Today, we’re delving into the details of each of the most common tile materials: ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, and luxury vinyl. This blog post will help you determine which type of tile is the right choice for your next home renovation project.
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Ceramic
Water, clay, and minerals are mixed together and fired in a kiln to form ceramic, which is then treated with a liquid glass coating and fired once more. This results in a material with a hard surface that’s resistant to scratches and stains.
Benefits
- Affordability - Ceramic is very affordable. In most cases, it’s the cheapest tile material available.
- Variety - Ceramic comes in many different colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes to suit a variety of design preferences.
- Water-resistance - Although it’s not quite as resistant to water as porcelain, ceramic is still suitable for spaces like bathrooms that are prone to moisture.
Drawbacks
- Less durable than porcelain - Although ceramic is durable, it’s more prone to chipping and cracking than porcelain.
- Not suitable for outdoor applications - Ceramic may be used in some climates, but it’s likely to crack in response to freeze/thaw cycles.
Suitable Applications
Ceramic is frequently used for floors, walls, bathrooms, kitchens, and backsplashes. It’s suitable for most residential applications.
Applications to Avoid
Ceramic isn’t dense enough to be used outdoors. Although the face of the tile is glazed and water-resistant, the sides and back of the tile can still absorb water, making it prone to cracking in response to the elements.
In addition, ceramic shouldn’t be used for commercial or industrial spaces. These high-impact areas, particularly those that get a lot of foot traffic, need a stronger flooring material.
Installation Process
Pictured: Simple White Lantern Ceramic Mosaic Tile
Ceramic is one of the most DIY-friendly tile materials. It’s easier to cut than porcelain, and the installation process is usually very simple.
For more information on the installation process, check out our comprehensive DIY guide.
Longevity
High-quality ceramic tiles can last more than 50 years when they are properly installed and maintained.
Maintenance Requirements
Aside from regular cleaning and replacing the grout as needed (about once every eight to 16 years), glazed ceramic doesn’t require much maintenance. Avoid products with acids, ammonia, and harsh chemicals so that you don’t damage the tile’s surface or the grout.
However, if you have unglazed ceramic (which is uncommon), you typically need to seal it yearly.
Read more about maintenance for ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone here.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile made of very fine clay and fired in a kiln under high pressure at a high temperature. The result is a dense material with a hard, glazed surface. In general, porcelain is seen as a higher-quality type of ceramic.
Benefits
- Versatility - One of the primary advantages of choosing porcelain tile is that it’s extremely versatile. It can be used in both residential and commercial settings, as well as indoors and outdoors.
- Variety - Porcelain is available in a vast range of sizes, shapes, colors, patterns, and designs. It can even mimic the look of more expensive materials like hardwood and natural stone.
- Water-resistance - Porcelain is highly resistant to water because it’s nonporous. This also means that it can usually withstand freeze/thaw cycles, which is why it’s often suitable for outdoor applications.
- Stain-resistance - Porcelain is quite dense, which makes it hard for substances to penetrate its surface and leave stains behind.
- Cost-effectiveness - Porcelain is one of the most affordable tile materials available.
- Chip- and crack-resistance - Due to its manufacturing process, porcelain is very resilient and doesn’t chip or crack easily.
Drawbacks
- Can be uncomfortable - Porcelain tile tends to be hard and cold underfoot. However, you could use rugs or install a radiant heating system to offset this disadvantage.
- More expensive than ceramic - Since porcelain is viewed as a higher-quality subtype of ceramic tile, it comes at a slightly higher price. Still, porcelain tends to be cheaper than most other tile materials.
Suitable Applications
Porcelain can be used on walls and floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces, as well as in commercial buildings. It can also be used outdoors in many cases. There are very few limits on where porcelain can be used; it’s widely viewed as the most versatile tile material.
Applications to Avoid
While porcelain can be used nearly anywhere in residential and commercial locations, it may not be suitable for all industrial locations.
