The different types of tiles used in buildings

Our reputable and reliable builders deliver a broad range of building services to help our customers turn their home improvement dreams into realities, including bathroom and kitchen installation.

Professional bathroom and kitchen installation comes down to so much more than the fixtures and fittings you choose. To complete your kitchen or bathroom, selecting tiles that complement your new look is crucial. But as you’ll discover when you begin shopping for your ideal tiles, it’s not just the design you’ll have to select carefully.

Discover the many types of tiles you could be faced with and which material is the best choice for your project right here.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are great for bathrooms and kitchens alike, a fact that makes them a popular choice in homes and business properties throughout the UK.

Ceramic tiles are easy to lay and maintain, with their wipe clean surfaces simple to take care of for the long term. They’re also cheap and versatile. Thanks to their popularity, you will find ceramic tiles in a wide variety of designs, including glazed and unglazed. Glazed ceramic tiles offer excellent durability for floors, whilst unglazed provide a rustic look that’s particularly revered.

Porcelain

The nation’s second favourite tile is porcelain. Porcelain is a fantastic choice for floors and walls, and can even be fitted outdoors to create sleek, hard wearing patio areas.

Porcelain tiles require very little maintenance and can be found in a plethora of designs, including styles that replicate natural wood, brick and stone. They’re also great for high traffic areas beyond the kitchen and bathroom.

Glass

Whilst glass tiles are more susceptible to damage when compared with ceramic and porcelain, they are far from the fragile item you think they are. They lend themselves well to more modern, minimalistic looks. You should however avoid using glass tiles on floors and other high traffic zones.

Cement

Cement tiles are making a comeback, and in a big way! First popularised during the 19^th century, cement tiles are now the tile of choice for interior designers. They’re versatile and beautifully textured, but do need regular maintenance (including monthly resealing) to stay in tip top condition. Cement tiles should be laid only in low traffic zones as a result.

Marble

Marble tiles may be expensive additions but their enduring elegance certainly stands the test of time. The stunning depth, texture and natural pattern marble tiles delivers needs regular maintenance to stay at its best. Marble tiles should be sealed for extra protection and used in low traffic zones.

Avoid using marble tiles in areas that are prone to scratches and spillages, like kitchen worktops, backsplashes and shower floors.