It’s of paramount importance to understand the nature of each tile before installing them in your house, in order to extricate unwarranted issues that might surface in the future.
Ceramic tiles: This is by far the most prevalent form of tiles, especially in kitchens and bathrooms as its susceptible to water and moisture retention. Ceramic is commonly made out of brown, white or red clay that is fired with a high temperature and finished off with glazing. Glazing renders the star quality of ceramic, namely its dense and non-porous nature. They are strong and resistant to stains, fire and slipping which minimizes casualties. As a matter of fact, glazing also determines the colour and pattern of ceramic tiles. Last but not the least, it helps in easy maintenance. A wet rug can easily wipe out stains. With this many feathers to its cap, ceramic is the epitome of perfection, exemplifying features of both beauty and purpose. They come in a wide range of designs, styles, and finishes like matte, semi-matte, gloss, and polished.
Porcelain tiles: This is in the same certifiable league as ceramic. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Since porcelain is a lot sturdier with impermeable properties, they are best adapted for areas experiencing high foot traffic. In contrast with ceramic, the designs, colour, and patterns are embossed through the thickness of the tile. They are relatively much more resistant to scratches and stains and share a common attribute of easy cleaning and maintenance. On the downside, porcelain is a lot more expensive.
Stone tiles: This has stood the test of time. They can either be natural or man-made. Natural stones include marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and slate, to name a few. They come in a wide selection of colour, design, texture, and patterns. Unlike the above two tiles, they are highly porous and will absorb water and all kinds of fluids. This is why its all the more important for stone tiles to be sealed to guarantee longevity. They have to be polished every so often. Once again, they are insanely expensive! Companies like tuiles Carreaux Metro deal in a variety of high-end, luxury marbles like calacatta and carrara.
Mosaic tiles: Known for its widespread use in bathroom floors. They come in a limitless array of colours, patterns, and styles. It does have a problem of being slippery though.