Tile Flooring for Your Home

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Ceramic and porcelain are two of the most common tile flooring options.

Ceramic tile is made from clay and other natural materials and is available in a wide range of colors, styles, and finishes. It can be suitable for many residential applications depending on the specific product.

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile manufactured using specific materials and processes that result in a dense, low-absorption product. This can make porcelain a useful option for applications where moisture performance is an important consideration.

The right choice depends on the room, installation conditions, and characteristics you're looking for in your flooring.

Tile Styles & Designs

One of tile's biggest advantages is the number of design possibilities available.

Wood-look tile can bring the visual warmth of hardwood into spaces where you may want the characteristics of a tile surface. Stone- and marble-inspired designs can add a more natural or sophisticated appearance, while concrete-inspired tile can work well in contemporary interiors.

Tile size can also change the look of a room. Large-format tile can create a cleaner appearance with fewer grout lines, while smaller tiles can introduce additional pattern and detail.

Your grout selection matters, too. A contrasting grout color can emphasize the shape and layout of the tile, while a complementary color can create a more continuous appearance.

Tile Flooring for Kitchens

Kitchens need flooring that can handle regular activity, spills, and frequent cleaning.

Tile can provide a durable surface while giving you the opportunity to coordinate the floor with your cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and other finishes.

When choosing kitchen tile, think about both performance and design. A floor with some texture or visual variation may provide a practical appearance for a busy household, while the right color and format can help tie the entire kitchen together.

Tile Flooring for Bathrooms

Tile is a natural consideration for many bathroom projects because numerous tile products are suited to environments where moisture is present.

Bathroom tile can also be used to create a wide range of design styles, from simple and understated to bold and decorative.

When selecting bathroom flooring, consider the surface characteristics of the specific tile, moisture exposure, grout, and overall maintenance requirements.

Tile for Entryways & Other Spaces

Tile isn't limited to kitchens and bathrooms.

Entryways and mudrooms can benefit from a durable flooring surface that is easy to clean after exposure to dirt and debris from outside. Tile can also work in living areas, dining spaces, and other rooms where homeowners want a durable surface with extensive design options.

The right tile depends on the specific conditions of the room and the manufacturer's recommended applications.

Choosing the Right Tile Size & Layout

Tile size and installation pattern can have a significant effect on the finished appearance.

Large-format tiles can make a room feel more open and create a relatively continuous visual effect. Smaller tiles can introduce more detail and work particularly well when you want a decorative pattern.

The layout matters as well. A traditional straight pattern creates a clean appearance, while staggered, diagonal, or other patterns can add visual interest.

Before installation, consider the dimensions of the room and how the pattern will work around walls, cabinets, fixtures, and other permanent features.

Caring for Tile Flooring

Tile is generally straightforward to maintain, but care requirements can vary depending on the type of tile and grout.

Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps remove dirt and grit before it can be tracked across the floor. Routine cleaning should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific tile.

Grout may require additional attention because its porous surface can collect dirt over time. The appropriate cleaning and sealing requirements depend on the grout and installation.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods unless they are specifically recommended for your flooring.

Tile Flooring Tips

View Samples Together

Don't choose tile without considering the other materials in your room. Compare samples with cabinets, countertops, walls, furniture, and other finishes.

Consider Grout

Grout is part of the finished design. Decide whether you want it to blend with the tile or provide contrast that emphasizes the pattern.

Think About the Room

Consider traffic, moisture, maintenance, and how the space will be used before selecting a tile product.

Plan Transitions

If your tile will meet hardwood, laminate, vinyl, carpet, or another flooring material, think about the transition before installation.

Tile & Your Overall Design

Tile flooring can be one part of a larger interior design rather than an isolated choice.

In kitchens and bathrooms especially, flooring works alongside cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, fixtures, and hardware. Choosing these materials with one another in mind can create a more cohesive finished space.

Try comparing samples together before making your final selections. Looking at the materials under the lighting in your home can also help you get a better sense of how they'll look once installed.

Is Tile Flooring Right for Your Home?

Tile can be a strong choice if you're looking for a durable flooring material with extensive design flexibility. With so many colors, patterns, sizes, textures, and material-inspired looks available, tile can work with a wide range of interior styles.

Consider the specific needs of your room, including traffic, moisture, maintenance, and the overall design you want to achieve.