Understanding Different Types of Tiles: A Complete Guide

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the countless tile options available for your home? Choosing the right tile can significantly impact your space’s functionality, aesthetics, and overall value. Welcome to “Understanding Different Types of Tiles: A Complete Guide.” This article is here to demystify the tile selection process, making it easier for you to pick the perfect tiles for your unique needs.

Whether renovating your kitchen, sprucing up your bathroom, or designing your dream home, our comprehensive guide covers everything from ceramic and porcelain to mosaics and natural stones. So sit back, relax, and get ready to explore the wide array of tile options available at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, your go-to tile shop in Perth.

Ceramic Tiles

Let’s dive into the world of ceramic tiles. Made from natural clay that’s shaped, glazed, and then fired in a kiln, ceramic tiles are celebrated for their versatility and affordability. They come in a dazzling array of designs and colours, making them a go-to choice for many homeowners./img

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a range of ceramic tiles to cater to every taste and style, whether you’re looking for something classic or contemporary. While they might not have the ultra-refined finish of porcelain, what they lack in polish, they make up for in ease of installation—perfect for you DIY warriors out there!

Read our article, A Beginner’s Guide To Choosing Ceramic Tiles, to learn more about these classic tiles and how to incorporate them into your home.

Ideal Applications for Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are like the Swiss Army knife of tiling. They’re commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and general flooring because of their excellent water resistance and versatility. Imagine a stunning backsplash in your kitchen that looks great and is easy to clean or a sleek bathroom floor that can handle all the splashes and spills. Ceramic tiles fit perfectly in these high-moisture areas, ensuring style and functionality.

Ceramic Tile Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable: Budget-friendly without sacrificing style. Ceramic tiles offer a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking to revamp their spaces without breaking the bank. You’ll find them starting at a very low $10/m2 at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, making us one of the most affordable tile shops in Perth.
• Easy to Install: Less hassle, more home improvement glory. Their softer nature compared to porcelain means they’re easier to cut, making them a favourite for DIY projects.
• Variety of Designs and Colours: Endless options to match your unique taste. From earthy tones to vibrant patterns, our ceramic tile range has a bit of everything—the possibilities are endless.
• Water-Resistant: Perfect for splash zones like bathrooms and kitchens. Their glazed surface ensures they repel water, making them ideal for moisture-prone areas.

Cons

• Less Durable than Porcelain: They might chip or crack under heavy impact. While ceramic tiles are sturdy, they don’t quite match the toughness of porcelain. But with proper care, they can last for years.
• Requires Regular Grout Maintenance: Keep that grout in check to maintain their charm. Over time, grout can become discoloured or dirty, but regular cleaning can keep your tiles looking fresh and new.

So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, stylish, and versatile tile, ceramic might just be your new best friend. Explore our extensive range and find the perfect fit for your project!

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile, but they are made from more refined clay and fired at higher temperatures, making them denser, harder, and more durable. They generally offer superior printing technology compared to ceramic tiles, providing more intricate and detailed designs, such as realistic wood, concrete, stone, or marble patterns, which is evident in our range of timber-look, concrete-look, stone-look, and marble-look tiles. The finer, smoother surface of porcelain tiles allows for high-definition digital printing, making them an ideal choice for sophisticated and intricate designs.

Ideal Applications for Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are the heavyweights of the tile world, perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. Thanks to their durability and resistance to moisture, they’re a fantastic choice for residential and commercial spaces.

Imagine sleek porcelain tiles lining the floors of your busy kitchen, effortlessly withstanding the hustle and bustle, or envision them gracing your patio, handling all weather conditions with ease. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer an impressive selection of porcelain tiles that cater to both functional and aesthetic needs.

Porcelain Tile Pros and Cons

Pros

• Highly Durable: Porcelain tiles are tough cookies; they can handle heavy foot traffic without breaking a sweat.
• Water-Resistant: Ideal for areas exposed to moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor spaces.
• Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use: Versatility at its best! Porcelain tiles can transition seamlessly from your living room to your garden.
• Superior Design Options: Thanks to advanced printing technology, porcelain tiles come in intricate patterns and realistic finishes, from wood to marble. This means massive savings for homeowners, as you can achieve the look of expensive materials at a fraction of the cost.
• Low Maintenance: A simple wipe-down keeps them looking pristine, saving you time and effort.

Cons

• More Expensive than Ceramic: While they offer additional benefits, porcelain tiles can be a bit pricier. For example, our ceramic tiles start at $10/m2, while our porcelain tiles start at $20/m2.
• Can Be Difficult to Cut and Install: Their density makes them trickier to work with, so professional installation might be the way to go.
• May Feel Cold Underfoot: Porcelain tiles can be a bit chilly underfoot, but this can be easily mitigated with area rugs or underfloor heating.

