The Pros and Cons of Common Types of Tiles

[BLOG] Published: 2019-04-07 - Updated: 2023-04-01

The Pros and Cons of Stone, Ceramic, Cement, Porcelain, and Glass

The Pros and Cons of Common Types of Tiles

Walking into a showroom can be so inspiring and spectacular. So much to choose from and so many options. Not to mention different price points and types of tiles including stone,

A group of tile manufacturers, retailers, and installers have provided their best tips on the pros and cons of the most common types of tiles, including stone, ceramic, cement, porcelain, and glass.

Read Also: Calibrated VS Rectified Tile

Types of Tiles Natural Stone

Natural Stone

Price

$6 to $15 per square foot

Made Of

Pieces of natural stone, include granite, slate, travertine, marble, onyx, sandstone, and many more. Natural stone is cut into thin, regular pieces. Stone tile has a rick, one-of-a-kind looks. Beautiful to look at and easy to clean.

Pros

Walls, backsplashes, and floors. If you want the look of a countertop but are on a tight budget, use granite tiles instead of a slab.

Cons

It requires extra maintenance since most stone tiles can be damaged by exposure to pigment, water, or acid.

ProTip Takeaway: Seal natural stone on installation and reseal every ten years.

Ceramic

Ceramic

Price

$2 to $7 per square foot

Made Of

A mix of clay, water, and minerals. Ceramic tiles are fired at high temperatures. Glazed styles are then treated with a liquid glass coating and fired again, creating a hard, stain, and scratch-resistant surface.

Pros

Ceramic tile is typically affordable, durable, and easy to install. It also comes in endless arrays of colors and designs.

Cons

Colors can vary from lot to lot, and ceramic is not ideal for high-impact areas. Also, handmade or personalized tiles can be expensive.

ProTip Takeaway: Unglazed tiles are sometimes referred to as "quarry" tiles.

Cement

Cement

Price

$9 to $17 per square foot

Made Of

Cement is handmade of natural materials. Cement tiles, also known as encaustic or Cuban tiles in the US, typically possess bold patterns.

Pros

Cement tiles are resilient and beautiful. They are appropriate for floors, walls, and backsplashes.

Cons

Cement tiles are very pricey and are not as common as other tiles. So, your installer may not be familiar with them.

Moreover, cement tiles are prone to etching by acid or harsh detergents.

ProTip Takeaway: Cement must be sealed on installation and resealed occasionally.

What is a porcelain tile?

Porcelain

Price

$3 to $7 per square foot

Made Of

Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic, making it denser and less porous.

Pros

Porcelain is used on floors, walls, and backsplashes. Easy to clean and comes in a variety of styles.

Cons

Porcelain tiles require a special setting material designed to adhere to non-porous materials. People often buy the wrong one.

ProTip Takeaway: Porcelain has a transitional style that works nicely with many décor styles.

Glass tiles

Glass

Price

$7 to $30 or more per square foot

Made Of

Glass is made of thin pieces of glass sold individually or as a mosaic, sometimes with other types of tile on a mesh backing.

Pros

The glass tile is colorful, reflective, and easy to clean glass tile. Best for walls and backsplashes. Sometimes glass tile is used for flooring. The wide range of colors makes glass so attractive.

Cons

Glass can be very expensive and difficult to install. Since the tiles are transparent, the adhesive is visible through the tiles.

ProTip Takeaway: For the best outcome, have a professional flooring expert install glass tile for you instead of doing it yourself.

Conclusion

Whatever tile you chose, remember to have an expert install it for you and consider which tile would be best for you.

It is always best to do a bit of research to know how much a tile will cost, the maintenance it will require, and outweigh the pros and cons of each tile.