This may be surprising to some, but there is actually a huge range of floor and wall tile materials available. This means that everyone is bound to find something that suits the aesthetic of their home perfectly.
A huge factor that you will need to consider if how much you value durability as, in some cases, that is the only difference in the tile material. Below are some of the more popular floor and wall tile materials that you can find.
Want something low maintenance? => Ceramic
Ceramic tiles can range from vintage Victorian to very modern and are clearly a timeless option.
They are incredibly easy to clean as they don't require specialist cleaning products and are relatively resistant to a whole range of chemicals.
Although they're pretty durable, they don't last very long as floors, especially in high traffic areas, and replacing them is not that cheap.
They do work great as wall tiles in bathrooms though, as the splashback from soap and shampoo won't damage them.
Ceramic tiles are also typically smaller than other types of tiles, making them easier to use in DIY projects, but more tedious for covering larger surface areas.
Need something that will last for years? => Porcelain
Porcelain tiles come in two varieties: glazed and unglazed, with the main difference being a glossy appearance if they are glazed, and the tile color sitting on top of the tile rather than seeping through the whole thing.
With a 0.5% water absorbency, porcelain tiles are almost completely waterproof, making them ideal for bathroom and kitchen environments.
They are also very dense and hard as the tiles are produced using finer clay than ceramic tiles, as well as being fired at higher temperatures.
Therefore porcelain tiles are a great, long-lasting choice for both floors and walls.
Like a raw feel? => Cement
Although less popular nowadays, cement tiles were the height of fashion at the turn of the 20th century.
Cement tiles are perfect for those looking for a handmade, raw feel.
They can sometimes have some imperfections because of their production process, but we think that just adds character!
However, they are more prone to cracks and scuffs than porcelain or ceramic tiles, meaning that they may not be worth it if you want something that will last you for years.
Like luxury? => Natural stone
Natural stone tiles can include materials like marble, quartz, slate, or travertine.
All of these are quite hard and durable, meaning that they can be used for both floors and walls.
They also bring a certain richness into the room that other tiles seem to lack, because of their unique veins of color that can sometimes be found cutting through them.
Natural stone tiles are the most expensive option though, so keep this in mind if you are on a tight budget.
Want to save money? => Terracotta
This is the cheapest and, arguably, most humble tile material.
Terracotta tiles are perfect for creating a country or rustic atmosphere in the home.
These tiles have a naturally warm and colorful look to them, so they are sure to brighten up the room!
They are a quite popular option in Mediterranean style home since their color reflects the warm climate of that area.
However, terracotta is naturally quite porous and liable to damage and staining, so these tiles are not the best option if you need something durable.