Tile Flooring Ideas

Tile flooring is a popular flooring option because of its durability, ease of care and endless possibilities for design. A variety of types of tiles, methods for laying tile and design patterns lead to practically limitless options for changing the look of a room or area of your home. Consider the characteristics of different types of tiles to get tile flooring ideas to best suit your needs.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is a popular and easily obtained variety of tile flooring. This variety of tile is made from clay or other materials and then heat treated in a kiln. After being removed from the kiln, tiles are either glazed or left unglazed. Glazing the tile gives the surface a glass-like appearance. It allows for ceramic tiles to be made in a wide variety of colors. Glazing also makes the tile slick. For this reason, glazed ceramic tiles are most frequently used on countertops and walls but can be used sparingly in floor designs without causing problems. Unglazed tile is available in the natural color of the clay, providing a natural-looking floor design, but it needs to be sealed in order to be resistant to stains. Consider using glazed tiles sparingly in a tile-flooring design of mostly unglazed tiles to add splashes of color or visually interesting elements.

Ceramic tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Use one size and shape of tile to cover an entire floor for a simple design. For a more dramatic effect, use varying shapes and sizes of tiles to create a pattern in the tile flooring.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are dense tiles made by firing at a very high temperature. Porcelain tiles can be advantageous over ceramic tiles because they are more moisture resistant due to their density. They are also available in a variety of colors. Porcelain tiles are a good choice for kitchen and bathroom floors because of their moisture resistance and durability. However, these qualities also cause the price of porcelain tile to be higher than many of the other tile varieties.

Porcelain tiles can be used to create a solid-color floor or to make patterns and designs. Consider doing most of the room in one tile and creating a border around the room in a different size or shape of porcelain tile.

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tiles are pieces of porcelain or ceramic tile that measure smaller than 2 inches by 2 inches and may be irregularly shaped. Mosaic tiles can be found unglazed or glazed. Because these tiles are so small, they can be purchased and installed individually or pre-mounted on paper or mesh sheets.

Tiles of all the same color can be used to create a striking floor, or tiles of different colors can be used to create simple or intricate patterns.

Pavers & Saltillo Tile

Pavers, though commonly used for patios, can also be used for indoor tile flooring. Pavers look like thin bricks. They give a natural appearance but need to be sealed for stain and moisture protection. Use pavers to create an added feeling of warmth in a room.

Saltillo tiles, also known as Mexican tiles, are created by air-drying instead of firing them in a kiln. This drying method gives the tiles a unique look but also makes them less durable than kiln-fired tiles. Use Saltillo tiles to create a rustic look.

Recycled Glass Tile

Because recycled glass tiles are made from post-consumer and post-industrial resources, recycled glass tiles are an appropriate option for people interested in eco-friendly home décor. These tiles are available in a variety of colors, finishes and styles. Recycled glass tiles can be purchased in many sizes but are most commonly found in 2-inch to 4-inch squares.

Recycled glass tiles can be installed anywhere that ceramic tiles could be used as flooring. Their resistance to stains and moisture makes them ideal for bathroom flooring.

Granite Tile

Granite tile is a stunning, yet expensive, option for tile flooring. Granite tiles are cut from natural granite rock. This is why granite tiles are available in so many choices of color and pattern variations. Granite tiles are durable and do not scratch easily.

When considering granite tile, keep in mind that granite tile is substantially heavier than most other tile. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the subfloor can support the extra weight.

Laminate Tile

Laminate tile is an inexpensive alternative to traditional tile. Laminate tile is made from highly detailed photo images that are intended to imitate the appearance of natural tile or stone. Because laminate tiles are totally manufactured, they can re-create the look of nearly any type of traditional tile. Different flooring brands offer different style and color options. Laminate tile can be as little as half of the price of traditional tile options.