The Definitive Guide to Ceramic Tile Types

It's no surprise that ceramic tiles have been around since ancient times, but what may come as a surprise is just how many types of ceramic tile there are available today. There are glazed, unglazed, porcelain, polished - the list goes on. But with so many options, it can be hard to know which is best for your project.

That's why you need this definitive guide to ceramic tile types. We'll help you identify the different types of ceramic tiles available, knowledge you can use to select the right one for your needs. We'll also discuss how and where these tiles can be used, so you can pick the best suited tile for any situation. By the end of this article, you'll be a pro at picking out the perfect ceramic tile for any floor or wall surface!

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are the most versatile and durable ceramic tiles available. Not only are they incredibly resistant to water and stains, they also come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors—making them perfect for creating beautiful designs in any room of your home.

If you're looking for tiles that will stand the test of time, porcelain is your best bet. They're often fired at higher temperatures than other types of ceramic tiles, meaning they're denser, less porous, and able to withstand more wear and tear. Plus, with glazed porcelain tiles, you'll get a tile that's easy to clean and scratch-resistant.

As with any type of tile though, there are some drawbacks to consider. Porcelain can be quite expensive; plus their density makes them heavier than other types of ceramic or stone tiles so if you're looking for something lightweight this may not be the best option. But if you want a classic look that will last for years, porcelain is definitely worth considering.
 

Terra cotta tiles

In the world of ceramic tiles, terra cotta is one of the original—and most popular—types. These beautiful tiles have been around for centuries, with their earthy color palette and unique texture making them both timeless and distinctive. The advantage of these tiles is that they can be used both indoors and outdoors, giving you a lot of flexibility in your home or business design. Terra cotta tiles are also durable and long-lasting, making them perfect for high traffic areas—from hallways to kitchens to patios.

These types of tiles are perfect for adding rustic charm to any space due to their unique texture. They come in a variety of colors and patterns as well as sizes, so there's sure to be something that fits your style perfectly. Plus, they're easy to install—so you won't have to worry about any complex installation process.

If you're looking for a classic yet bold look, terra cotta tiles are an excellent option. Whether you want a subtle hint of natural beauty or an eye-catching feature wall, these durable ceramic tiles are sure to make an impact in any room.

Marble tiles

The third type of ceramic tile is marble tiles. Marble tiles are often seen in grand, high-end spaces. They've been used for centuries, and the beauty of their veining and color makes them stand out from all other types of tile. Marble is also known for its durability and resilience, so you can be sure that your marble tile will last you a long time.

If durability isn't enough to convince you, perhaps its natural beauty will: marble tiles add an elegant touch to any room. Their subtle veining and color variation provide a look that's at once both timeless and modern - it's no wonder why so many homeowners choose marble tiles when they're looking to make a statement with their flooring or backsplash.

The thing to keep in mind when it comes to marble is that it can be expensive - but if your budget allows, the results are well worth the cost. Here are some things that separate marble from other ceramic tile types:

1. Harder surface than other ceramics - making it more resistant to scratches, stains and wear-and-tear

2. Easier to maintain than other ceramic tiles due to its smooth surface

3. Resistant to water damage, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms or kitchens with high moisture levels

4. Versatile enough to work in any style of home, from traditional to modern.
 

Encaustic tiles

Encaustic tiles sure are unique. The name might sound like something exotic, but all it really means is 'decorated with colors'. These tiles feature a hand-crafted, intricate design that can be quite mesmerizing. Even if you don't know much about tiles, you'll recognize the distinct pattern when you see it.

These tile patterns are created by carefully merging colored clay that’s been pressed into molds. The design is baked into the tile after firing in kilns, ensuring a long-lasting pattern that won't fade with time. There are so many different designs to choose from—you could go for abstract shapes and bright colors or keep things soft and neutral with floral motifs and earthy tones. Whatever your preference, encaustic tiles make for an excellent accent piece when used properlyin any home or office space.

These tiles are relatively durable since they’re made of fired clay, but have slightly lower water resistance compared to other types of ceramic tile; this means they will require more frequent cleaning and maintenance over time to stay looking their best.

