10+ Different Types of Tiles and How to Select the Best One for Your Home

Every home is an amalgam of many different elements and materials. And tiles are an integral part of the material matrix when it comes to home interiors. So choosing the right types of tiles for your needs and lifestyle and finding just the right ones for different parts of the house, is important for all homeowners. While we cannot make the choice for you, we can help you make an informed decision about the different options out there.

To that end, Livspace brings you this ultimate guide listing the types of tiles, the USPs of each, where they can be used and how to maintain them.

#1: Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are made of red, brown or white clay that has been fired in a kiln. These different types of tiles come in an amazing variety of colours and patterns.

What you need to know about ceramic tiles

1. Scratch-resistant
2. Stain-resistant
3. Might crack if you drop heavy items on them and are therefore better for walls

Where can you use ceramic tiles?

• Flooring
• Kitchen backsplash
• Wall cladding
• Wall decor

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining ceramic tiles

Usually, soap and water are enough to clean glazed ceramic home tiles. Their grout lines require regular cleaning.

Always dry the tiles with a dry cloth because air drying leaves water stains on them. Never use acid to clean ceramic tiles as they get damaged. 

Also, learn about the eight different ways to use Moroccan tiles, which are essentially ceramic tiles.

Also Read: 19 Stunning Flooring Tiles Design Ideas to Transform Your Home

#2: Porcelain tiles

Like ceramic types of tiles, porcelain tiles are also made of clay with a smattering of sand and feldspar, and baked in the kiln. However, they are baked at higher temperatures, making them denser and more durable.

What you need to know about Porcelain tiles

1. Scratch-resistant
2. Stain-resistant
3. Non-porous

Where can you use Porcelain tiles

• Flooring
• Kitchen backsplash
• Wall cladding
• Wall decor

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining Porcelain tiles?

The cleaning and maintenance for different types of tiles like ceramic and porcelain is almost the same as they are made from similar materials. The only difference between these two types of tiles is that porcelain, being the stronger version, requires less maintenance than ceramic. 

EXPERT SPEAK: What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?

“The main difference between these two types of tiles is that porcelain is stronger and non-porous because it is baked at higher temperatures. Also, porcelain tiles usually come in very basic designs while ceramic tiles are legendary for their variety. However, ceramic tiles are cheaper and can only be used indoors, while porcelain, being hard wearing, can be used in outdoor spaces as well.”

Avi Jalan, Tile Expert, Livspace

#3: Vitrified tiles

Vitrified tiles are similar to traditional ceramic tiles but include silica in the mix. During the process of vitrification, the silica and clay melt, blending together to form a glass-like material inside each tile. This allows such kinds of tiles to retain the original sheen even after several years of use.

What you need to know about vitrified tiles

• Available in a number of finishes including anti-skid coating
• Low porosity makes it stain-resistant
• Water- and frost-resistant
• Durable and can sustain heavy movement
• Can be installed quickly

Where can you use vitrified tiles

• Indoor and outdoor flooring
• Kitchen backsplash
• Bathroom walls

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining vitrified tiles?

Vitrified tiles are among the best kinds of floor tiles as they require very little maintenance. Regular sweeping, mopping or vacuuming is enough to keep them clean. Never use any abrasive methods like acid or metal scrub to clean these types of tiles. 

#4: Onyx tiles

To the uninitiated, onyx is basically a cost-effective, marble look-alike, making it among the best kinds of tiles if you want a luxurious look for your home. This affordable type of tile mimics the veins of marble and is made of quartz and other engineered additives.

What you need to know about Onyx tiles

1. Looks like marble but is stronger
2. Comes in larger dimensions than regular tiles
3. Moderately heat-resistant 
4. Not completely scratch or stain-resistant

Where can you use Onyx tiles?

• Indoor flooring
• Backsplash
• Wall cladding

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining Onyx tiles?

The primary thing to remember while cleaning onyx tiles is that they need to be handled with care. Don’t use lemon juice, baking soda or any such strong cleansing agents on these types of tiles. Use just warm water with a mild detergent to clean them.