Installation Process
While cutting porcelain tile can be challenging, this is a material that can usually be installed by the average DIYer. Although not everyone may have the tools and skills necessary to get a professional-looking result, those with some home renovation experience can normally install porcelain tile themselves. Of course, you can always hire a professional to complete the installation if you’re not comfortable doing it on your own.
Longevity
Porcelain is extremely durable and resilient. It can last 50 years or more when it’s installed and maintained properly.
Maintenance Requirements
Porcelain tile is considered very low-maintenance. The average glazed porcelain tile simply needs to be vacuumed or swept and mopped on a regular basis. Most cleaning products are suitable for use on porcelain, but avoid abrasive chemicals like ammonia and bleach, as well as steel wool and brushes with hard bristles, as they can damage the tile’s surface.
While it’s usually not necessary to seal porcelain, it can be wise to replace the grout every several years.
Natural Stone
Tile made from materials that are quarried from the earth, like onyx, marble, granite, slate, travertine, limestone, and sandstone, is referred to as natural stone tile.
Benefits
- Unique and natural beauty - As natural stone isn’t man-made, each tile is one-of-a-kind and naturally beautiful.
- Value - Natural stone can increase your home’s resale value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
- Timelessness - Natural stone never goes out of style and has been a top choice for flooring and other home renovation projects for centuries.
- Elegance - Natural stone is associated with sophistication, luxury, and opulence.
- Variety - Although natural stone doesn’t come in as many colors or patterns as porcelain or ceramic, for example, you can still find natural stone in many shapes and sizes. Colors may range from white to red-orange, yellow-gold, gray, brown, and black, with various shades of veining.
Drawbacks
- Not always affordable - Natural stone is one of the most expensive types of tile. (Check out some of our more affordable natural stone tile options here.)
- Requires regular maintenance - It’s crucial to regularly reseal your natural stone to preserve its quality, and you need to avoid certain cleaning products as well.
- May develop a patina - While this isn’t necessarily a drawback, it’s good to be aware that some types of natural stone may develop a patina over time.
- Prone to scratches and stains - Softer stones, like marble and limestone, may be susceptible to scratches and stains.
Suitable Applications
Natural stone is an excellent choice for floors, walls, countertops, and backsplashes. While this material can be used in some showers, it must be sealed yearly or will be susceptible to stains, mold, and mildew.
Applications to Avoid
Wood-burning fireplaces and steam showers are not suitable applications for natural stone tile. Smoke and steam can stain and discolor the stone over time. In addition, outdoor applications aren’t always suitable for natural stone, especially soft and porous stone options.
Installation Process
Pictured: Valencia Blend Elongated Octagon Marble Mosaic Tile
It’s highly recommended that you hire a professional to install natural stone tile. Advanced DIYers may be able to install natural stone on their own, but this material usually requires plenty of experience and expertise.
Longevity
Natural stone tile may last a lifetime - over 100 years - when it is properly installed and maintained.
Maintenance Requirements
This tile material tends to be the most high-maintenance option. It requires the use of pH-neutral cleaning products and frequent resealing (at least every few years, depending on its location and wear) to maintain its quality and appearance. Avoid acid-based cleaners and products containing dyes or colors.
Efflorescence, or crystalline salt deposits that look like powdery white stains, can be removed with a nylon scraper and vacuum. However, if you frequently notice recurring efflorescence, it can be a sign of an underlying moisture problem.
Glass
Glass tile is composed of thin pieces of glass, usually formed into a mosaic attached to a mesh backing or sold individually. This type of tile may have color running through the entirety of the glass, or a colored glaze may be applied to the back of each tile.
Benefits
Pictured: Aquatic Azul Hexagon Glass Mosaic Tile
- Variety - Glass tile is available in many colors and mosaic combinations for a truly beautiful aesthetic.
- Water-resistance - Glass is completely waterproof, making it an ideal choice for pools and bathroom applications. As it’s nonporous and impervious to water, glass isn’t susceptible to mold and mildew growth.
- Reflectiveness - Glass can make spaces appear bigger and brighter because it reflects light.
