The Pros and Cons of Different Tile Materials

Bathroom with Blue Tile

There are many different choices when it comes to what tile material you are going to use. As with anything, they each have their pros and cons, with some being more suitable for a particular area than others. You may have a tile that is very sturdy, but difficult to clean. You may have a material that is very affordable and looks great, but is less durable. It is crucial to consider both the positives and negatives of each tile material before making your decision.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile can be one of the more affordable options. On top of being affordable, it is also fairly easy to clean, and offers a wide range of styles to choose from. Although these are all great upsides of ceramic, it has its downsides as well. The primary con of ceramic tile is that it is less durable than porcelain tile, which means it will sometimes chip or crack.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is one of the most durable tile options out there. This durability, paired with its very water-resistant nature, means it works great in high-traffic areas. This makes it a solid choice for any bathroom or kitchen. A downside of porcelain tile is that it can be harder to cut and install, due to its durability. It is also slightly more expensive than other options because it is a higher quality product.

Natural Stone

Natural stone tile gives you a great high-end look, and can offer some very unique natural patterns. Natural stone tile is a timeless choice that can class up any area. Obviously, there are some tradeoffs here. Natural stone tile requires sealing, more maintenance, and can be more pricey. As with anything that has tremendous upside, there is a little bit more work involved to reap the benefits.

Glass Tile

Glass tile is a great choice for many people. Glass tile is reflective, and more modern than some of the other options previously mentioned. Glass tile is a great option for backsplashes due to the contrast and complexity it can bring to the area. The downsides of glass tile are that it is obviously slippery if it gets wet, and can be prone to scratching. Glass tile is not a great option for floors, but can work well in many other areas.

Each of these tile materials has its own time and place where it stands above the rest. Consider where you are having tile installed, and take the pros and cons of each material into consideration so that you can choose the tile that works best for your situation. As always, we love to talk with anyone considering new tile installation. We deal with tile every day, so we can help you make sure that you are taking all factors into consideration and are making the best choice. Reach out to talk with the pros!

office@hnhtileandflooring.com        Wallace: 512-749-6942      Hunter: 682-308-8854