Types Of Floor Tiles

In the interior design world, tile has an extensive history, which is why there are so many types of floor tiles. Tiles are favored by many people who want classy, timeless, and durable flooring in their homes. Unlike other flooring materials, tiles can feature a variety of man-made and natural materials and can be cut and formed into differing flat shapes based on a space's unique needs. 

Hard flooring tiles are also known to add significant real estate value to any residential property compared to laminate, carpet, and vinyl flooring. However, with the market offering many different types of floor tiles, choosing the right tiles for your home build or renovation project can be overwhelming.

That's why our tiling experts at Baker Bros have put together this convenient guide to the different types of floor tile. This guide will give you the confidence you need to choose tile flooring you'll love to have in your home. 

What Are The Different Types Of Tile Flooring? 

There is incredible diversity among the types of tile flooring. Whether shopping for a whole-house remodel or a specific renovation project, you'll want to learn more about the six different types of tile flooring discussed below. 

Ceramic Floor Tiles

According to 2023 statistics, an estimated 2.85 billion square feet of varying ceramic tiles were used in projects in the US. So, it's not hard to comprehend that ceramic floor tiles are one of the most common types of tiles found in homes. These tiles come in hundreds of pattern and style options and are made from clay and other naturally derived resources. They are fired at a high temperature, making them water-resistant.

Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile. They can be installed in practically any room in a house, from bathrooms and kitchens to bedrooms and entryways, because they are ideal for high-traffic areas. Yet, they are unsuitable for the outdoors as they can become incredibly slippery when wet. 

Ceramic tiles are also proven to be very durable and easy to install. You won't need to wait long for your tiles to be fitted like you would with other tile options like mosaic or marble tiles. These tiles can be bought glazed or unglazed, with most choosing glazed since they are stain-resistant and help prevent the ceramic from fading. They are also one of the most affordable flooring solutions and are very easy to maintain. 

Glass Floor Tiles

In recent years, glass tiles have been one of the most popular choices for home flooring since they offer a clean and minimalistic aesthetic. These tiles might not be the most slip-resistant, but they elevate a space and are highly stain-resistant. As decorative tiles, they are not as durable as ceramic or metal floor tiles, but they are incredibly versatile and a good alternative to natural stone tile or quarry tile options. 

Glass floor tiles come in different shapes, from subway tiles to mosaics, and can be reflective, frosty, or glossy, depending on the finish you prefer. They are best suited to areas that don't see as much traffic as they are prone to chipping. This means you should consider them for your shower floor tiles, bathroom floor tiles, or other rooms that aren't used as often. 

Porcelain Floor Tiles

Porcelain tiles are just as popular as ceramic floor tiles but are a preferred choice for many because they can emulate brick, wood, or natural stone. These tiles don't weather and require minimal upkeep, so they are perfect all-purpose tiles for indoor and outdoor flooring projects. 

In addition, porcelain tiles don't fade, crack, or freeze, and they come in various colors, styles, shapes, and finishes, giving a space a luxurious look. You can install porcelain tiles in high-traffic areas like the kitchen and less-used spaces like the bathroom and shower. 

However, the biggest drawback to porcelain tiles is that they can be tricky to install. Since they are thicker and harder than ceramic tiles, they can be harder to cut without the appropriate tools. That's why it's important to hire a trusted tiling contractor to do the job if you're not feeling confident in your DIY abilities.  

Metal Floor Tiles

It might be hard to believe, but metal floor tiles are a thing. They might not be as popular as other types of tile flooring, but they are chosen more often nowadays. These flooring tiles are usually made from steel, tin, copper, or porcelain with painted-on metal finishes. They are often incorporated into modern homes for a sleek, stylish, and minimalistic look. 

Metal floor tiles are available in several finishes, so you can easily match your style preferences. There are also peel-and-stick options for convenient DIY installation. However, metal tile can be incredibly cold, making temperature regulation difficult in colder climates. They are also easily scratched and dented, so they are unsuitable for high-traffic areas. Yet, they are beautiful for small spaces and for those who want wholly unique flooring. 

Mosaic Floor Tiles

Those looking for decorative tiles for floor spaces like the shower and bathroom or for decorative tile borders should consider mosaic tiles. These tiles are in a league of their own. They come in various styles, patterns, colors, and shapes. Mosaic tiles are also easy to install thanks to their mesh backing and are commonly made of porcelain, ceramic, or glass. 

Unlike a few other types of tiles, mosaic tiles are stain—and moisture-resistant and don't chip easily. They are also surprisingly easy to clean and slip-resistant because they require more grout lines, providing a more textured floor. The downside of these tiles is that they are not ideal for larger spaces in the home, but they'll do the job for smaller floor spaces and outside areas.

Which Tile Is Best For Your Home Floors? 

When it comes to choosing the best floor tiles for your home, you need to keep in mind a few key considerations: 

• Style: You must choose a floor type that suits your style preferences. Tiles can be expensive, so choosing a type you'll love seeing in your home every day for years to come is important.
• Traffic: When choosing tile flooring, you must consider whether the area sees high or low traffic. Certain tile types are better suited to high-traffic areas, while others do better in small spaces that don't see as much foot traffic. For example, porcelain and ceramic tiles are best for high-traffic areas, while mosaic tiles are best for bathrooms and decorative touches. 
• Budget: You need to consider your budget when selecting floor tiles, as some tiles are far more expensive than others. Ceramic, terracotta, and porcelain tiles are often more affordable than natural stone and cement tiles. Yet this isn't always the case, as designer tiles using tile materials like ceramic can be more expensive than natural stone tiles. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right tile flooring can be quite a daunting but exciting experience, but with this guide's help, you should better understand which tiles to consider. If you are still unsure which types of floor tiles to choose from, you can consult an expert tile salesperson at Baker Bros. For more than five decades, our wide selection of tiles has helped clients find tiling that meets their expectations and needs. You can visit our team in-store or contact us here, and we'll do our best to help you find the best floor or wall tiles for your next project.