Bathroom and kitchen designs often include tile flooring. There are many types of tile, and the one you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including your overall room design, desired durability, required maintenance level, and of course, your budget. The flooring experts at Revivify Surface LLC discuss the pros and cons regarding the top five types of tile to help you make the right decision for your particular application.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are extremely durable oven-fired slabs of clay that are typically glazed for additional aesthetics and protection. It is a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t harbor germs. Ceramic tile hardness is rated from 0-5, with 0-2 being best for walls and 3 being the normal hardness for residential applications.
Pros:
- Glazed ceramic tiles do not absorb water
- High durability/longevity
- Extensive variety of designs and colors
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Is manufactured in production runs, which means that lots can vary in size and color. Therefore, choose your entire room’s batch of time from the same lot for better consistency and fit.
Price Range: $3–$7 per square foot
Terracotta Tiles
Terracotta is an old-fashioned type of tile, that presents a rustic and cozy ambiance. It is a strong flooring choice and is made from fired clay. It has been around since before the time of Christ, when tiles were baked in the sun before application.
Pros:
- These types of tile do not get as cold as other ceramic options
- Durable if well-made
- Many options for size and colors
- Glazed terracotta does not absorb water
Cons:
- To maintain its durability, it must be re-fastened with sealing agent every two years.
- It’s difficult to judge the quality of terracotta tile.
- It must be professionally installed.
Price Range: $3–$7 per square foot
Stone Tiles
Stone tiles are popular for both durability and design aspects and are a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Of all the types of tile, stone tiles need more maintenance and upkeep to maintain their flawless appearance. This means more costs over time than other types of tile.
Marble Tile
Marble tile is beautiful and unique, featuring whirling patterns and variations of color shades. It does, however, require a high level of maintenance, including regular cleaning and sealing with only products that are specifically designed for use on marble.
Pros:
- Beautiful
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Susceptible to scratches and stains
- Matching the pattern throughout your room can be a real headache
- Tiles are best obtained from the same manufactured lot
- High maintenance requirements
Price Range: $5–$15 per square foot
Granite Tile
Granite is versatile and durable, as well as attractive, and comes in many styles and colors. Granite is formed under very high heat and has a crystalline structure; therefore, granite tile is very dense, with strength properties similar to porcelain. It is very resistant to stains and moisture.
Pros:
- Durable and strong
- Beautiful
- Stain and moisture resistant
- Can be used with tinted grout for a variety of color schemes
Cons:
- Slippery
- Expensive
- Must be professionally installed
- Limited trim options besides grout coloring
Price Range: $7–$15
Aggregate Tile
Also known as engineered stone tile, these types of tile are made from finely crushed rock and set in an epoxy base. They are available in a large variety of designs and colors. Being a manufactured tile, measurements are always precise. Different types of aggregate tile requires varying installation requirements, including the type of tile base.
Pros:
- Durable
- Resists moisture if sealed properly
Cons:
- Ultraviolet light from the sun can take the shine off aggregate tile sealers
- Tendency to chip and become dull
- High level of maintenance required
Price Range: $7–$12 per square foot
Vinyl Tiles
These types of tile are commonly found in bathrooms because they are durable, non-porous, and easily cleaned with a variety of products. They are eco-friendly, easily installed, and are not prone to chips, cracks, or breakage.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Resilient
- Easy to install
- Easy to clean
- Large variety of colors and sizes
Cons:
- Not as glamorous as many other tiles
- Can appear cheap
Price Range: $5–$9 per square foot
Linoleum Floor Tiles
These easy-to-install and versatile tiles retain their texture and color and repel dirt well. Of all the previously mentioned types of tile, these are softer for walking or standing. They are also biodegradable for eco-focused homeowners.
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to install
- Softer surface
- Biodegradable
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Susceptible to scratching
- Requires a 7-day gas-off period during which it emits fumes
- Can age/fade in appearance over time
Price Range: $5–$9 per square foot
Maintaining All Types of Tile
At Revivify Surface LLC, our tile flooring experts can advise you about choosing the right type of tile flooring for your home or business, as well as how to best care for your tile flooring. For more information about Revivify Surface cleaning and maintenance services, contact us today by phone or complete the online contact form.