For those seeking a tile that combines durability with exquisite design, porcelain is your match made in heaven. Explore the diverse range of porcelain tiles available at Ross’s Discount Home Centre and find the perfect style to elevate your space!

Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are the artists of the tiling world. They come mounted on a mesh sheet for easy installation, allowing you to create intricate patterns and designs with minimal hassle.

These small, often square tiles can be made from various materials, including glass, ceramic, or stone, which you’ll see in our extensive range. The array of materials and colours available gives you the creative freedom to add a unique touch to any space.

Read our article, The Ultimate Mosaic Tile Buying Guide, to learn more about the different types and uses of mosaic tiles.

Ideal Applications for Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are perfect for adding that wow factor to your home. They are commonly used for kitchen splashbacks, shower floors, and decorative accents. Imagine a vibrant mosaic splashback that catches the eye whenever you walk into your kitchen or a stunning shower floor that feels like a mini spa retreat. Mosaic tiles can bring life and personality to any space, making them a favourite for residential and commercial projects.

Mosaic Tile Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile: Whether aiming for a modern or classic look, mosaic tiles can fit the bill. Their small size and variety of materials allow for endless design possibilities.
• Great for Decorative Purposes: Mosaics are perfect for creating visually striking patterns and designs, adding an artistic flair to any room.
• Wide Range of Colours and Materials: From glass to ceramic to natural stone, the options are plentiful. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer a range of kit kat mosaics, glass mosaics, and mixed glass and stone mosaics, so you’ll have no problem finding mosaics to match any style or colour scheme.

Cons

• Requires More Grout: More grout means more maintenance. Keeping the grout clean can be a bit of a chore, but it’s worth it for the stunning end result.
• Can Be More Expensive: Due to their intricate designs and the variety of materials used, mosaic tiles can be pricier than other options.
• Installation Can Be Labour-Intensive: The detailed nature of mosaic tiles means installation can take time and precision. However, the effort pays off with a beautiful, custom look.

For those looking to add a splash of creativity and elegance to their home, mosaic tiles are a fantastic choice. Explore our collection and find the perfect mosaic tiles to bring your design vision to life!

Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo tiles are the epitome of style and sustainability. Made from a composite material that includes marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable chips mixed with cement or resin, these tiles are then polished to a smooth, glossy finish. Renowned for their durability and unique, speckled appearance, terrazzo tiles can fit beautifully into modern and traditional settings. Plus, their eco-friendly nature, thanks to the use of recycled materials, makes them a sustainable choice.

At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we offer an impressive range of porcelain terrazzo-look tiles that offer the look of real terrazzo tiles without the hefty price tag.

Ideal Applications

Terrazzo tiles are a fantastic choice for residential and commercial spaces, making a statement wherever they are used. They’re popular for flooring and walls due to their exceptional durability and eye-catching appearance. Imagine a chic terrazzo floor in your living room that stands up to daily wear and tear or a stunning terrazzo feature wall that becomes a conversation starter. They’re also perfect for commercial spaces like restaurants and hotels, adding a touch of elegance and robustness.

Terrazzo Tile Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely Durable: Real terrazzo tiles are built to last, handling heavy foot traffic and daily use with ease.
• Eco-Friendly: Many terrazzo tiles are made from recycled materials, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners.
• Unique and Customisable Designs: The variety of chips used in terrazzo means each tile is one-of-a-kind. You can customise colours and patterns to suit your style perfectly.

Cons

• Can Be Expensive: The quality and craftsmanship of terrazzo tiles come at a price, but their longevity and beauty offer great value over time. Still, if real terrazzo doesn’t fit within your budget, terrazzo-look tiles are the perfect alternative.
• Heavy and Difficult to Install: These tiles are quite hefty and require precision during installation, often necessitating professional help.
• Requires Periodic Sealing: To maintain their stunning appearance and durability, terrazzo tiles need to be sealed periodically.

For those searching for a durable, eco-friendly, and uniquely beautiful tile, terrazzo is an excellent choice. Visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre to explore our porcelain terrazzo-look tiles and discover the perfect option to bring a touch of elegance and sustainability to your space!

Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles are the Michelangelo of the tiling world, quarried straight from the earth and bringing a touch of nature’s artistry into your home. Options like travertine, marble, granite, slate, terracotta, and limestone each offer unique looks with inherent variations in colour, texture, and pattern—basically, no two tiles are ever the same. However, such timeless beauty and durability come at a cost. Natural stone tiles can be a bit pricey, and they often need more maintenance due to their porous nature.

