Shop Tile by Material

How to choose a tile material

Natural stone

Marble, limestone, travertine, granite, slate and basalt are quarried, so no two tiles are identical. Stone brings depth and variation that manufactured tile imitates but never quite matches. It is porous, so it is sealed after installation and resealed from time to time. Granite and basalt are the hardest of the group; marble and limestone are softer and develop a patina that many people choose them for.

Porcelain and ceramic

Porcelain is fired dense enough to absorb almost no water, which makes it the practical choice for busy floors, showers and, in the right rating, outdoor spaces. It needs no sealing and comes in looks that range from marble and wood to concrete. Ceramic is lighter and easier to cut, and it is at its best on walls and backsplashes, where its glazes and colors can do the work.

Handmade and character tile

Zellige, terracotta, cement and terrazzo are chosen for character: uneven edges, shifting glaze, bold patterns or flecks of aggregate. Expect variation from tile to tile, and treat it as part of the look rather than a flaw.

Glass and pebble

Glass reflects light and wipes clean, which is why it is so common behind sinks and ranges. Pebble mosaics add texture underfoot and are a favorite for shower floors, where the many grout lines give extra grip.

Where each material works best

• Kitchen and entry floors: porcelain, granite, slate.
• Shower walls and floors: porcelain, marble, pebble, glass on walls.
• Backsplashes: ceramic, zellige, glass, marble mosaics.
• Outdoor and pool areas: outdoor-rated porcelain, travertine, slate, basalt.

Not sure yet? Order a sample. Seeing a tile in your own light, next to your cabinets and flooring, settles most decisions faster than any photo.