#5: Vinyl tiles

Vinyl is a synthetic flooring material that looks like wood and feels like stone. This affordable kind of tile is the ideal flooring if you have pets.

What you need to know about Vinyl tiles

1. Provides a seamless look
2. Can be installed without breaking the existing floor
3. Recyclable but non-biodegradable
4. Waterproof but not completely stain-resistant
5. Not very durable and can dent easily with heavy furniture

Where can you use Vinyl tiles?

• Flooring
• Backsplash

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining Vinyl tiles?

Among the kinds of floor tiles available in India, vinyl is quite easy to maintain. This is because it does not stain easily and retains its shine over a period of time. Sweeping and mopping are all you have to do to get rid of the dirt from vinyl surfaces. However, you should ensure that vinyl surfaces do not get too much direct sunlight as they tend to fade quickly. 

#6: Stone composite polymer tiles

This is a composite material that includes limestone powder, PVC and stabilisers. These are different types of tiles that mimic the look and feel of stone tiles but are mainly synthetic in composition.

What you need to know about stone composite polymer tiles

1. Waterproof so can be used in balconies, kitchens and bathrooms
2. Impact-resistant and durable
3. Hypoallergenic
4. Heat and fire-resistant
5. More eco-friendly than vinyl but not completely green

Where can you use stone composite polymer tiles?

• Indoor and outdoor flooring
• Backsplash

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining stone composite polymer tiles?

These types of tiles are pretty strong and can be cleaned in the usual way (sweeping, mopping and vacuuming). They do not require much maintenance or protection from sunlight as they are heat-resistant.

#7: Mosaic tiles

Mosaic is the kind of tile style that is set roughly cut square pieces of stone, marble or glass into a flat binding surface. The gap between these chips is filled with grout or cement.

What you need to know about Mosaic tiles

1. Highly customisable since the patterns are set by hand
2. Eco-friendly
3. Non-porous so doesn’t absorb odours or stains
4. Prone to damage due to the small size of tiles

Where can you use Mosaic tiles?

• Flooring
• Bathroom flooring and walls
• Balcony flooring
• Decorative walls
• Kitchen backsplash

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining Mosaic tiles?

Home tiles like mosaics require routine cleaning, especially between grout lines. However, clean with a soft hand or else you might end up dislodging glass shreds from the tiles.

Also Read: 25+ Beautiful Kitchen Tiles Design Inspirations From Livspace Homes

#8: Terrazzo tiles

Terrazzo is a composite material made of small chips of marble, granite, glass etc. and is held together with a concrete binder. It can be set in situ and is also available in the form of tiles and decoratives.

What you need to know about Terrazzo tiles

1. Available in a host of colours and patterns
2. Highly customisable
3. Stronger and more seamless than mosaic
4. Durable
5. Eco-friendly

Where can you use Terrazzo tiles?

• Flooring
• Backsplash
• Countertop
• Decorative items

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining Terrazzo tiles?

Terrazzo tiles are much easier to clean than mosaic tiles as they have a seamless surface. However, always clean these types of tiles with neutral pH cleansing agents.

#9: Carpet tiles

Carpet tiles are made of nylon, with a PVC base. While not very common in India, these tiles can be used in places that have extreme temperatures.

What you need to know about carpet tiles

1. High resistance to abrasion makes it ideal for use in common areas
2. Cushiony, and hence accident-proof, making it ideal for kids and the elderly 
3. High sound and thermal insulation
4. Can be installed without breaking the existing floor

Where can you use carpet tiles?

• Flooring for homes with children and the elderly 
• For soundproofing entertainment rooms and studios

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining carpet tiles?

The optimum way of cleaning carpet tiles is vacuuming. If not vacuumed on a regular basis, these kinds of floor tiles can accumulate dust, causing allergies. 

Also Read: Can You Replace Wall Tiles With Different Types of Floor Tiles?

#10: Glass tiles

When it comes to types of tiles, glass is gaining popularity among homeowners. Among the different types of tiles, glass is most often seen as a kitchen backsplash.

What you need to know about glass tiles

1. Maximum stain-resistance
2. Can provide a more spacious appearance to small rooms
3. Easy to clean

Where can you use glass tiles?

