Tiles are certainly going to be one of the first material possibilities that come to mind if you’ve settled on the idea of renovating your house in any way. It could surprise you how many different types of tiles are available if you’ve never attempted a tiling job before. These include ceramic and porcelain tiles as well as glass tiles, cement tiles, and metal tiles—to mention a few. As if that wasn’t hard enough, not every kind of tile is suitable for every project, and your budget is also an issue. Trying to keep up with everything might be overwhelming, so we’ve done it for you.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry; we’ll walk you through every sort of tile that’s out there, so you can choose the one that’s right for your project and your budget.
What Are the Different Types of Tiles in India Used in Homes?
There is no doubt that when it comes to decorating our houses, the focus is on the walls, furnishings, and general look at eye level. Choosing a floor is frequently the last thing on a homeowner’s mind. The type of flooring you install has an impact on how your home looks. Tiles are the best alternative because they are beautiful, easy to clean, and come in a wide range of patterns and styles. Let’s take a look at some of the most common tiles type that is used in Indian households nowadays.
Ceramic Tile
A ceramic tile is probably the first thing that jumps to mind when you hear the word “tile.” There’s a good explanation for this: they’re everywhere! Ceramic tiles have been made for thousands of years, and the method has remained substantially the same throughout the years. To fuse the glaze to the body, they are baked at high temperatures in a kiln with red or white clay biscuits to add decorative shine.
Ceramic tiles, in general, are very durable and easy to maintain. This makes them ideal for splashbacks and bathroom walls, where soaps, shampoos, and sauces are likely to be splashed. As a result of their lower size compared to other varieties of tile, they’re an excellent option for tiny DIY projects. A widespread misunderstanding is that ceramic tiles cannot be used as flooring. Balderdash! Ceramic tiles are still an excellent option for house flooring, despite the increasing popularity of porcelain tiles. Even though they aren’t as durable, they come in a variety of quirky forms and attractive styles that are at the leading edge of fashion.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles, which are different from ceramic tiles, are the second most popular kind of tile. “The appeal of porcelain comes from its ability to emulate natural stone, brick, or wood—and without any of the maintenance,” Castellano says. All-purpose tiles are available in a wide range of patterns, colors, and styles to provide a wide range of options when creating a room. Outside, porcelain will not freeze, fade, or fracture. Other uses for porcelain tile include backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms, areas with heavy foot traffic, and high-traffic zones.
Porcelain tiles are complicated, so let’s define them. Porcelain tile has a 0.5% water absorption rate, making it almost waterproof. Made with finer clay and at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles, they’re thick and sturdy. Due to its versatility, you can install porcelain tile both in residential and commercial settings.
Vitrified Tile
Vitrified tiles are a form of ceramic tile that does not have pores and are produced by applying hydraulic pressure to a combination of clay, silica, quartz, and feldspar. There is a broad range of colors available for these tiles, so you can replace marble and granite floors.
It’s a good idea to use vitrified tiles for your kitchen backsplash or bathroom flooring. The vitrification process guarantees that the tiles harden and become weatherproof, allowing you to utilize them both indoors and outdoors. You can use them on the roof or in the garden because of their high-pressure resistance.
Glass Tile
Glass tiles, with their unique ability to reflect light, are a simple but striking addition to any room’s decor. Due to their stain resistance, they are a great alternative to genuine stone tiles.
If you’re working with a bigger area, you may consider using glass tiles in conjunction with other tiles types, such as mosaics. You may also use them for outdoor projects since they are resistant to the elements (cold, water, and sunshine).
The minimal maintenance requirements of glass tiles make them an excellent choice for those who are especially concerned about cleaning and upkeep. Stains from red wine may be readily removed by wiping the surface.
Glass tiles, on the other hand, are prone to chipping at the edges, so they should not be used in high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms. For example, the fireplace, softly used tabletop, or kitchen backsplash are the best places to utilize them.
Marble Tile
Marble tiles have a high aesthetic value and are constructed from a long-lasting stone (marble), which can be found in almost any hue owing to the wide range of mineral variations. You can instantly transform any room in your home by putting down marble tiles, which have a veined appearance that lends them a sense of depth and texture.
Marble tiles, despite their high price, instantly provide a sense of sophistication and beauty to any area. Laying down marble tiles instantly elevates any kitchen or bathroom. In addition to providing pattern and depth, it may also be veined or patterned. This is a one-of-a-kind item.
The flawless appearance of marble necessitates a great deal of attention despite its long-lasting durability. It is also subject to staining, scratching, and etching like other stone tiles. Marble tiles should only be used sparingly and for ornamental purposes, such as shower floors, backsplashes, and columns unless they are sealed.
Wooden Tile
Is wood-look tile a viable alternative to hardwood floors? However, not everyone likes the look and feel of natural hardwood floors. It’s expensive and prone to scuffs and stains. There’s also the fact that maintaining wooden floors is time-consuming.
It’s a great alternative for those who want the appearance and feel of hardwood without the downsides. It’s a decision that more and more people are making for their homes these days.
Wood-effect tiles made of ceramic or porcelain are an excellent choice for the flooring of any area in your home, including the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. Tiles come in a wide range of hues, so you can simply transform any room.
There is no better alternative than wood-look tile flooring if you want the classic and refined appearance of hardwood without the maintenance headaches. It’s gorgeous, long-lasting, and reasonably priced, so it’s a win-win situation. When it comes to getting the appearance of a hardwood floor but without the price tag, this is a great option to think about since it can be used to create a rustic, classic, or sophisticated atmosphere.
Granite Tile
Granite tile is a kind of stone tile that resembles marble in both looks and feel. It is an igneous rock that was created by the cooling and hardening of magma or lava. It often contains natural flecks and specks. Because of its high density and durability, it is a fantastic choice for secondary rooms that must strike a compromise between great performance and low cost.
If you’re working with a limited budget, it would be a good idea to think about granite tiles as an alternative to marble tiles. Granite may be used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms because, after polishing, it is scratch and etch-resistant.
Other Natural Stone Tile
However, there are many other kinds of natural stones than marble and granite that may be used for tiling outside of those two. To prevent stains or discoloration from occurring on your home’s sandstone, limestone, and travertine floors, you will need to seal them on a regular basis. You may use these stones for various home improvement projects!