Mike posted on November 26, 2008 18:16
Just the Facts
Expert advice on choosing the perfect tile for your project.
Q: I’m thinking of bringing tile into my new house in several ways—the kitchen, the bath, some flooring with mosaics or decorative accents—but I’m not really sure what to choose for each application. Can you help?
A: There are three basic types of tile. Knowing the characteristics of each will help you choose the right one for the job.
Ceramic tile is made from different types of clay that are pressed and fired in a kiln. The tiles can be glazed with a mixture of metal oxides for color and ground glass for a hard surface. Ceramic tiles range from vitreous (water resistant) to nonvitreous (not). “The benefit of ceramic tile is that it’s easy to clean and practically maintenance free,” says Ron Maddox of Dal-Tile. “The glaze makes it very durable and also allows manufacturers to create many custom colors. Ceramic tile offers the most design versatility.”
Use ceramic tile on kitchen counters and backsplashes and in bathrooms. Be aware that ceramic tile can chip or crack, revealing that the color is only applied to the surface.
Porcelain tile is made of highly refined clay that is fired at very high temperatures so each piece is extremely dense and durable. “It’s the most durable tile you can find,” says Ron Maddox of Dal-Tile. Porcelain usually has more texture and can look like natural stone. Unlike ceramic tiles that show red or grey in the middle when chipped, porcelain tiles are the same color throughout.
Porcelain tiles are a good choice for kitchens and baths, as well. They also make great flooring.
Natural stone includes marble, granite, slate, limestone, soapstone, and travertine. “Natural stone flooring is produced by Mother Nature,” says Steve Pickert of IMC. “Sitting in a room with natural stone makes you comfortable, and then you realize that what was once a mountain somewhere in Italy is now your floor.”
Stone tile is a beautiful option for your kitchen and bath. Softer stones (some marbles and sandstone) are not a good flooring option for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen or family room, but would be beautiful in your dining room. There are many durable stone options that can withstand the daily wear and tear when installed in high-traffic areas.
Q: I told my contractor that I want stone tile and he asked which one. I thought slate was the only option.
A: Not so. Not only can you choose from several types, there are also finish options to consider. “Natural stone as a decorating option has been increasingly popular in the last few years,” says Luke Gilcrease of Lucasso Natural Stone. “Stone works well with many looks, whether slick and modern or warm and traditional.” Stone can be polished to a brilliant shine or honed to a duller but less slippery finish. When tumbled, stone tiles have an antique and rustic look. “Stone also has the advantage of not losing its color as man-made tiles can,” says Kerry McCauley of International Granite & Marble. It’s important to consult a professional when selecting stone because some varieties are softer than others and better suited to certain areas of your home.
Here’s a crash course:
• Veined and beautifully shaded, marble is classic and elegant. It’s also a softer stone, affected by dirt and traffic, so it’s not the best choice for the foyer.
• Rich with mineral flecks, granite is one of the most durable choices. It resists fading and wear and is easy to maintain. Avoid slips in the kitchen and bath areas by choosing a honed finish.
• A popular choice for showers and bathrooms, travertine is a translucent stone referred to as alabaster by the ancient Egyptians. Seal travertine to increase its durability.
• Slate has built-in traction with natural clefts in the surface of tiles. It is highly durable and resists abrasion.
• Soapstone is a common choice for countertops. Though it can be scratched, it is stain resistant and just needs a bit of mineral oil now and then to seal it.
• Some of the finest limestone is quarried in Israel. Often mistaken for marble, limestone is harder and can be less expensive.
Q: I went to a showroom and picked out a tile I like on my own, but my designer says it won’t work. I thought tile was tile.
A: “Sounds like you might have chosen a wall tile for your floor, or vice versa,” says Kerry McCauley of International Granite & Marble. These are some general rules of thumb about tile installation:
• You can use floor tiles on your walls, but not wall tiles on floors. Tile made specifically for walls—usually of ceramic or glass—is not durable enough for the abuse your floors take.
• Of course, stone is a perfect fit for any flooring need, indoors or out, but keep polished stone inside and away from wet areas as it can be treacherously slippery.
• Floor tile should be rated at least semivitreous (see “Terms of the Trade”).
• When tiling your countertop, remember to choose either floor tile (the more-durable option) or wall tile (the more-options option) that is impervious to water.
• Porcelain tiles are vitreous and are perfect for bathroom or kitchen floors, but they should be sealed when used around the tub.
• The Porcelain Enamel Institute rates the wear resistance of tile from class 1 to 5. The lowest rating is okay for your bathroom; the highest is suitable for a football stadium, so it can handle your pets, your kids, and your kids’ friends.