There are several types of tile. Ceramic tiles are made from pressed clays covered with a glaze of metallic oxides and ceramic stains or finished with a matte surface. Porcelain mosaic tiles are baked at a higher temperature, which makes them thicker. Their color also goes through the tile, rather than only covering the surface. Quarry tile is an unglazed mix of shale and clays that also has color throughout.

The spaces between the tiles are filled in by grout. An epoxy grout is recommended to help resist stains. It’s usually best to choose a grout that closely matches the color of the tiles.

Pros

• There are many sizes, patterns, and colors to choose from.
• Tile is durable.
• Glazed tile resists staining and doesn’t require special cleaning or other maintenance.
• Tile is suitable for radiant heat.

Cons

• Glazed tile with no texture may be slippery and pose a safety hazard for the elderly and young children.
• Unglazed tile needs to be treated occasionally with sealants.
• Tile, like stone, can be a little hard on the feet if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
• Individual tiles may crack over time so try to get some extra ones with your original batch so that the replacements will match the other pieces.