Tile is a popular flooring and backsplash choice because it is durable, easy to clean, and comes in a huge variety of materials, colors, and styles. But with so many tile materials on the market today, it can be hard to decide which one is best for your needs. In this blog post, we will compare the pros and cons of seven popular tile materials: porcelain, ceramic, terracotta, glass, concrete, quarry, and natural stone. Which tile material do you think is best for your home?
WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL YOU THINK ABOUT TILE MATERIALS
When you are shopping for tile in Loveland, it is essential to think about the materials. The tile material you choose will affect the tile’s durability, maintenance, and cost. You also want to make sure the tile material you choose is appropriate for the room where it will be installed. For example, glass tile is not recommended for high-traffic areas because it can break easily.
TILE FLOORING MATERIALS
PORCELAIN
Porcelain tile is manufactured from a special type of clay called kaolin. Porcelain tile is denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is also more resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.
CERAMIC
Ceramic tile is made from white or red clay. It is less dense and harder than porcelain tile. Furthermore, it is also more absorbent, which means it can stain more easily.
TERRACOTTA
Terracotta tile is made from a type of clay that features a large amount of iron oxide. This compound provides its rustic, red color. People generally consider it to be softer and more porous than both porcelain and ceramic tile. Terracotta tile must be sealed periodically to prevent staining.
GLASS
Glass tile is produced with glass that has been kiln-fired. It’s considered to be nearly impervious to water and stain-resistant. Glass tile is also more expensive than other tile materials.
CONCRETE
Concrete tile is very durable and low-maintenance. You can stain or paint it to match your décor. Additionally, concrete tile is a good choice for high-traffic areas because it is slip-resistant.
QUARRY
Quarry tile is made from a type of clay composed of ground minerals. When you touch it, you’ll notice it is denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic tile. Quarry tile is also more resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.
NATURAL STONE
Natural stone tiles are created from marble, granite, limestone, slate, or sandstone. You will need to periodically seal natural stone tiles to prevent them from staining. Due to the delicate nature of finding and cutting quality stone, it’s more expensive than other tile materials.
ELEMENT DESIGN ARE YOUR LOVELAND TILE FLOORING EXPERTS
So, which tile material is best for your needs? Porcelain and ceramic tile are the most popular choices for flooring because they are durable and easy to maintain.
Glass tile is a good choice for backsplashes because it is stain-resistant and easy to clean. If you are searching for a more affordable tile material option, quarry or concrete tile may be a good choice for you.
Natural stone tile is a beautiful but expensive option that requires more maintenance than other tile materials.
No matter which tile material you choose, we can help you find the perfect tile for your home at our Loveland flooring store! Stop by our local Northern Colorado design center today and speak with one of our knowledgeable interior designers. We look forward to helping you find the perfect tile for your home!
