece with tasteful mosaic accents. Spice up traditional kitchen backsplashes and shower walls, or add an adventurous touch to bathroom floors! Wherever you place them, mosaics will bring unique personalities and styles that are sure to impress.
Watch Out For
A splash of mosaic tile can add a stunning accent to any room – but go too big, and the outcome may be an overwhelming clash.
"Subtlety is key when using mosaic tiles for maximum design impact." - Lisa Holt
Wanna know more?
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