Tile is very popular because of its limitless potential when used in homes, offices, restaurants, or outdoor spaces. Tile comes in several varieties and styles including natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic.
Ceramic & porcelain tile
Ceramic & porcelain tile is molded from clay, pressed, and heated under extreme pressure. There are two main types of ceramic tile.
- Non-porcelain ceramic tile is made from a combination of white, red, and brown clay, sometimes mixed with other minerals.
- Porcelain tile is similar, but it also contains up to 50% feldspar, a type of crystal which, when heated and pressurized, forms a glasslike material that gives porcelain its extreme hardness and durability.
Ceramic tile can be manufactured to be glazed or unglazed. Glazed tile is fired a second time to give the tile a glass-like coating, often adding color variations throughout the surface coating. A glazed tile provides the added benefit of increased resistance to stains, scratches, and moisture unlike an unglazed ceramic or natural tile.
Natural stone tile
Natural stone tile includes options like granite, marble, limestone, travertine, onyx, slate, and sandstone.
Granite is a very dense volcanic rock with a distinctive speckled appearance. It is impervious to scratching and is excellent for high-traffic areas such as kitchens. Variations of granite allow the color and pattern differences.
Marble is a metamorphic stone well known for its elegant appearance. It’s more porous and is therefore recommended for decorative use over practical purposes.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock with an earthy look, less dense than other stone. It’s more susceptible to damage but is porous and can be stained different colors.
Slate is an incredibly dense, incredibly durable option that comes in many darker tones. It is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
