Adding tile to your home can be an elegant touch that will add a certain je ne sais quoi to any room. However, how do you decide which style or material is best for you? Choosing the perfect tile for your home is simple as long as you know the facts.
Travertine Tile
Travertine is a natural tile which is a form of limestone which is deposited in (usually) hot springs. It is unique in that the marbling is natural and each piece is unique. Travertine is has the highest initial cost out of the group. Also, travertine requires the most maintenance. Due to its porous nature, it must be sealed periodically. It also is more prone to staining due to its porosity. One advantage though is that it is the easiest material to repair should you develop a scratch or crack.
There are two types of travertine:
- Natural – Just as it sounds, natural and comes with all of the holes and cravasses that are naturally formed. Recommended for entryways and hallways.
- Honed – Smoothed and filled which makes it a better option for kitchens and bathrooms.
Travertine’s main appeal is the look. There is nothing that compares to it, if this is the style you’re going for.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is made from red, brown or white clay and is kiln fired to harden. The least expensive tile option is ceramic as it is easy to install and is less refined. The drawbacks of ceramic are that it is the easiest to chip or crack, especially in cold weather. Also, the color is only added to the top of the tile, so any chips that may occur will be more noticeable. While not as prone to staining as travertine, it is still fairly susceptible.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a form of ceramic tile made from white clay. It is much more refined and purified than standard ceramic. Porcelain is very dense and less prone to cracking or chipping, once installed. Should you develop a crack or chip, it is less noticeable due to the color being baked all the way through. It is also the least likely to be stained. The cons of porcelain is that it is the most difficult to install due to its brittle nature. This also makes it more expensive. One final unique trait is that porcelain can be digitally printed to look like stone tile.
We hope that this article has helped you get a better grasp on choosing the perfect tile for your home.