Whether you’re shopping for an immediate project or just planning for the future, we enlisted some experts to guide you through the 12 most common types of floor tiles and wall tiles. Find out which tiles are best for every type of home project to ensure you’ll love your remodel for years to come. When shopping, Castellano recommends checking the ceramic tile lot number to ensure you have a clean, uniform end result. “Additionally, make sure you understand the difference between glazed and unglazed. While unglazed gives an artistic, rustic finish, glazed ceramic tiles provide more protection for longer lasting floors.” Try: Restore Bright White 3x6 in. Ceramic Bevel Wall Tile, $2.16/sq. ft.; homedepot.com. The biggest drawback with porcelain tile is that installation can be tricky. While you can DIY an install, Castellano says many homeowners forget that you also need an adhesive when laying down this type of flooring. Try: Wind River Grey 6x24 in. Porcelain Floor and Wall Tile, $1.89/sq. ft.; homedepot.com. “A potential drawback is that glass will, of course, chip quite easily along the edges,” Morgan says. For that reason, she recommends not using glass tile in high-traffic areas like kitchen and bathroom floors. Instead, she suggests using them in smaller applications with less traction, such as gently used tabletops or desks, around the fireplace, or as a backsplash. Try: Bestview Grey 9 x 12-in Glass Lantern Mosaic Wall Tile; $12.98; lowes.com. “Cement tiles are extremely versatile and can provide you with amazing patterns and colors,” Boylen says. “Since the tiles are extremely porous, a patina can develop over time to enhance the pattern. They can also be sanded and resealed, like wood floors, if they get discolored over time.” The biggest drawback to cement tiles is that they’re a beast to lay. Additionally, cement tile must be resealed once a month to maintain its beauty. Cement is best used in low-traffic areas and in small quantities. Try: MeaLu Victorian Encaustic 8x8 in. Cement Field Tile in Turquoise/Blue/White, $20.99/sq. ft.; wayfair.com. Marble requires a lot of upkeep to keep it looking pristine. And like any stone, marble tile is susceptible to scratches and stains in addition to being difficult to clean. “Due to marble’s predisposition to scratches, etching, and stains, it’s best used in low-traffic areas unless a sealant is applied,” Castellano says. “Many homeowners avoid using marble in countertops and instead add marble in decorative features, such as shower floors, columns, and backsplashes.” By using it in smaller applications, you’ll also give your budget a breather. Try: Carrara White 3 x 6 in. Honed Marble Wall Tile, $6.98/sq. ft.; homedepot.com. Try: Viviano Marmo Gray and White Flower Marble Mosaic, $14.99/piece; flooranddecor.com. Morgan recommends using granite tiles in a laundry room or other secondary space where performance and lower cost are your top priority. Try: MSI Giallo 18" x 31" Granite Field Tile, $11.22/sq.ft.; wayfair.com. One thing to keep in mind about limestone tile is that it’s a porous rock. In order to ensure it lasts for a long time, it must be sealed properly, otherwise it will crack and etch easily. Also, cleaning limestone can be a pain. “To avoid ruining the stone, homeowners need to use neutral pH cleaning agents and avoid citrus and vinegar-based products,” says Castellano. “That said, the rich appearance and variety of colors or size make it a great option for really any space, especially outdoors. I recommend using limestone outdoors in a patio space to give the perfect final look.” Try: Salvador Vanilla Ledger Panel 6 x 24 in. Natural Limestone Wall Tile, $3.39/sq. ft.; homedepot.com. Just like other natural stone tile types, it’s easily impacted by water, stains, and traction. For that reason, travertine tile requires extra maintenance and occasional resealing. “It’s best to use travertine tiles in low-traffic areas of the home. Also, to avoid scratches, etching, or stains, many designers and DIYers will apply these tiles to walls instead of floors,” he says. “If you are applying it to floors, make sure you know what type of sealant to use and what cleaning products to use.” Try: Daltile Travertine Peruvian Cream Paredon Pattern Natural Stone Floor and Wall Tile Kit, $10.30/sq. ft.; homedepot.com. “They get their name from where the ground minerals come from: a quarry,” Boylen says. “Since these tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures, they are naturally dense, nonporous, and water-resistant with an extremely low water absorption rate. They can be glazed or left in the natural finish. Another benefit is that they do not have to be sealed.” Though durable, quarry tiles are susceptible to staining, so they shouldn’t be used in the kitchen. Boylen recommends them for high-traffic areas since they offer a sense of purposeful design and are naturally slip-resistant. Try: VersaTILE 6 x 6 Quarry Floor and Wall Tile, $.53 cents/each; menards.com. A primary consideration with metal tile is that it tends to scratch almost as soon as it’s installed. Some people prefer this naturally occurring patina, which can soften the overall effect. If that’s not your preferred finish, then metal probably isn’t an ideal tile type for you. “Metal works great on any work surface, such as a kitchen, bar, or utility room,” Morgan says. “I would not recommend it for baths or, depending on the climate, outdoor use.” Try: Luxsurface Penny 1" x 1" Metal Mosaic Tile, $18.29/sq. ft.; wayfair.com. Resin tile drawbacks include a propensity to chip, and yellow over time, especially when exposed to the sun. “I recommend resin flooring for water areas, like the bathroom and mudrooms. They also make great backsplashes and accent pieces,” Boylen says. Try: Bedrosians Ambiance Insert Rising Star 2" x 2" Resin Tile in Pewter, $6.40; wayfair.com.
