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Durable Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are molded from special fine-grained clay and fired at very high temperatures to make then extremely hard and almost totally waterproof. Glazed and unglazed varieties are available. Porcelain is the preferred tile choice for bathrooms, but it can be used anywhere.
- Size: From 1/4-in. x 1/4-in., all the way to 24-in. x 24-in.
- Durability: Life expectancy is 60+ years.
- Installation: Adhere with mastic or mortar and grout the joints.
- Cost: From $2 to $6 per square foot.
- Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Occasional cleaning with soap and water.
- Color variety: Limitless variety of solid and patterned colors.
- Manufacture: Porcelain and porcelain glaze are sourced from natural minerals. Processing may release a limited amount of greenhouse gases.
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Luxurious Natural Stone
Granite and marble are the two most common materials for natural stone tiles, but you can also find slate and sandstone tiles. Natural stone is durable and attractive, although it can stain if left unsealed. Natural stone is great for countertops and wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens and patios.
- Size: Squares are available from 4-in. to 24-in. Standard thickness is 3/8-in., but 18-in. and 24-in. inch squares are considered large format and are usually 1/2-in. to 3/4-in. thick.
- Durability: Stone tiles last 100+ years.
- Installation: The tiles are adhered with thin-set and the joints grouted.
- Cost: From $5 to $10 per square foot.
- Maintenance: Occasional cleaning with a non-acidic cleaner. Reseal every one or two years.
- Color variety: Natural colors
- Manufacture: Obtained from quarries worldwide and shipped to factories for cutting and shaping.
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Ageless Travertine
Travertine is often considered stone, but it actually comes from limestone deposits that collect around hot springs. Used since the time of the Romans, travertine can be polished, brushed, honed or tumbled, and the tiles have natural earth tone hues. They are suitable for upscale living rooms, hallways and courtyards.
- Size: Travertine tiles come only in large sizes: 12-in. x 12-in., 24-in. x 24-in. and !2-in. x 24-in.
- Durability: Lasts as long as stone with proper maintenance.
- Installation: Installs like ceramic tile: Set in thin-set and grout the edges.
- Cost: Depending on quality, cost can be anywhere from $3 to $30 per square foot.
- Maintenance: Travertine is porous and must be resealed every year or two to maintain its appearance.
- Color variety: A variety of light brown earth tones.
- Manufacture: Travertine tiles are cut from naturally occurring limestone deposits in a process that has a low environmental impact.
