8 Different Types of Flooring Tiles and How to Choose One (2024)

01 of 08

Ceramic Tile

• Best for: Any floor surface.
• Pros: Impervious to water, affordable
• Cons: Can be slippery underfoot when wet

The term "ceramic tile" is sometimes used to describe all types of hard tile materials, but it more accurately refers to a particular type of tile created by molding earthen clays into flat shapes and firing them under high temperatures to harden them.

When choosing a ceramic flooring tile, select a variety rated for use on floors, and one that has some texture to make it less slippery. Pay attention to the Coefficient of Friction (COF) rating, which determines how much slip resistance the tile has. Higher numbers provide better resistance to slipping. A COF of .50 (dry) is recommended for flooring.

Prices for ceramic tiles vary widely, but it is possible to find basic ceramic floor tiles for as little as $1 per square foot (materials only)—or as much as $15 per square foot for imported designer tiles.

02 of 08

Porcelain Tile

• Best for: Any floors where a luxury look is sought.
• Pros: Slow water-absorption rate, thicker than ceramic
• Cons: Cutting tiles is difficult

Porcelain tile is a particular type of ceramic tile, made from finer clays that are fired at higher temperatures than standard ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and showers, where water resistance is critical. Porcelain is also preferred in situations where a premium look is desired, as the manufacturing process allows for porcelain to take on the look of a variety of materials—including natural stone, wood, or even metal.

Porcelain tiles are typically thicker than standard ceramic tiles, and most are suitable for flooring as well as walls. Because porcelain is a thicker, harder material, cutting tiles is a more difficult process that requires a motor-driven wet saw. Still, many DIYers can and do install porcelain tile floors themselves.

Costs of porcelain tile floors tend to be somewhat higher than standard ceramic tile, though there is considerable overlap. Materials alone start at about $2 per square foot and can range up to $20 per square foot or more for special-order designer porcelain tiles.

03 of 08

Mosaic Tile

• Best for: Flooring borders, bathrooms.
• Pros: Looks custom, easy to install
• Cons: Many grout lines, not ideal for floors

The term mosaic tile refers to a particular type of ceramic or porcelain tile that uses small tiles preattached to a flexible mesh backing. Using mosaic sheets provides an easy way to achieve the look of a custom tile installation that was once accomplished by skilled installers setting tiny individual tiles in a wet mortar base, one by one.

Mosaic sheets are more typically used for backsplashes and are generally not a very good material for entire floor surfaces, due to the many grout lines. But they are sometimes used in bathrooms, or to create decorative borders or accent areas on a floor that is laid with larger ceramic or porcelain tile.

Mosaic sheets are installed in much the same way as standard ceramic or porcelain tiles, with material and professional installation costs similar to that of porcelain tiles.

04 of 08

Terra Cotta Tile

• Best for: Rustic, natural-looking floors, patios, and sunrooms.
• Pros: Easy to DIY, affordable
• Cons: Prone to staining

The term terra cotta is an Italian term meaning "baked earth." These are tiles made from porous clay with a high iron content that gives them a brown-to-reddish color. They are typically used in homes with Southwest or Mediterranean decor or architecture, where they lend a rustic, natural look. They are also used for sunrooms, patios, and in outdoor settings, especially in arid climates.

Because they are naturally porous, terra cotta tiles are prone to staining unless they are regularly sealed. Terra cotta tiles are installed using the same methods as ceramic and porcelain tiles. Cutting is usually done with a motorized wet saw. DIY installation is entirely feasible for a do-it-yourself with moderate skills and some previous tile experience.

Thanks to the simpler manufacturing process, terra cotta is a relatively inexpensive form of tile. Many types are available for around $1 per square foot, though there are also hand-painted types that are considerably more expensive. DIY installation is feasible, though most people will want to rent a wet saw to do the cutting.