Drawbacks
- Susceptible to cracks and scratches: Glass is somewhat easy to scratch, and if you drop something onto glass tile, it may crack. This is one of the reasons why glass is better suited for use on walls than floors.
- Costliness - Glass is the most expensive tile material, costing more than many types of natural stone and far exceeding the typical prices of porcelain, ceramic, and luxury vinyl.
- May show fingerprints - Glass tile needs to be cleaned frequently, as it may readily display fingerprints and grease.
- Slippery - Glass tile tends to be very slippery, so if you’re planning to use it as flooring, it’s best to select a small mosaic option so that the grout lines can add traction.
Suitable Applications
Glass tile is most frequently used for showers, hot tubs, pools, and backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms. Mosaic glass tile may be used for flooring but isn’t a common choice. Due to its high price, glass tile is often employed as an accent.
Applications to Avoid
In general, glass tile isn’t ideal for floor use because it’s not always meant to bear weight.
Installation Process
Pictured: York Foam 2x4 Glass Tile
It’s usually best to hire a pro to install glass tile, although some advanced DIYers may be able to install it themselves, especially for small projects like backsplashes. It’s challenging to cut glass tile precisely, and because glass is transparent, the adhesive can be seen through the tile. Therefore, the mortar needs to be applied perfectly and trowel marks evened out for a flawless finished look.
Longevity
When used on walls and properly installed and maintained, glass tile may last for decades.
Maintenance Requirements
Glossy glass tiles simply need to be wiped clean with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and can mimic the look of more expensive materials, like hardwood and natural stone.
Benefits
Pictured: Iris Walnut 7x48 SPC Luxury Vinyl Plank Tile
- Variety - LVT can imitate the look of a wide range of materials, such as wood, marble, slate, travertine, and more.
- Realistic appearance - Advanced embossing techniques and modern printing technology can create a tile surface with a realistic look and feel.
- Comfortability - Compared to other types of tile, LVT is much softer and warmer underfoot.
- Cost-effectiveness - This is one of the most budget-friendly flooring options available. Plus, installation is simple, so you can save money by DIYing the process rather than hiring a professional.
- Water-resistance - This tile material is resistant to water, and many options also have antimicrobial protection to further resist mold and mildew growth. This makes LVT a good choice for kitchen and bathroom floors.
- Scratch- and stain-resistance - LVT is resistant to scratches and stains, making it a favorite for households with kids and pets.
Drawbacks
- Can be difficult to remove - If you select LVT that is installed with glue, it may be challenging to remove.
- Softness - LVT tends to be prone to denting under heavy furniture and appliances. Sharp objects may pierce through it as well.
- Potential for discoloration - LVT is susceptible to sun damage and tends to fade in color over time when exposed to UV rays.
- Cannot be refinished - Unlike other types of tile, which can be resealed, LVT must be replaced when it is damaged.
Suitable Applications
Luxury vinyl tile is suitable for many applications, both residential and commercial. It can be used in nearly any room in the house, as well as in apartment buildings, retail stores, education settings, and office buildings.
Applications to Avoid
LVT shouldn’t be used outdoors and is rarely used on walls (although it can be).
Installation Process
Pictured: Fume Honey 7x48 SPC Luxury Vinyl Plank Tile
In general, the LVT installation process is simple and straightforward, and it doesn’t require many tools or grout. It’s generally considered the easiest type of tile for DIYers to install.
Longevity
Luxury vinyl tile usually lasts around 15 to 20 years.
Maintenance Requirements
Regularly vacuuming or sweeping and mopping is usually enough to maintain luxury vinyl tile. There’s no need to polish, wax, or seal LVT flooring.
Find the Perfect Tile for Your Next Project at Tilezz.com!
Whether you’re looking for luxury vinyl, glass, natural stone, porcelain, or ceramic, we’ve got you covered at Tilezz.com!
Take a look at our full product range here, or visit our blog for DIY installation guides and interior design inspiration.
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