Most popular tile flooring. When we think of tile, we often imagine the popular white subway tiles or mosaic backsplashes. Tile comes in many forms, including glass, marble, and even carpet. Most tile is DIY friendly for homeowners, but some require professional prepping and design. A benefit to tile is the simplicity in repairs and replacements. In the following article, we will discuss seven different types of the most popular tile flooring and what each is commonly used for.
Popular Tile Flooring
Let’s dive into the most popular tile flooring!
Ceramic and Natural Tiles
These are perhaps the most common types of flooring tiles. They can be used for floors and walls and, for the most part, installed by a homeowner with the right instruction. Natural stone and ceramics are great for wet areas in residential homes, such as mud rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. They can also be used outdoors for patios or around pools (make sure to use an outdoor mortar thin set).
- Outdoor and Indoor
- Floors and Walls
- DIY-Friendly Install
- Indoor Only
Luxury Vinyl Tiles
LVT is great for the indoors in just about any room. They are easy to install and replace and generally used for floors only. LVT can be used outdoors only if the temperature can be controlled, such as in a sunroom, enclosed porch, or greenhouse. You should also purchase waterproof LVT in you are using it outdoors, but I don’t generally recommend it because of the temperature management. When gluing LVT, pay close attention to the manufacturers drying times and glue products required.
- Indoor
- Floors Only
- DIY-Friendly Install
Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles are suitable for recreational rooms such as gyms, playrooms, craft rooms, or anywhere that is high traffic or susceptible to stains and damage. To replace tiles, you can simply heat them with a blow dryer to remove them. While carpet tiles are easy to place, the prepping of the floor needs to be professionally done.
- Indoor Only
- Floor Only
- Professional Prep
Vinyl Composite Tile
VCT is most used commercially, though it can be installed in residential homes if desired. These tiles are perfect for chessboard looks in business buildings. They are also used to recreate age-specific floors in historic homes. The floor needs to be professionally prepped, and installation is not homeowner DIY friendly.
- Floors Only
- Indoor Only
- Professional Install
Marble
Marble is known for being the top choice in six-figure homes and businesses. Though it has a luxurious appearance, the tiles are easily scratched and even stained. These tiles are also fragile enough to break and crack easily. Marble can be installed outdoors, though it is pricey and slippery when wet.
- Floors or Walls
- Indoors or Outdoors
- Professional Install
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are my favorites because they are versatile, like ceramic tiles but of better quality. They can be used for just about any project and will hold up well in the long run. They are not expensive but are more costly than the average ceramics. This is an investment worthy of the extra spending.
- Floors and Walls
- Indoors and Outdoors
- DIY Friendly
