Today we’re talking tile! Materials, colors, shapes, and patterns; this is one choice that can get
really confusing in a hurry. Let’s start with materials.
Porcelain tiles are made of dry clay that has been pressed and fired to extreme temperatures for
a long period of time. This makes them very dense and strong. It also makes it possible to
manufacture very large sizes of these tiles. It’s a really hard product which means it’s less likely
to chip, and the color runs all the way through the tile. This means that even if you do get a chip
it will be a lot less easily noticed. They are highly impervious to water, or any other liquid
materials; because of this, they are easier to upkeep and easier to clean. They are offered in a
variety of finishes from matte to glossy, and because of all the positive attributes that porcelain
has it is the most prevalent material used today.
Ceramic tiles are made up of clay, sand, and water. They are packed together to remove the excess
moister. They have been around for hundreds of years. Ceramic tiles are very hard and durable as
well, but they aren’t as nonporous as their porcelain cousins. Because the color doesn’t go all the
way through a ceramic tile, you’ll definitely see a chip more easily than you would in a porcelain
tile. They come in a variety of colors and finishes from matte to glossy, and because they can be
a little slippery when they are wet you want to be careful about which ones you put on the floor.
They also come in handmade versions that can make for a very custom project. Just like with
porcelain they come in an endless array of colors and a huge variety of shapes and sizes. This
makes for an infinite number of options when it comes to designing your special project.
Glass tiles come in an array of show-stopping colors and varieties. They require a skilled
professional to install them, so expect installation labor to be a bit higher. This is not a do-ityourselfer type tile. It’s also not really scratch resistant so you really want to pay attention to the
right mortars and grouts being use. They are best used in accent areas and kitchen backsplashes
where they won't see a lot of wear and tear.
Stone tiles like marble, granite, travertine, slate are cut out of the earth and they come in a variety
of beautiful colors and patterns. No two stones are alike, making them truly unique in your
project. Most are a bit porous though and require some sealers to keep them from staining. Some,
like marble, are quite soft and cracking and wear might be a problem in high traffic areas. Because
of their higher maintenance, they are most often used in locations where they are accents or they
are in kitchen backsplashes, but that’s not always true. Some people still long for that classic
marble floor. As beautiful and natural as Stone is just remember that it’s not an install it and forget
it kind of product. You will need to take care of it for years to come.
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avPPbAizPKQ