The 10 Different Types of Tiles : A Buying Guide for Your Home!

Whether you consider the process of producing tiles as art or not, you cannot deny the beauty these tiles bring to your homes. For instance, these tiles from Orvi’s Palacio Collection in many ways can only be described as a piece of art. Though you might have heard of ceramic and porcelain tiles, you would be surprised to learn about all the other beautiful options available out there. In our years of expertise building countless home interiors, we have in one way or another worked with every sort of tile there is. So, in this blog, we will try our best to impart our years of knowledge to you so that you can make the best choice for yourself.

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1. Ceramic Tiles

There’s a good reason for the increase in the popularity of ceramic tiles, which is its hard & solid surface does not attract or hold onto dirt, pollen or any other allergens, such properties of the tile make it elementary to maintenance. In case you are planning to DIY your way through your home’s flooring, there could not be a better option than ceramic, because it’s also very inexpensive. You can procure ceramic tiles for as low as ₹36/ sq. ft and if you are looking for something a little better in quality, it would cost you somewhere between ₹55/ sq. ft to ₹60/ sq. ft. Whereas the best quality ceramic flooring solution installed by professionals can exceed costs incurred from wooden flooring as well.

Most ceramic tiles are glazed, but unglazed ceramic tiles are also available on the market. The unglazed ceramic tiles must be sealed before installation to protect them from liquids and stains.

With new innovations in the industry, ceramic tiles can be given a plethora of designs. They can also be mixed and matched in patterns or even accented with custom designs or motifs. These tiles can also be printed on, to mimic hardwood and natural stones. Finally, the tiles can be shaped into triangles, rectangles and planks of a variety of sizes.

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2. Porcelain Tiles

Though at one point in time, porcelain tiles coasted subsequently more than ceramic, the rise in its popularity and demand has dragged the prices down to a comparable level to ceramic. These tiles can be easily procured in India for between ₹60/sq.ft to ₹70/sq.ft, while other inferior porcelain tiles can be found for even cheaper prices. However, the costs don’t end there, because these tiles require a certain level of expertise to be installed, you can expect to incur costs there as well.

Though the tiles are considerably tougher, dense and solid, the same hardness of the tiles also makes them brittle and susceptible to cracking. So, in case you are planning to use these tiles in high-traffic areas, make sure the tiles are classified with a PEI rating of at least 5.

One of the most practical advantages of porcelain tiles is that they can easily mimic all sorts of flooring materials including marble, granite, wood or even steel, bamboo or cork.

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3. Glass Tiles

Though glass may seem weak and brittle, but in truth, they are as stated before, as durable as any other tile available in the market. Moreover, glass tiles don’t have the same drawbacks as un-vitrified or even vitrified ceramic tiles in some cases. For starters, glass tiles are not porous by nature and are not susceptible to absorbing moisture. And since glass tiles deliver better aesthetics and functions than ceramic tiles, they also tend to cost more as well. The prices of these types of tiles can range from ₹40/sq.ft to ₹200/sq.ft depending upon the design and type of glass tile.

4. Cement Tiles

The tiles can be used for all sorts of applications, whether it’s for interior flooring or steam showers. However, if you plan to install cement tiles in an area prone to being wet, proper sealing of the tiles is required for their long life, as the tiles tend to absorb water. When it comes to its manufacturing process, unlike ceramic or porcelain tiles, cement tiles are produced entirely by hand and with mineral pigments.

Furthermore, because of the time and effort that goes into producing cement tiles, these can cost unbelievably more than the other tiles. The costs can range from ₹50/sq.ft for common unsophisticated tiles to upwards of ₹500/sq.ft for unique designs.

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5. Marble Tiles

More often than not, even after applying sealants, these marbles tend to get damaged. So, it’s recommended only to be used in low-traffic areas. Moreover, these tiles can prove to be a pain to maintain, hence most people use them for countertops and accent walls. But it’s not all bad news, marble tiles are highly resistant to water and heat along with lasting for a long time.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Soft Stone Master sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Marble tiles are quite expensive, especially when you opt for the pretty ones, this is because of their unique patterns and their ability to make any space turn gorgeous instantaneously. The prices for marble tiles can range from ₹40/sq.ft for homogeneous cheap marble tiles to upwards of ₹/sq.ft for the more premium marbles. Furthermore, these tiles can be heavy and tricky to deal with, so we recommend hiring professionals to install them.

