The many types of tile

If you haven’t been shopping for a new tile floor or backsplash recently, you may be surprised at the variety; we all know about ceramic and porcelain, but there are also ones made of glass, cement, metal, and stone, among others. Be mindful that not every type works for every application, so read the box carefully and check with your retailer. If you’re looking for a tile store in Decatur, IL, consider us your one-stop source.

Ceramics are the most common types found in every room in the home and installed as tile flooring, accent walls, backsplashes, or tub/shower surrounds. These are highly designed, durable, and come in a wide assortment of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes. Ceramics include 4 X 4 squares, subway tiles, mosaics, or terracottas, many of which can be mixed and matched.

Porcelain is a large format. A combination of clay, sand, and glass is heavier and denser suitable for high traffic floors. It’s also waterproof, can be used indoors or out, and comes in an almost unlimited number of colors and patterns. Porcelain can be made to look like anything, from wood to stone and fabric and leather.

Marble adds instant elegance and refinement, as well as depth and texture, to a room. Every piece is unique; you’ll never see the same veining variation in any two pieces. It can be used on low-traffic floors. With its natural flecks, Granite has a similar look and feel to marble, but is much more budget-friendly and stands up well to moderately trafficked floors. Limestone has a natural rustic look and can be used outside while travertine should be used indoors with its beautiful and subtle color palette. Travertine is prone to scratches, so ask your flooring expert about sealing.

Glass tiles can be used on low-traffic floors, but they chip easily, so they're best on walls or small surfaces. Cement tiles have been around since the 1800s, but are also used in modern design. These are versatile with a wide assortment of colors and patterns. Metal tiles are show-stoppers in countertops, offering a modern, sleek look and extreme durability.

With over 60 years in the flooring business, we know that selecting a tile can either enhance or ruin your tile flooring, wall or backsplash. The Good's Floor Store showroom is in Decatur, IL and we service Macon County, especially Decatur, IL, Springfield, IL, Bloomington, IL, Champaign, IL, Forsyth, IL, Clinton, IL, Maroa, IL, and Monticello, IL. When you come in, be sure to ask about a free estimate for your new tile flooring.