Choosing the Right Tile for your Home

With thousands of colors and sizes to choose from, ceramic tile can help you create the perfect, one-of-a-kind designs that will serve each area in your home perfectly. However, what may be best for your kitchen might not work effectively for your bathroom.

Glazed Ceramic Tile vs. Porcelain Tile

Glazed ceramic tile is often used in bathrooms because it is water resistant and less expensive than other tile. Easy to install and repair, Glazed floor tiles make up more than half the tiles sold in the US. They're available in a seemingly endless variety, with glazes that vary from rough to smooth. The smoothest are slippery when wet, so choose rougher glazed tiles for bathroom floors. Look for a tile with a coefficient of friction (COF) rating of at least 0.60, dry and wet. One of the densest, most durable tiles on the market today, porcelain tile is fine for all floors, walls and counter tops. Created from compressed clay dust fired to extremely high temperatures, color goes all the way through and porcelain tile will not stain, scratch, burn or chip easily. Any chips and scratches that do occur can be buffed out- which will not happen with glazed tile. However, glazed porcelain tiles are often slippery and sometimes even when dry. Also, porcelain tile will generally cost $1 to $2 more per square foot than regular ceramic tile.

Bathrooms, Countertops & Walls

When choosing tile for your bathroom, take tile size into account before installation. Smaller tile will look gorgeous, but might become harder to clean as a result of using more grout. Larger tiles will work great in a larger bathroom and will help visually expand a medium sized bathroom. Make sure you choose a texture that will not be slippery when wet for your bathroom floor!  The least dense tiles are primarily created for decorating walls in dry areas. Glazed wall tiles offer the most color and style choices, but aren't recommended for floors and countertops. Countertops will require a tile that can handle moisture and a durable tile since the area is subject to wear and tear.

Color & Texture: Creating the Look You Want

In creating an amazing room, ceramic tile will allow you to control the color, texture and the pattern of the overall design. Hand carved wall tiles can help create a delicate visual whereas rough textured floor tiles will give a room an overall rustic feel.

Glazed tiles will offer the broadest color palette and will vary in texture from rough to highly polished. Although unglazed tile may not always be available in the brightest shades, solid-colored tiles can add a crisp or flat appearance. When creating a unique design, color variation on individual tiles and alternating patterns will give the finished installation added texture.