But don’t fret! That’s where stone-look tiles come in. Stone-look tiles capture the stunning aesthetics of natural stone but at a fraction of the cost. They offer the same sophisticated vibe without the hefty price tag or the extra upkeep. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we understand budget-conscious customers and provide an excellent range of stone-look tiles that marry style with practicality. You get all the charm and elegance without breaking the bank!

But, for those after the real deal, let’s dive into your options.

Travertine Tiles

This type of limestone, formed by mineral springs, boasts a fibrous texture and natural, earthy tones that can make any room look like it’s straight out of an Italian villa. Available in various finishes like polished, honed, brushed, and tumbled, each finish offers a different vibe. Whether you’re going for sleek and sophisticated or rustic and cosy, there’s a travertine tile to match.

Ideal Applications of Travertine Tiles

Travertine tiles are the go-to for bathrooms, living rooms, and patios to channel that natural, classic look. Picture this: a serene bathroom with warm, earthy travertine tiles underfoot or a cosy living room where each tile tells a story of nature’s beauty. Even outdoor patios can benefit from travertine’s charm, turning your garden into an elegant retreat. Whether for residential havens or stylish commercial spaces, travertine tiles are the perfect fit for creating a welcoming, timeless ambience.

Pros and Cons of Travertine Tiles

Pros

• Timeless, Natural Look: Travertine tiles offer a beauty that’s truly timeless, adding a touch of natural elegance to any space.
• Durable: Despite their delicate appearance, these tiles are tough and can handle a fair amount of traffic.
• Slip-Resistant: The naturally textured surface of travertine provides good grip, making it a safe option for areas prone to wetness like bathrooms and patios.

Cons

• Porous: Travertine’s porous nature means it can absorb spills, so sealing is a must to keep it looking pristine.
• Requires Sealing: Regular sealing is necessary to maintain the tile’s beauty and protect it from stains and moisture.
• Can Be Prone to Staining: Without proper sealing, travertine can be susceptible to stains from spills and dirt.

Marble Tiles

Marble is the epitome of luxury in the tile world. This metamorphic rock is renowned for its exquisite veins of colour that run through each piece, making every tile uniquely stunning. The luxurious appearance of marble is often associated with high-end, sophisticated interiors, and it’s no wonder why. The timeless beauty of marble tiles can elevate any space, turning it into a work of art.

Ideal Applications for Marble Tiles

Marble tiles are perfect for creating a statement in bathrooms, living areas, and feature walls where a touch of luxury is desired. Picture a marble-clad bathroom that feels like a personal spa or a living room with a feature wall that serves as a sophisticated backdrop for your decor. Whether you’re looking to add elegance to a residential or commercial space, marble tiles are a sure-fire way to impress.

Marble Tile Pros and Cons

Pros

• Elegant: Marble tiles offer a level of elegance and sophistication that few other materials can match.
• Adds Value to the Home: The luxurious appeal of marble can increase the value of your property.
• Variety: Available in various colours and patterns, marble can suit a range of design aesthetics.

Cons

• Expensive: The cost of marble tiles can be quite high, reflecting their high-end appeal. However, marble-look tiles are available for those wanting the look without the high costs.
• High Maintenance: Marble requires regular sealing to protect against stains and scratches.
• Can Be Slippery When Wet: This makes marble less ideal for areas prone to moisture unless treated with a non-slip finish.

Granite Tiles

Granite tiles are the heavyweights of the tiling world. Known for their incredible hardness and dense, speckled appearance, granite tiles are one of the most durable natural stone tile options available. They’re perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications, where their robustness can truly shine. These tiles are a go-to for areas that see a lot of foot traffic, providing a resilient and stylish surface that can stand up to the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Ideal Applications For Granite Tiles

Granite tiles are ideally suited for flooring and wall applications, especially in high-traffic areas. Think of entryways, hallways, and commercial spaces where durability is a must. The dense nature of granite makes it extremely resistant to scratches and wear, so you can count on it to maintain its polished look even in the busiest environments. Granite tiles also work beautifully in bathrooms and as accent walls, adding a touch of natural elegance and sophistication.

Pros and Cons of Granite Tiles

Pros:

• Extremely Durable: Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, making these tiles highly resistant to wear and tear.
• Scratch-Resistant: Perfect for high-traffic areas that need to withstand a lot of use.
• Heat-Resistant: Can handle temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for various indoor and outdoor applications.

Cons:

• Can Be Expensive: The initial cost of granite tiles can be high, but their durability offers long-term value.
• Heavy: The weight of granite tiles makes them more challenging to install and requires a sturdy subfloor.
• Requires Sealing: To prevent staining and maintain their appearance, granite tiles need to be sealed periodically.