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6. Mosaic Tiles

Moreover, these tiles are as durable as they are versatile in design, patterns and textures. Thus the use of the tiles can be seen in a variety of applications, but we recommend using these tiles only for accent walls and decorative areas. And when it comes to the prices, they can vastly vary according to the material, shape and texture. However, to give you an idea, the prices can range from ₹50/sq.ft to over a whopping ₹/sq.ft.

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7. Granite Tiles

Known for their ability to add beauty and elegance to any space, granite tiles come in a variety of colours and patterns that are also hypoallergenic in nature. These beautiful tiles are extremely durable and subsequently less prone to cracking, however, they are also a little on the heavier side. Moreover, these tiles are waterproof and can be used in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. When it comes to the costs, they can range from ₹48/sq.ft. for cheap tiles to over ₹/sq.ft. for the best quality tiles.

8. Limestone Tiles

Though limestone is porous in nature, a layer of sealant on the tiles makes them a perfect choice for even the wettest areas like showers. These stones are great at creating rustic and earthy decor, so if are looking for something similar for your home, you should go for it. Furthermore, these tiles have been used in other applications as well, especially for accent walls, countertops and much more.

Because limestone tiles are so good at creating an elegant aesthetic and are considerably durable, these tiles can be expensive. They can range from ₹40/sq.ft. all the way to ₹/sq.ft. and more, they are also considered to be extremely hard to install, so we recommend hiring experts to get it done.

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9. Quarry Tiles

Though quarry tiles are used profusely in commercial buildings, because of their ability to hide stains well and are very durable, these tiles can also be found in homes, where it adds a unique, warm feel to the rooms. Popularly available in red colour, quarry tiles are often mistaken for terra cotta, which unlike quarry tiles absorbs water. Apart from red, these tiles are also available in brown, grey and tan colours.

These tiles are very versatile, and thus can be used in both the exterior and interior of the home. Designers today are known to use these tiles as countertops, backsplash and general flooring. If you were wondering about the cost, these tiles can range anywhere from ₹100/sq.ft. to ₹700/sq.ft.

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10. Metal Tiles

Metal tiles are great at giving the space a certain industrial look, however, depending on the design of the tile it can also create a completely different vibe. Moreover, as most metals are, these tiles are non-porous and thus great for your bathroom. As far as prices are concerned, they can cost you anywhere between ₹110/sq.ft. to ₹/sq.ft.

The correct subfloor structure is critical to performance Ceramic tile, more than any other form of flooring, requires the proper subfloor system and setting materials. A double subfloor s ystem with the total thickness of 1-1/4″, over floor joists 16″ on center is required. The top subfloor layer should be exterior grade plywood or an underlayment specifically designed for ceramic tile installation like cementous backerboard.

Special setting materials are available which will allow ceramic tile installations over existing floors that are solid and already meet the above requirements. Failure to provide a sturdy base can cause grout to crack and release or tile to crack. 

Although many ceramic tiles look the same, there are quality differences The quality of raw materials, the firing process, and the sophistication of glazing applications that create realism will determine the quality of the finished product. These quality differences are often reflected in the price.

Selecting the right surface glaze is an important step when selecting floor tile Floor tiles are rated for glaze wear and slip resistance, which are important factors to consider. Glaze ratings should exceed 3 for residential applications with the exception of bath areas that can use tiles rated 2. Tiles with a slip resistant rating of 0.5 or better should work well in most indoor residential applications.

Use caution when selecting tile for installations outdoors. Unglazed quarry tiles, tiles with heavily textured surfaces, or porcelain paver tiles, all with slip resistant ratings of 0.6 or greater are possibilities. They must also be frost resistant. 

Request the best in setting materials New latex modified mortars and grouts provide better strength while also allowing greater flexibility.

Special Caution Dropping objects on ceramic tile–particularly heavy ones–can chip even the best tiles.

The company is the world’s best Flexible Ceramic Tile(es,it,in) supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.