When it comes to tiling your home, it can often be overwhelming to choose which tiles you like best.First of all, there’s the decision to actually having tiles at all, with so much laminate and vinyl alternatives available for flooring nowadays, it can take a while to opt for tiles. Particularly since tiles are often the more expensive option.Here at UK Pro Tiling Training though, we think there is, of course, no choice when it comes to tiling your home. Tiles are far more durable than laminate and keep their aesthetic for a much longer period of time.In addition, there are so many different types of tile on the market, there is bound to be a certain type of tile, perfect for your property or business premises.But how can you tell which ones are which when it comes to different types of tiles? What are the pros and cons of each tile type?Well, each tile usually has a certain character, and will probably identify itself to you whether it will fit your home.Here is a list below of different types of tiles and how to tell what’s what:
1. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are among the most popular types of tile because they are straight-forward to install and extremely durable. Ceramic tiles are often chosen for kitchens and bathrooms because they are easy to clean and, therefore, don’t harbour germs.Best for? Kitchens, bathrooms, Floors and splashbacks.How to identify a ceramic tileA ceramic tile is identified by putting water on the back of it, if it soaks in then the tile will be ceramic, this is because ceramic tiles have a clay backing that is porous, Ceramic tiles will be non-porous on the top as they will have a glass glaze on there.Pros
Simple to install
Easy to clean
Long lasting quality
Huge variety of ceramic tiles available to choose from
Low cost
Ceramic tiles can be used for many projects. Suitable for floors, walls and kitchens.
Cons
There can be a lot of variation between ceramic tiles. It is important to pay attention to the exact size and style you’re purchasing. Buy 10% extra when you purchase them so that they’re as equal as possible.
2.Porcelain tiles
A porcelain tile is the most popular tile at the moment as it is, essentially, a type of ceramic tile. The great thing about porcelain tiles is the fact that they are even more durable and resistant than ceramic tiles, so can be used in public areas, as well as domestic properties.How to identify a porcelain tileA porcelain tile is identified also by putting some water on the back of it, if does NOT soak in then it will be a porcelain tile, this is due to porcelain being vitrified which means non-absorbent.Best for? Commercial applications. Porcelain tiles are hard-wearing enough for airports, leisure centres, shopping malls and other public locations. They are, therefore, easily strong enough for domestic homes.Pros
Extremely resilient
Can be bought in a larger sizes
Big variation
Cons
Porcelain tiles can be slightly more expensive than ceramic tiles
It is important to use a special setting material, specifically for porcelain
Harder to cut and drill
3.Marble tiles
Marble tiles have a unique and beautiful aesthetic and, for many people, are a cut above and incomparable to other types of tile. They are a popular choice of tile for kitchen countertops.They do, however, damage fairly easily, therefore, it is essential to buy high-quality marble tiles from a reputable dealer.Best for? Floors and kitchen counters.How to identify a marble tileA marble tile is a natural stone and has to be cut therefore there will be no moulding on the back as you would find with a porcelain or ceramic tile.Marble is usually polished and has a vein system running throughout the tile from the front to the back.Pros
Luxury aesthetic, sophisticated appeal
Good variation of marble tiles
Cons
Can be a more expensive option of tile
Requires more maintenance than other types of tile
Needs to be cleaned often
Needs to be sealed to prevent staining from grout
4.Granite
Granite is a type of tile that looks fantastic and stays that way, due to its durability and resistance to staining. It can be a popular type of tile for rustic rooms.How to identify a granite tileA granite tile is polished and has a speckled appearance; these speckles will go right through the tile showing on the front, sides and back of the tile, it also has a smooth finish on the back.Best for? Bathrooms.Pros
Beautiful look of granite
Durable
Stain resistant
Cons
Tends to be an expensive tile option
Some people don’t like the look of granite
Can get slippery when wet
Hard to cut
5.Quartz
Quartz is a top choice of tile for the floor of any room in your home. Quartz tiles are durable and not too expensive.How to identify a quartz tileA quartz tile can be a pure colour, or it can have metallic chippings in the appearance.Quartz is not strong enough to make a solid tile out of, so it is normally mixed with a resin to make it stronger.Best for? Flooring. Quartz can also be used for kitchen countertops.Pros
Low maintenance
Shiny appearance
Cost-effective
Strong
Doesn’t harbour germs since Quartz is non-porous (doesn’t allow air or liquid to go through it).
Cons
You’ll need to be careful with the products you use when cleaning the tiles
Can get slippery when wet
Colour can fade overtime
6. Limestone
Limestone is fairly durable and will stay in good shape from medium to long term. It has a natural looking, light appearance and works well in various rooms of a house.How to identify a limestone tileLimestone is a matt finished tile usually light in colour, it has a smooth back and is quite dense, it has an appearance that looks stained a little like marble.Best for? Flooring.Pros
Limestone tiles can be cut easily
There can be variation between different type of limestone tiles so you can choose from lighter and darker tones
Not too expensive
Cons
Not as durable as other tiles
Soft material
Heavy
Require ongoing, regular maintenance
7. Terracotta
Terracotta tiles have a unique colouring and, although are not for everybody, look stunning in the right room. They can also be used outdoors and are, therefore, extremely versatile.How to identify a terracotta tileTerracotta is baked clay and is usually pinkish or reddish / salmon in colour, it is quite thick and very porous.Best for? Indoor and outdoor use.Pros
Versatile
Natural and earthy look
Cons
Variation between each shade of tile
Lower quality tiles can deteriorate fairly quickly
If left unsealed, terracotta can crack easily as it is so porous
8.Slate
Slate has a very elegant and sophisticated aesthetic and can be used in a variety of rooms. It can also be applied outdoors.How to identify a slate tileA slate tile is very rustic and is made up of layers, the sizes of slate can be quite random and colours vary from black and blue to green.Best for? Floors and roofs.Pros
Looks great
Not too expensive
Longevity of life- when installed correctly
Cons
Can be prone to damage: splitting and cracking
Slate must be applied on a solid surface with a suitable mortar
9.Travertine
Travertine is a type of limestone and has a fantastic rustic look that works well in kitchens and bathrooms.How to identify a travertine tileTravertine tiles have various, swirling colours featuring in them. Travertine can look similar to limestone. Travertine is also called travertine limestone.Best for? Flooring, particularly with in-floor heating.Pros
Durable
Natural appearance
Stylish
Long – lasting
Easy to repair
Cons
Heavy
Needs ongoing maintenance
Can be expensive
Can be cold without underfloor heating
10.Wood Look
Wood look tiles are popular in many different homes. Wood look floors are popular since they are easy to clean and often make rooms look bigger.How to identify a wood look tileIt’s simple! The tile will have a wood effect. Wood effect tiles are made from porcelain or ceramic.Best for? Home interiors.Pros
Durable
Ease of cleaning
Can be applied in a pattern
Not too expensive
Offers a waterproof alternative to true hardwood
Cons
Many people don’t like the “falsity” of wood look tiles
Colder appearance than real hardwood
ConclusionWhen it comes to choosing your tiles, it is best to know that all types of tiles have pros and cons. You should, therefore, choose your tiles based on your own personal situation.It may be beneficial to get a professional opinion before going out and purchasing your tiles. A professional tiler may see issues with the project that you may not. This can save time and money in the long run.