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are the rugged adventurers of the tile world. This fine-grained metamorphic rock naturally splits into thin layers, giving each tile a distinctive, textured surface that feels authentically earthy. Available in a range of deep, organic colours like grey, green, and even purple, slate tiles bring a rustic charm that’s hard to replicate. They’re perfect for adding a touch of nature’s rugged elegance to any space.

Ideal Applications for Slate Tiles

Slate tiles shine brightest in areas where a natural, slip-resistant surface is a must. Think flooring in entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms, or even as a durable roofing material that can withstand the elements. Outdoor patios and walkways are also great places to showcase slate’s natural beauty and practicality.

Slate Tile Pros and Cons

Pros

• Durable: Slate is tough and can handle high-traffic areas with ease.
• Slip-Resistant: The natural texture of slate provides excellent grip, making it a safe choice for wet areas.
• Unique Texture and Colour Variations: No two slate tiles are exactly alike, offering a unique and visually interesting surface.

Cons

• Can Be Brittle: While durable, slate can be prone to cracking if not properly supported.
• Requires Sealing: To maintain its appearance and protect against stains, slate needs regular sealing.
• Prone to Chipping: Edges can chip if not handled with care during installation.

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles are like a warm embrace for your floors and walls. Crafted from natural clay and typically left unglazed, these tiles boast rich, earthy tones that evoke a sense of rustic charm and Mediterranean warmth. Used for centuries, terracotta tiles are celebrated for their natural beauty and the cosy, inviting atmosphere they create.

Ideal Applications for Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles are a perfect match for rustic or Mediterranean-style interiors. They’re a favourite for kitchen floors, dining areas, and charming outdoor spaces like patios and garden paths. Their ability to create a warm, welcoming vibe makes them ideal for both residential and commercial settings that aim for a cosy, down-to-earth aesthetic.

Terracotta Tile Pros and Cons

Pros

• Natural, Warm Appearance: Terracotta’s earthy tones add a touch of nature’s warmth to any space.
• Affordable: Generally more budget-friendly compared to other natural stone options.
• Eco-Friendly: Made from natural clay, terracotta is an environmentally conscious choice.

Cons

• Porous and Must Be Sealed Regularly: To prevent moisture absorption and staining, terracotta needs consistent sealing.
• Not as Durable as Other Stones: While beautiful, terracotta is softer and less durable compared to granite or slate.
• Can Be Prone to Chipping: The edges of terracotta tiles can chip, especially in high-traffic areas.

Limestone Tiles

Last of all, we have limestone tiles. This sedimentary rock features a smooth, matte finish and comes in natural, neutral tones that can seamlessly blend into any design style. Limestone is softer than granite or slate, making it easier to cut and shape, but this also means it’s more prone to wear over time. Its gentle, understated appearance makes it a favourite for creating a subtle, natural look in traditional and contemporary settings.

Ideal Applications for Limestone Tiles

Limestone tiles are versatile and can be used for floors, walls, and outdoor spaces where a soft, natural aesthetic is desired. Picture a serene bathroom floor, a calming kitchen backsplash, or a charming garden path—all brought to life with the gentle tones of limestone. Its understated elegance makes it suitable for both residential havens and sophisticated commercial settings.

Limestone Tile Pros and Cons

Pros

• Soft, Natural Look: Limestone offers a gentle, earthy aesthetic that complements various design styles.
• Variety of Finishes: Available in honed, polished, and tumbled finishes to suit different looks and applications.
• Relatively Easy to Work With: Its softer nature makes it easier to cut and install.

Cons

• Requires Regular Sealing: To protect against moisture and staining, limestone needs consistent sealing.
• Prone to Scratches and Staining: Its softer nature makes it more susceptible to scratches and stains than harder stones.
• Less Durable: Limestone is less hard-wearing than granite or slate, making it less suited for high-traffic areas.

Conclusion

We’ve journeyed through a diverse range of tiles, each with unique characteristics and benefits. From the versatile and budget-friendly options of ceramic and porcelain to the timeless beauty of travertine, the luxurious elegance of marble, the durability of granite, the rustic charm of slate, the warm, earthy tones of terracotta, and the subtle, natural beauty of limestone—every tile type brings its own distinct personality to the table. Your choice depends on your specific needs and style preferences, whether seeking something stylish, durable, or naturally charming.

Ready to transform your space with the perfect tiles? Visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre, Perth’s favourite tile shop, to explore our extensive range of high-quality tiles that cater to every style and budget. Our experts are here to provide personalised advice and help you find the ideal tiles for your next project.