Floor tiles come in a diverse range of textures, designs, and colors.
In this article, I have compiled the most populartypes of floor tilesincluding their pros and cons.
Lets get straight to it now.
6 Man-Made Floor Tiles
1.
Ceramic
Ceramic tilesare made from clay materials that are quarried and turned into a mold.
Different manufacturing methods of ceramic tile include dry pressing, extruding, and slush mold.
Best for: any room of the house
Pros
Cons
2.
Porcelain
Another common pop in of flooring tile isporcelain.
Porcelain tiles give you the same elegant finish without the upkeep, which makes them an all-purpose tile.
Best for: any room of the house plus porch and other outdoor spaces
3.
Glass
Glass tileshave excellent stain-resistant qualities that make them stand out.
These tiles come in almost every size imaginable with many different shapes, such as rectangles and squares.
Best for: study rooms and other low-traffic areas
4.
Vitrified
Vitrified tileshave similar properties to ceramic with very low porosity.
Vitrified tiles are made from a mixture of clay, silica and quartz.
The surface of the vitrified tile consists of a single mass that gives it low porosity.
This is why vitrified tiles often retain their original shine even after several years of wear and tear.
Where they excel over their counterparts is the ease of cleaning.
You wont have to spend many hours wiping these tiles to keep them shiny and clean!
In addition, the installation of these tiles requires the assistance of expert tilers, which can be costly.
Best for: both indoor and outdoor
5.
Mosaic
Mosaic tilesare decorative art forms that are assembled using small pieces of tiles.
These square, flat tiles are ideal for small floor areas that require an appealing image or visual flair.
Mosaic tiles are available in various designs that mimic natural stone or shimmering glass.
Best for: low foot traffic areas
6.
Vinyl
Vinylhas long been a popular flooring option for homeowners.
The most common vinyl tile thickness is 9 inches by 9 inches or 12 inches by 12 inches.
Because of their water-resistant properties, many homeowners prefer vinyl tiles instead of ceramic or wood.
So even if the first or second layers wear away, the rest of the tile will remain intact.
Onyx
Onyxis a soft stone thats formed from limestone.
There are many color variations with strikingly luminescent results ranging from black and white to every other color imaginable.
Onyx flooring tiles are very lightweight when compared to marble and granite.
This means you’ve got the option to easily install this gemstone in the kitchen or bathroom.
But you will need to keep this flooring clean so it can maintain its original look.
Onyx tiles are porous by nature, which means they are susceptible to damage and stains.
Best for: kitchen and bathroom
2.
Granite
Graniteis a jot down of igneous rock thats highly dense.
The distinctive appearance of this natural stone is because of the minerals found within the rock.
These veined minerals consist of many different colors and add a unique appeal to the tile.
If youre looking for a tile flooring thats highly durable and beautiful, granite is the best option.
This key in of tile is an excellent investment that adds resale value.
The downside of granite is its tricky and time-consuming installation process, which can be expensive.
It, therefore, isnt recommended for cheap, DIY projects.
Another disadvantage to granite flooring is the risk of slipping when its polished.
Best for: kitchen and other high traffic areas
3.
Marble
Marbleis a key in of metamorphic rock that contains rich veins in many different colors.
While marble is a costly material, it does add instant elegance to any space.
As a flooring material, marble requires more maintenance and is more prone to damage than porcelain or ceramic.
Best for: bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other low-traffic areas
4.
Limestone
Limestonetile flooring comes as either textured or smooth finish.
Its not recommended for kitchens and living rooms as its prone to scratching.
Since limestone tile is a porous rock, it doesnt last as long as other natural stones.
It must, therefore, be sealed properly.
Otherwise, it will crack easily.
Opt or a neutral pH cleaning agent to clean your limestone tile flooring.
Best for: low traffic areas and outdoor spaces
5.
Travertine
Travertineis a jot down of limestone that forms around spring deposits.
It has a unique, earthy appearance.
To avoid scratches and stains, many DIYers prefer installing these tiles in dining rooms and study rooms.
Best for: low traffic areas
6.
Natural Slate
Slatetiles are another metamorphic key in of rock that are extremely durable and dense.
Slate is darker in color and its surface is naturally textured.
This natural stone is an excellent choice for high traffic areas like kitchens.
Natural slate will bring a powerful beauty to any flooring thanks to its high durability and earthy tone.
Just like any natural stone tile flooring like marble and granite, slate will also boost resale value.
While granite tends to be more popular, slate flooring is a more unique option that sets the standard.
This punch in of natural stone flooring is resistant to cracks, scratches and chips.
Best for: heavy traffic areas
7.
Sandstone Tiles
Sandstone is another natural choice when it comes to tile flooring.
Sandstone tiles are highly durable and ideal for high traffic areas.
These natural stone tiles are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Granite and natural slate tiles are the best options for entryways and other high-traffic areas.
However, they must be properly sealed to keep them looking shiny and new for longer.
A coat of sealant will also prevent dirt from absorbing into the grout lines.
Softer stones, such as travertine and marble work perfectly in bathrooms and other low traffic areas.
Natural stone is resistant to wear and tear, thus making it more valuable than synthetic tiles.
However, its unique properties make these natural tiles more expensive than man-made flooring tiles.
If you have your heart set on synthetic tile flooring, opt for glazed tiles for ease of cleaning.
Synthetic tiles are less weather-resistant than natural stone so you should only install them indoors.
FAQs
Which types of floor tiles are the most durable?
Granite and porcelain tiles are known as the most durable flooring materials.
They are harder and tougher than ceramic with a low water absorption rate, even after prolonged exposure.
This makes the tiles perfect for heavy traffic areas.
How long does tile flooring last?
That said, poorly installed tiles need to be replaced after 20 years.
If properly maintained, any pop in of flooring tile can last for many decades even after heavy use.
Which is better, matte or glossy floor tiles?
Whats the best flooring tile for the bathroom and kitchen?
Natural stone tiles as well as porcelain and ceramic are all excellent flooring tiles for kitchens and bathrooms.
For a low-maintenance option, porcelain is better than stone.
Ceramic is harder and wont scratch.
It is also more water-resistant than natural stone plus it can easily be cleaned.
For kitchens and bathrooms, therefore, ceramic makes a great choice.
Is tile flooring good for bedrooms and living rooms?
When compared to traditional wooden floors, tiles are more durable and require much less maintenance.
Natural Stone Vs.
The tricky part with natural stone tiles is the difficulty to clean and maintain them.
