Tile

 

Nicholas Tile and Bath has done the research for you and will help you as you decide what is best for you, your family, and your lifestyle. There are endless styles, shapes, and materials available; here is a brief overview of the materials and their composite.

 

Natural Stone

Natural stone consists of marble, granite, limestone, onyx, slate. All of these types require easy-to-do maintenance. They all must be sealed prior to grouting and sealed every few years. There are many sizes and shades of all of them.

 

Ceramic Tile

Ceramics are the most common tile to be sold. There are a number of sizes and colors. Most ceramic is red body or white body (the back of the tile). Price point is lower than stone but does not have the variation within the tile as stone. Handmade tile can be expensive and is most common in backsplash applications.

 

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is a more durable product than ceramics. There are two common types of porcelain tile:

 

1. Full Body: the base color of the tile goes all the way through. The tile is great for commercial or very heavy traffic areas. If somehow you chip this tile, it may not be as noticeable.
2. Porcelain Backed: the back of the tile is made of porcelain material and the face is “painted”. The top of the tile is like other tiles that it has a glazed and finished look. Most tiles like this are also commercial rated and good for exterior use.