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Tile floors create a clean and natural feel that opens a room and shows off design elements well.  Because they come in a wide variety of interesting shapes, styles, patterns, colors and materials, they are versatile enough to look great in any room or space. Flooring tiles work especially well in kitchens and bathrooms where a tiles sharp lines and flat surfaces denote cleanliness. With so many options available, it’s easy to see why it can be hard to choose between the many types of tile for those uninitiated in tile installation. Use this guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing tile for your home.

Stone

Stone tiles have been around as long as stone tools, making it the most dated method of covering a floor in existence. Because stone varies from region to region, it comes in a huge selection of natural and exotic colors. After it is quarried from the earth it can be shaped into any size, making it a highly prized floor tile.

Marble, granite and limestone are all examples of stone tiles that can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. While the materials may cost more than ceramic, the process of installation is virtually the same, keeping labor costs consistent with ceramic.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile is over 4,000 years old and can be seen in monuments all over the world. The Greek word for ceramic—‘Keramos’—roughly translates into the word ‘pottery’ thought to have derived from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘to burn’. Ceramic tile is clay that is fired into slabs at high temperatures several times; creating a glazed top that resists water well.

Ceramic tile comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes and styles making it a versatile product for design. Because the process for making ceramic tiles is automated, it can be made quickly and in bulk, making it an affordable and easy product to install.

Porcelain

Porcelain has its historical roots tied into the eastern culture of Asia and China. This white powdered clay has been mined for centuries for its strength and durability as that is demonstrated well with today’s modern porcelain electrical insulator. Porcelain is made from kaolin and petuntse clays. Petuntse is a variety of feldspar typically found only in China, while kaolin is white clay that forms when feldspar deposits breakdown. When the two ingredients are mixed and fired at extreme temperatures, it melts and petrifies into a nonporous natural glass.

Because porcelain tile is such a durable and strong product, it’s hard to cut. A diamond blade wet saw can’t stand up to the speed and agility of an experienced porcelain tile installer using a scoring cutter. By virtually breaking the tile, the installer quickly cuts tiles much faster than a wet tile saw. Chips and breaks easily occur when cutting porcelain tile, so buying an extra box might be necessary.

Mosaics

A mosaic tile can be made from ceramic, porcelain or stone but is cut into smaller shapes and glued to a fiberglass, paper or fabric backing into a mosaic tile design. Since the tiles are so small, they can be arranged into any pattern, style, design or mural. These tiles work great for shower enclosures and kitchen backsplashes as they are simply cut with a razor knife and easily adaptable to fit any custom width or length.