15 Types Of Tile, All Explained By Experts

Tile transforms ordinary spaces into stunning showcases of style and function. From ancient mosaic masterpieces to modern minimalist designs, this versatile material has adorned homes for centuries.

Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, updating your kitchen backsplash, or creating an eye-catching entryway, understanding your tile options will make all the difference in your design journey.

1. Ceramic Tile: The Timeless Classic

Made from clay and fired in kilns, ceramic tiles have graced homes since ancient civilizations first discovered their durability. Budget-friendly yet beautiful, they’re perfect for walls, floors, and backsplashes.

Ceramic resists moisture but feels warmer underfoot than porcelain. Available in endless colors and patterns, from hand-painted Mediterranean styles to sleek contemporary designs that mimic wood or stone.

2. Porcelain Tile: The Durable Workhorse

Fired at higher temperatures than ceramic, porcelain boasts exceptional hardness and near-zero water absorption. Essentially ceramic’s tougher cousin, it handles heavy traffic areas with grace.

Perfect for outdoor patios, shower floors, and busy entryways. Modern manufacturing techniques create porcelain that convincingly mimics marble, wood, and concrete—without the maintenance headaches of natural materials.

3. Natural Stone Tile: Earth’s Masterpiece

Quarried directly from mountains around the world, stone tiles bring nature’s artistry indoors. Each piece tells a geological story millions of years in the making—no two exactly alike. Marble offers classic elegance with distinctive veining.

Granite provides unmatched durability with speckled beauty. Travertine creates warm, rustic charm with its pitted texture. Slate delivers dramatic, earthy tones perfect for statement floors.

4. Glass Tile: Luminous Luxury

Capturing and reflecting light like no other material, glass tiles add dimension and brightness to any space. Their translucent quality creates depth while their reflective surface makes rooms appear larger.

Particularly stunning in bathrooms and kitchens where they catch and play with light. Modern manufacturing allows for recycled content options, making them eco-friendly. Available in jewel tones, pastels, and metallics for dramatic visual impact.

5. Cement Tile: Artisanal Pattern Play

Hand-crafted using mineral pigments pressed into cement, these tiles showcase bold geometric patterns that have adorned Spanish and Moroccan homes for centuries. Not actually fired in kilns like ceramic. Each piece is individually made using metal molds and hydraulic presses.

The result? Extraordinary durability and patterns that run through the entire tile—not just surface-deep. Creates instant character in entryways, kitchen floors, and feature walls.

6. Subway Tile: Urban Chic Simplicity

Born in New York City’s underground transit system in 1904, subway tiles have transcended their utilitarian origins to become design icons. Rectangular and typically 3×6 inches, they create clean, classic lines.

Traditional white creates timeless appeal, but contemporary options include jewel tones, pastels, and even metallic finishes. Stack them traditionally, in herringbone patterns, or vertically for different effects. Beveled edges add subtle dimension and shadow play.

7. Terracotta Tile: Sun-Baked Warmth

Crafted from earthy reddish-brown clay and fired at lower temperatures, terracotta brings Mediterranean warmth to any space. The name literally means “baked earth” in Italian. Saltillo tiles from Mexico offer rustic charm with their handmade variations.

Unsealed terracotta develops a beautiful patina over time, telling the story of your home. Modern versions come pre-sealed for easier maintenance while maintaining that sun-drenched character.

8. Mosaic Tile: Tiny Pieces, Big Impact

Dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, mosaics consist of small pieces arranged to create patterns or images. Traditional versions feature tiles under 2 inches, often mounted on mesh backing for easier installation.

Perfect for shower floors where smaller pieces provide better grip. The abundant grout lines between pieces create excellent slip resistance. Contemporary options include penny rounds, hexagons, and mini subway tiles that add texture and visual interest.

9. Marble Tile: Timeless Elegance

Formed over millions of years from limestone subjected to intense heat and pressure, marble captures luxury in stone form. Distinctive veining patterns result from mineral deposits during formation—making each tile unique.

Carrara and Calacatta from Italy remain the gold standards with their white backgrounds and gray veining. Dramatic options like Verde Guatemala showcase deep green tones. Requires sealing and gentle cleaning products to maintain its stunning good looks.

10. Wood-Look Tile: Practical Beauty

Advanced printing technology has revolutionized tile by creating convincing wood replicas with none of the maintenance headaches. High-definition printing captures grain patterns, knots, and color variations with astonishing realism.

Available in planks mimicking everything from weathered barnwood to exotic teak. Won’t scratch, fade, or need refinishing like genuine hardwood.

11. Limestone Tile: Fossil-Rich Sophistication

Formed from the compression of ancient marine organisms, limestone often contains visible fossils and shells—tiny time capsules from prehistoric oceans. Typically displays soft, neutral tones from cream to tan. French Limestone creates old-world elegance reminiscent of historic European châteaux.

More porous than marble or granite, requiring proper sealing. The natural variation and subtle color palette work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings.

12. Granite Tile: Nature’s Confetti

Forged deep within the earth under immense heat and pressure, granite showcases distinctive speckled patterns from various mineral crystals. One of the hardest natural stones available, it resists scratching, heat, and staining.

The crystalline structure creates depth and dimension that changes with lighting. Ideal for kitchen counters, but equally stunning as flooring or wall accents.

13. Slate Tile: Dramatic Earth Tones

Formed from clay and volcanic ash compressed over millions of years, slate splits naturally into thin layers with textured surfaces. The clefted face creates natural slip resistance even when wet.

Colors range from deep charcoals and blacks to rusty reds, greens, and purples—often with color variation within single tiles. Exceptionally durable for high-traffic areas. The natural texture adds visual interest and distinctive character to floors and walls.

14. Metal Tile: Industrial Chic

Bringing unexpected edge to interiors, metal tiles create dramatic visual impact with their reflective surfaces. Stainless steel, copper, bronze, and aluminum options each develop distinctive patinas over time.

Copper gradually transforms from penny-bright to rich brown to green verdigris. Embossed patterns add texture and dimension. Surprisingly lightweight compared to stone or ceramic alternatives.

15. Terrazzo Tile: Confetti For Your Floor

Originally created by Venetian workers using marble scraps set in clay, modern terrazzo embeds marble, quartz, glass, or shell fragments in a cement or resin base. The result? A playful, speckled surface brimming with personality.

Mid-century modern homes made terrazzo famous, but contemporary designers have reinvented it with bold colors and larger aggregate pieces. Pre-made tiles offer easier installation than traditional poured terrazzo. Creates seamless, durable surfaces perfect for high-traffic commercial and residential spaces.