Learn About Tile: a homeowner's guide to choosing the right tile

Tile types: porcelain, ceramic & natural stone

Nearly every tile you'll shop for falls into one of three categories. Understanding the difference is the single most useful thing you can know going in.

Porcelain tile

Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from denser, more refined clay and fired at very high temperatures. The result is exceptionally hard, dense, and water-resistant — by definition it absorbs 0.5% or less of its weight in water, which is why it's the go-to for floors, wet areas, high-traffic spaces, and outdoor use. It costs a little more and is harder to cut, but it's the most durable mainstream tile you can buy.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is made from natural clay, glazed, and fired at lower temperatures than porcelain. It's softer, easier to cut, and usually more affordable — a great choice for walls, backsplashes, and lower-traffic floors. It absorbs more water than porcelain, so it's less suited to heavy-duty or freeze-prone outdoor applications.

Natural stone tile

Natural stone — marble, travertine, slate, granite, and limestone — offers one-of-a-kind veining and texture that manufactured tile imitates but never fully matches. Stone is beautiful and timeless, but most varieties are porous and need periodic sealing to resist stains and moisture. It's a premium, higher-maintenance option for homeowners who want a genuine natural look.

Quick comparison

How to read a tile's specs

Tile product pages are full of ratings that look like a secret code. Here's how to decode the four that matter most so you can match a tile to the job.

PEI rating (how much wear it can take)

The PEI rating measures how well a glazed tile's surface resists scratching and wear from foot traffic. It runs from 0 to 5:

• PEI 0–1: Walls only — not made for foot traffic.
• PEI 2: Light traffic, such as guest bathrooms.
• PEI 3: Moderate traffic — suitable for most residential floors.
• PEI 4: Moderate-to-heavy traffic, including entryways and light commercial use.
• PEI 5: Heavy commercial traffic.

Water absorption (where it can go)

This tells you how much moisture a tile soaks up, which determines whether it's safe for wet or outdoor areas. Lower is better:

• Impervious (≤0.5%): True porcelain. Ideal for showers, outdoors, and freeze-prone climates.
• Vitreous (0.5–3%): Good for most interior floors and walls.
• Semi-vitreous (3–7%) & non-vitreous (>7%): Best kept to dry interior walls.

In cold climates, low absorption also means frost resistance — water that can't soak in can't freeze, expand, and crack the tile.

Slip resistance (DCOF)

The DCOF rating (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) measures how slip-resistant a tile is when wet. For floors that may get wet — bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, pool decks — look for a DCOF of 0.42 or higher. Textured and matte finishes generally grip better than polished ones.

Rectified vs. non-rectified edges

Rectified tiles are mechanically ground to a precise, uniform size, which allows very thin grout lines and a crisp, modern look. Non-rectified tiles have a slightly softer edge and need marginally wider grout joints. Neither is "better" — it's an aesthetic and installation choice.

Tile finishes and what they're good for

Finish affects both how a tile looks and how it performs underfoot. The most common options:

• Glazed: A glass-like coating that adds color, pattern, and stain resistance. The most common finish.
• Matte: Low sheen that hides smudges and water spots and offers better grip — a smart pick for floors.
• Polished: High-gloss and elegant, but more slippery and quicker to show scratches and footprints. Best for walls and low-traffic areas.
• Honed: A smooth, satin finish common on stone and marble looks — refined without the glare of polish.
• Textured / structured: Added grip for showers, entryways, and outdoor spaces where slip resistance matters most.

Tile sizes and how they change a room

Tile size isn't just practical — it shapes how big and how busy a space feels. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which makes a room look more open and is easier to keep clean.

• Mosaic (under 2"): Lots of grout lines mean extra grip — great for shower floors, plus accents and feature walls. See mosaic tile.
• Subway (classic 3"×6", and beyond): A timeless, budget-friendly look for backsplashes and shower walls.
• Mid-size (12"×12", 12"×24"): The versatile workhorse for floors and walls.
• Large format (a side of 15" or more): Fewer seams for a clean, contemporary look that makes spaces feel larger. Slightly trickier to install on uneven surfaces.
• Wood-look plank (e.g., 6"×24", 8"×48"): The warmth of hardwood with the durability of tile. Browse wood-look tile.

How to choose tile by room

Grout basics most people forget

Grout is easy to overlook, but it has a big impact on both looks and maintenance.

• Sanded vs. unsanded: Sanded grout suits wider joints (1/8" and up); unsanded works for thin joints and delicate, polished tiles that sand could scratch.
• Epoxy grout: More stain- and water-resistant and very durable — ideal for showers and busy kitchens, though it costs more and is harder to install.
• Grout color: Matching grout to your tile creates a seamless, larger look; a contrasting color highlights the pattern. Remember that lighter grout shows dirt more easily.
• Sealing: Standard cement-based grout should be sealed to resist stains and moisture. Epoxy grout doesn't need sealing.

How much tile do you need?

Start with the square footage of the space (length × width), then add extra for cuts, breakage, and future repairs:

• Add ~10% for a standard straight-lay installation.
• Add ~15% or more for diagonal layouts, herringbone, large-format tile, or rooms with lots of angles and cuts.

Two tips that save real headaches: buy all your tile from the same dye lot (color can vary slightly between production batches), and keep a few spare tiles after the job — matching an exact tile years later is tough.

Your tile-buying checklist

• Match the tile type and PEI rating to the room and traffic level.
• Check water absorption and DCOF for any wet or outdoor area.
• Order a single piece and view it in your own light before committing.
• Confirm everything ships from the same dye lot.
• Order 10–15% extra and keep spares for repairs.
• Choose your grout type and color — it's part of the look, not an afterthought.