Cement tiles

Cement tiles might not be the first type of ceramic tile that comes to mind, but it's a unique and fashionable look for any home. These tiles create an eye-catching pattern, are available in many different hues, and are reasonably durable. While typical ceramic tiles are made from clay or porcelain, cement tiles get their strength from an aggregate of cement, sand, and powdered pigment. To create the tiles, various colored pigments are used to make repeating patterns that you can mix and match however you please.

Cement tiles usually come pre-sealed with a sealant that needs to be reapplied regularly to keep the design looking vibrant—but this will also depend on how much abuse the tile takes on a daily basis. Cement isn’t as hard as other types of ceramic tile, but it’s still relatively durable and perfect for areas with light foot traffic such as bathrooms or entryways. When installed properly with adhesive mortar and grout sealer, your cement tile project can last for over 20 years—allowing you to enjoy your unique flooring or wall design for years to come.

Limestone tiles

Limestone tiles are often underrated, but they definitely have their place in the world of ceramic tiles. Limestone tiles are made from sedimentary rock, which is formed from the shells of marine organisms. These shells are pressed together over millions of years, and then crushed into a fine, powdery substance and mixed with clay and other minerals. The result? A beautiful, durable tile that can last for many years with proper upkeep.

Limestone tiles have some great advantages. They're visually appealing, as each tile is unique due to the natural patterns in the stone. They're also easy to clean and maintain—just use a mild soap and water solution! Additionally, limestone tiles are heat-resistant and can even help regulate indoor temperatures.

To best take advantage of limestone tiles' qualities, here's what you should keep in mind:

1. Limestone is porous, so sealing it regularly to prevent staining is important

2. It's not as hard as other types of ceramic tile like porcelain or marble; use it in lower-traffic areas like living rooms or bedrooms

3. Natural-looking finishes like tumbled or honed will enhance the beauty of limestone

Glazed Ceramic Tile

If you're looking for something a bit more luxurious and refined, then glazed ceramic tile is perfect for you. Glazed ceramic tiles are tiles that have an incredibly hard and durable glossy finish, made of glass or metal oxide -- this coating helps protect the tile from staining and makes it easier to clean. Plus, it looks really pretty! And since the glaze is applied after the tile has been fired in a kiln, it's much more resistant to moisture damage than unglazed tiles.

But what about its design potential? Glazed ceramic tiles come in stunning colors and patterns that can easily transform any space into something special. You can choose from classic marble patterns to intricate mosaics that make your flooring look like an elegant artwork. And if you're looking for something truly unique and personalized, why not get creative with custom patterned glazes?

Colorbody Porcelain tile

The last type of ceramic tile you should know about is colorbody porcelain—the hardest, most durable type of ceramic tile. Colorbody porcelain offers superior stain and water resistance, plus it's incredibly strong and can withstand damage from heavy foot traffic.
What makes colorbody porcelain so resilient?

1. It's more dense and less porous than other types of ceramic tiles, meaning that it holds up better against stains and spills.

2. The color is thoroughly fused into the tile body, so when the surface is chipped or scratched, the underlying color remains intact—unlike with glazed tiles, where scratching reveals a different color beneath.

3. It's fired at extremely high temperatures (over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit in some cases) which creates an intense bond between the pigment molecules and the clay body of the tile. This extreme heat makes it nearly impervious to staining and scraping, which is why it's so widely used in both commercial and residential settings.

4. Plus, there's one more thing that makes colorbody porcelain unique: its amazing range of colors and designs—from solid to patterned to textured styles—means that you can find whatever look you're going for in this type of ceramic tile.

Conclusion

From porcelain to unglazed ceramic and even glass tiles, ceramic tiles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Understanding the key distinctions between these tile types will help you make the best choice for your home.
Whether you're looking for an economical choice like unglazed ceramic or a more luxurious option like glass tiles, ceramic tiles provide the perfect complement to any room in your house. Not to mention, they can last a lifetime when properly taken care of.

So, whether you’ve just moved into a new home or you’re giving your kitchen a much-needed refresh, you’re sure to find the right ceramic tile to fit both your budget and your style.