Tile is one of the most durable, low-maintenance flooring options available. Here's what sets it apart before you start shopping.
As your trusted flooring partner, we're here to help you figure out if tile is the right call for your next project. Whether it's a bathroom, entryway, kitchen, or another area of your home, tile could be the best choice for your space. But how do you know if you should choose tile flooring, and which type of tile is best: porcelain or ceramic? Read on to explore the many reasons to choose tile flooring, the benefits and advantages, and the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile to help you narrow down your options.
From bright, bold colours and patterned tile to timeless, neutral classics, tile is available in hundreds of styles to suit any design. Square tiles, hexagon-shaped tiles, and round tiles are just a few of the common shapes, but rectangular, fish scale, and arabesque tiles are also available in tons of colours and patterns.
When shopping around for tiles, make sure you're clear on the look and feel you want to achieve in any given room. Are you looking to make your floor more eye-catching to fit in with a particular theme, or do you want to create an attention-grabbing backsplash?
Don't forget to take your existing decor into account too, as your tile colours and shapes should complement, not overwhelm, the other elements in a room.
Lastly, get samples where you can to avoid spending money on tiles that don't end up matching your home's style.
For more ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out tile design inspiration in our blog.
For a full breakdown of tile materials including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass, see our tile types guide.
When you're ready to calculate how much tile you need, use our square footage calculator.
When creating the perfect home design, it's easy to focus primarily on the aesthetic and physical look of the space. However, it's equally important to choose a new floor that will be able to handle your daily life. One of the primary reasons to choose tile is because it's incredibly durable, resisting stains and scratches. It can be exposed to all kinds of wear and tear like pets, kids, and unexpected messes.
Tile is not likely to crack or chip even in high-traffic areas, and when properly installed, it can last for many years. It's also water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about common mishaps or accidents causing severe damage. We also offer exclusive tile warranties that can save you in the long run.
Tile pricing varies more widely than almost any other flooring category, which is part of what makes it accessible to such a range of projects and budgets. Standard ceramic floor tile is among the most affordable flooring options available. Large-format porcelain slabs, handmade decorative tiles, and natural stone such as marble, granite, and travertine sit at a significantly higher price point. Specialty accent tiles and intricate mosaic work also represent a more significant investment.
What makes that range worth understanding is the long-term context. A tile floor installed correctly can last decades with minimal maintenance, which makes even a premium tile a strong long-term value compared to flooring types that wear out or need replacing sooner. The variation in price largely tracks with the material, the size of the tile, and the complexity of the finish or pattern. Your local flooring expert can help you find the right product at the right point in that range for your space and your goals.
Tile comes in a wide range of materials, from ceramic and porcelain to natural stone and glass. Each has different strengths and best uses. Rather than comparing materials in detail here, the best next step is to explore your options with a clear sense of what each category offers. Our tile types guide covers the full range and helps you narrow down the right material for your space and lifestyle.
Tile flooring offers several significant advantages over other flooring types. It's highly durable, resisting scratches, dents, and stains in a way that wood and laminate can't. It's water-resistant, making it the standard choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Tile doesn't harbor allergens the way carpet does, which makes it a good choice for households with allergies. It's also extremely long-lived; properly installed tile can last decades with minimal maintenance. The design range is wider than any other flooring category, with options across ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass in hundreds of shapes, sizes, colours, and finishes. And because tile holds its value well, it can positively affect the resale value of a home.
Tile has real trade-offs worth knowing before you commit. It's hard underfoot and can feel cold, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens in the morning. Without radiant heating beneath it, some people find tile uncomfortable to stand on for extended periods. Grout lines require periodic sealing and cleaning to prevent staining and mold growth over time. Installation requires a flat, level, structurally sound subfloor; an uneven subfloor will need additional prep work before installation can begin. Tile is also heavy, which can be a consideration on upper floors. And while tile itself is durable, individual tiles can crack if something heavy is dropped on them, and matching a replacement tile to existing flooring can be difficult if the original product has been discontinued. These trade-offs don't make tile the wrong choice, but knowing them going in helps you make a confident decision.
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