• Kitchen backsplash
• In the shower

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining glass tiles?

Home tiles like glass are relatively easy to clean. All you need is some non-abrasive soap, water and a damp cloth. In addition, glass tiles come with sealants so make sure you replace this periodically.

#11: Marble tiles

Marble is a type of natural stone tile that is created under immense heat and pressure. This option comes with deep veining that gives it a unique and plush appearance.

What you need to know about marble tiles

1. Available in a variety of colours
2. Looks glam and gorgeous
3. Highly durable and resistant to shattering
4. Offers good insulation

Where can you use marble tiles?

Among the various types of tiles available, marble is one of the options that you can use in every room in your home.

What are the dos and don’ts of maintaining marble tiles?

Home tiles like marble require a certain level of maintenance. If you have marble flooring, make sure to regularly dust it. Clean marble surfaces with a cleaner that has a neutral pH. In addition, ensure that you clean up any spills immediately.

#12: Granite tiles

Granite is an igneous rock that consists of quartz, alkali feldspar and plagioclase. It is quite durable and much harder and stronger than marble.

What you need to know about granite tiles

1. Used both in countertops and flooring
2. Less prone to cracks
3. Moisture- and stain-resistant

Where can you use granite tiles?

Kitchen countertops and flooring.

What are the dos and don’ts of using granite tiles?

For granite flooring, use a soft mop, warm water and a mild cleaner to clean regularly. Additionally, never use abrasive cleaners and mop up any spills immediately.

Additional types of tiles

Here are some additional types of natural stone tiles:

• Cement Tile
• Limestone
• Travertine Tile
• Quarry Tile
• Metal Tile
• Resin Tile

If you found this guide about the different types of tiles informative, also find out if you can replace wall tiles with different types of floor tiles. 

All types of tiles’ price list

What you must understand about tiles is that there are different types of tile prices. You will find a variety of tiles with prices per sq. ft. (area), per piece (quantity), per box or per set. You can learn about these floor tile types and prices from the table below.

Type of Tile	Price Range
Ceramic	₹30 to ₹150 per sq. ft.
Porcelain	₹65 to ₹200 per sq. ft.
Vitrified	₹60 to ₹400 per sq. ft.
Onyx	₹600 to ₹1,500 per sq. ft.
Vinyl	₹110 to ₹200 per sq. ft.
Stone Composite Polymer	₹250 to ₹400 per sq. ft.
Mosaic	₹80 to ₹600 per sq. ft.
Terrazzo	₹150 to ₹300 per sq. ft.
Carpet	₹90 to ₹250 per sq. ft.
Glass	₹2500 to ₹1,000 per sq. ft.
Marble	₹200 to ₹900 per sq. ft.
Granite	₹150 to ₹600 per sq. ft.

Note: All prices mentioned above are an estimate and may vary depending on multiple factors like location, design, finish etc.

How to choose the best types of tiles for bathroom walls and floors in India?

When it comes to different types of floor tiles for your bathroom, you should choose water-resistant options such as ceramic tiles with a glazed protective layer to prevent water damage. If you are looking for low-cost options, vinyl tiles are the best choice. If you have elderly family members at home, you might consider getting an anti-skid layer on the tiles to prevent accidents.

In bathrooms, where water is in constant use, ceramic tiles are the preferred option for most homeowners. These kinds of tiles are durable and come in a variety of options. You can even go for tiles that mimic wood or stone or ones with beautiful patterns like Moroccan, Turkish or Bohemian.

Also Read: Mesmerising Restroom Tile Designs That Will Make You Go Wow

Benefits of different types of tiles

• Versatile design and colour options are available
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Repairing is simple
• Durable and long-lasting

How can Livspace help you? 

From choosing the right type of tiles for your home to installing it, we offer end-to-end services. Book an online consultation with Livspace today. To know how our customers feel about working with us, check out these Livspace reviews for more details!

Disclaimer: All contents of the story are specific to the time of publication. Mentions of costs, budget, materials, finishes, and products from the Livspace catalogue can vary with reference to current rates. Talk to our designer for more details on pricing and availability. 

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