Continue to 5 of 8 below

05 of 08

Quarry Tile

• Best for: Entryways, patios, kitchens.
• Pros: Slip-resistant, doesn't require sealing
• Cons: Difficult to cut

Quarry tile can best be thought of as a more engineered version of terra cotta. Rather than being formed of pure clay, quarry tiles are comprised of a blend of clays and pulverized rock, such as feldspar and shale, that is molded, then fired at a relatively high temperature to form tiles that are harder and more impervious to water than terra cotta. With a COF of .8 and greater,quarry tileprovides excellent slip resistance. While many quarry tiles are brick-red in color, there are also tan and gray versions available.

Terra cotta tiles are installed much like other forms of clay-based tile. But because they are thick tiles that include hard minerals, cutting is more difficult and must be done with a fairly powerful wet saw. Unlike terra cotta, quarry tile generally does not require sealing—though adding a seal coat does not harm them.

Because the manufacturing process is more complicated than clay-only products, quarry tile is a bit pricier than terra cotta. Basic red square tiles start at about $3 per square foot.

06 of 08

Natural Stone Tile

• Best for: Floors where a luxurious look is desired.
• Pros: High-end, provides a luxury look
• Cons: High-maintenance, requires regular sealing, expensive

Granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone, and soapstone are all commonly available as flooring tiles, though you'll usually need to shop at specialty tile retailers rather than big-box home improvement stores. Natural stone tiles are available in textured forms, as well as highly polished tiles, but glossy tiles tend to be better suited for countertops, where the smoothness does not pose a slipping hazard.

Natural stone tile will make a somewhat high-maintenance floor. Be aware that many types of stone are naturally porous and require regular sealing to guard against water penetration and staining. Natural stone tiles are cut products with rectified (sharply sawn) edges. This can make them uncomfortable underfoot, especially to bare feet. Careful grouting is necessary to keep the grout seams flush with the tile surface, and to keep them from trapping dirt.

These are fairly expensive flooring tiles. At the low end, basic travertine, granite, and slate tiles start at about $5 per square foot. At the high end, marble tiles start at about $10 per square foot but can range up to $30 or more. Moreover, natural stone tiles are not a very DIY-friendly product, and professional installation is almost always required. This will add another $3 to $7 per square foot.

07 of 08

Concrete Pavers

• Best for: Modern decor.
• Pros: Affordable
• Cons: Hard to cut

A fairly recent hard tile flooring product includes pure concrete paver tiles, made from Portland cement and fine aggregate, often colored and textured to resemble quarry tile. Traditionally, these are more commonly used for exterior walkways, pool decking, and patios; indoors, they have been usually restricted to mudrooms, furnace rooms, work areas, and other areas where aesthetics are of little concern. However, concrete pavers are now available in forms more suitable for general indoor use, especially in homes with modern, industrial architecture and decor.

These are relatively thick (3/8 to 1/2-inch-thick) tiles, with dimensions ranging from 4 x 4 to 12 x 12, with rectangular shapes also available. Look for a COF rating of .60 or greater, which will make these tiles safe underfoot. Cement pavers are quite hard to cut, and are thus normally installed by professionals.

Cement pavers are among the cheaper flooring tiles, with basic tiles starting at about $2 per square foot, though specialty tiles with unique colors can cost more.

08 of 08

Encaustic Cement Tiles

• Best for: Designer look for high traffic entryways, borders, and accent surfaces.
• Pros: Elaborate designs, durable
• Cons: Expensive

Encaustic cement tiles look very similar to glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles, but rather than being based on clay, they are manufactured using a mixture of Portland cement, sand, pigment, and mineral powders that are poured into molds then allowed to harden. They are not fired under heat. These are generally highly decorative tiles with notable patterns, with excellent durability and water/stain resistance. The pattern and color is not a glazed surface layer, as they are with ceramic or porcelain tiles, but instead is created by the pigments and minerals integrated when the tiles are molded.

Because the manufacturing process is quite involved, these tend to be among the more expensive tiles, but the unique elaborate designs can be a good choice for accent surfaces, including vertical stairway risers. These are very hard tiles that hold up well in high-traffic areas, such as entryways and hallways.

Costs of encaustic cement tiles start at about $5 per square foot, but you can easily pay $15 per square foot or more, even at big-box home improvement centers. These tiles are not difficult for DIYers to install, but because concrete is a very hard material, these tiles will need to be cut with a powerful wet saw.