The Many Different Types of Tiles & When to Use Each
Powerful designs start with one simple choice: your tile. Not every tile can be used for the same application. For instance, you can't use very polished tiles around wet environments because they would be slippery when wet. You can't go with thin ceramic wall tiles on the floor, simply because wall tiles aren't thick enough to support the stress of constant traffic. They would chip and wear prematurely. There are many different types of tiles out there, and by understanding how they differ and where they can be used, you will end up creating a design that is not only beautiful, but that wells wear with time. Here is a short list of potential stone tiles you might want to consider in your next home or business remodel.
#1 Travertine
Travertine is a very porous stone that was used in ancient Roman baths because the porosity made it naturally slip-resistant. The natural porosity creates pits and cracks which give the stone a big personality. It can come in shades from white and tan to darker browns. It is used mostly on walkways, around pools, in bathrooms, or anywhere you are looking for a slip-resistant surface with a lot of character.
Basketweave Mosaic - View Details>>
#2 Marble
Marble has been the luxurious choice for ages. It is far more absorbent of liquids and less forgiving of stains than other stones. That's why you can seal, polish, and hone tiles or get them with a tumbled or brushed finish. The type of finish determines how well it protects against spills or hides them. Marble does take a lot more maintenance in the bathroom and kitchen, where liquid spills are more prevalent, but the glorious color choices and character of the stone, with large or small veins available, make it highly sought after as a design material. These tiles can have very tiny veins, large veins, and even in blue and other interesting colors.
Pennyround Mosaic - View Details>>
#3 Onyx
This is a fragile stone, compared to other stone tiles but has a large allure because of the way the light plays against it, almost making it seem to glow. In addition, it has veins, similar to marble, and the translucent property of the stone makes the calciferous veins stand out more. Since the stone is quite fragile, stone masons use it with background meshes to strengthen it. It is fine to use with light traffic areas on floors, but would not be suitable for heavy traffic. It excels on countertops with overhead lighting to show off the many intricacies of this delicate stone.
Mosaic Border - View Details>>
#4 Other Stone Tiles
There are other types of stone tiles: Slate, ledger, limestone, cobbled stone, and pebbles. These tend to have highly textured surfaces in a natural tile. However, they can be polished and honed and come in different finishes. Use them in their natural state when you want a more rustic look. Just be aware that the textural quality can be fragile when bumped or hit. Hone them down into more reflective surfaces when you want a more Zen-like appeal. You can get them in black, reds, or natural browns and pale yellows. Here is an example of a honed limestone tile bathroom in the final design.
Limestone Tile - View Details>>
#5 Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles come in traditional and trendier designs already built-in to the tile. If you want a custom design without having to be an artist, this is the way to go. You just pick the design of your choice and let the stonemasons put it all together. They are perfect for spaces when you want to make a big design impression without too much effort on your part. They can make use of ceramics or stone. When made with marble, they can provide highly durable surfaces perfect for intricate designs that can withstand a lot of heavy foot traffic and wear and tear.
