One of the most versatile products on the home-improvement market, tile can be used on the floor and walls of kitchens and bathrooms. But what tile you choose will depend on how you intend to use it. There are different materials and different installation techniques you need to be aware of. What are the basics you should know about tile before you make any buying decisions?
Tile materials
There are a variety of materials to choose from. Some may be better suited for wall or floor applications, but here are the most common types: 
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- Glass
- Cement
- Marble
- Mosaic
- Granite
- Limestone
- Travertine
- Vinyl
There are other types as well, but this list will give you a good starting point.
Along with use, you may also want to look at price before choosing your tiles.
Wall tiles
In kitchens and bathrooms, there are two primary uses for tiles. Wall tiles can be used as a backsplash in the kitchen or as a shower or bath surround in a bathroom. The installation of wall tiles isn't particularly hard, but there will be planning you need to do ahead of time. Remember, wall tiles are fighting against gravity, so you need to use the correct adhesive and ensure the workspace is clean.
Floor tiles
Tiling a floor can be much easier than tiling a wall. The most important factor here is durability. Both bathrooms and kitchens are high-traffic areas that tend to get wet.
A lot of people turn to stone or even vinyl tile for these rooms depending on the price point.
Tile installation
We recommend contacting a professional to handle difficult installations, but it is possible to install tile on your own. Prior to doing your own installation, be sure to research the directions for installing your type of tile on the floor or the wall.
Do you want to know more about installing or maintaining tile in your home? Call us today.
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