Home » Different Types of Tiles for Flooring – Best Ideas for Tile Flooring in 2022

Different Types of Tiles for Flooring – Best Ideas for Tile Flooring in 2022

by harrisonbuckley
Tiles Flooring

The restoration videos, especially the ones where the old houses were restored, have brought back the tiles as a popular flooring choice. This is no wonder, as they come with multiple benefits, such as durability, and functionality, but in no way lack the beauty that in most cases doesn’t require professional maintenance.

Different materials provide different finishes and can be more suitable for indoor or outdoor use. We’ve made you a list of the best tiles for flooring, suitable for every taste and lifestyle.

Mosaic tiles

The mosaic tiles date back to the BC era when they were installed in many rooms in every home. They are traditionally made from small, equally sized tiles that are sorted to make a picture – a mosaic. Nowadays you can find multiple sizes of tiles, as well as a formed pattern of them connected by a mesh that is easier to lay and sort. They are commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens but don’t sleep on the visual interest that mosaic brings to other frequently used rooms like hallways, mudrooms, and others.

Quarry tiles

Contrary to their name, quarry tiles are not made or used in quarries. They are manufactured by moulding feldspar, clay, shale, or similar stone materials into tiles. They can be used both outdoors and indoors as these are of low porosity and quite sturdy. As the clay is often dominant, most quarry tiles come in different shades of orange, red, and brown.

Cement tiles

Cement has many uses in construction, and it includes being formed into tiles. It weathers great, and it comes in many colours, not only the usual dark grey. The downside can be that cement can easily become porous and prone to moss and plants that can cover them. If you are not a fan of this look, you might consider another type of tile. However, when it comes to damage, the cement can be sanded and refilled, as opposed to other types that have to be replaced if damaged.

Marble tiles

The luxuriousness of marble is what has separated it from other construction materials for at least millennia. Marble is expensive, difficult to maintain, and can be stained. Even though these characteristics don’t stain its reputation, do have these in mind if you decide to invest in marble tiles, the eternal beauty in construction materials.

Granite tiles

The most known cheaper marble alternative, granite used to be so popular that it almost became forgotten. As it contains different materials, granite is a colourful natural stone that is durable and not prone to stains as its luxurious cousin marble. It is not easily scratched and can be sealed for polished or left untreated for a more natural look. It is recommended that it get resealed according to the recommendations, which is important maintenance if you decide on this tile material.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are the most common tiles found on the market. This type of material is great for high moisture areas like the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, or alfresco dining area. It is used both indoors and outdoors. Even though the ceramic doesn’t require special maintenance, the grout that is used to fill the space between tiles does need protective sealing to prevent water retention and bacteria growth.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tiles made at exceptionally high temperatures to overcome the possible defects of regular ceramic tiles. It is denser, thus more durable, with minimal water absorption and maximum stain resistance. The price that is higher than for the ceramic is worth the price, and with many colours and patterns available on the market you are certain to find the design that best fits your home and your taste.

Sandstone tiles

Sandstone is a natural sedimentary stone that consists of rock and sand. It gives an earthy vibe that lives up any space it is installed in, but it is mostly used outdoors. It is commonly used on patios, walkways, and outdoor stairs but does require regular maintenance as it is more porous and prone to water and stain damage. However, its unique colour will never look the same as each piece is natural and therefore different.

Terrazzo tiles

Made by binding different tones and glass in composite, the terrazzo brings unique visual interest to their graphic design. When they were most popular they mostly consisted of white and grey or white and black pieces, whereas today they can be colourful. They have a shiny finish that might be slippery and thus look better in public places than at home. However, this can be resolved by installing rugs to lessen the slippery effect.

Onyx tiles

Onyx is a natural stone that looks similar to marble, but with more visual interest making it a great choice for homes. Even though it comes in a myriad of colours this dense stone is prone to breakage so it will need coverage to be more sturdy. It is a more expensive choice as it is natural, and some colours might be harder to find. Additionally, its installation is not easy because of the need for sealing installation. Maintenance afterward is not particularly hard, just don’t forget to reseal the onyx every year or two!

Travertine tiles

Travertine tiles are made from rough limestone, making them a great no-slip flooring material. As it is mostly made from limestone that is close to water, it is also used everywhere where humidity can be high. It is a popular material for bathrooms, pools, and even patios. As it is an easily found material it is easily repairable and found in many natural colours. It is also eco-friendly so it is a great choice as natural stone material.

Wooden tiles

Tiles can also be made from wood, and they are becoming popular quickly as they are easy to install and provide a tile look while remaining warm. They are extremely durable, easy to maintain, and don’t show dirt or stain. They can expand or retract depending on the room moisture, which, in high humidity rooms in time can bring issues. The wood needs to be treated and regularly sealed to maintain its looks and durability over the years.

Faux wooden tiles

If you want to avoid the biggest threat to wood – termites, but still want the warmth of the wood consider faux wooden tiles. They are made of ceramic-based material and require less maintenance than wood, being more water-resistant and thus more durable. It is often made to look like an expensive hardwood floor for a fraction of its price. However, it still requires professional installation to have the wooden look you desire.

Choose for your own comfort

Most of the tiles available on the market come with clear instructions for maintenance, as well as the grout that accompanies the installation. Choose according to your preferred style but don’t forget about the maintenance as it should benefit your lifestyle. What type did you choose and why?

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