Interior Design Tile Style Guide

INTERIOR DESIGN TILE STYLE GUIDE Tile can be the footing you walk on in the comfort of your home, the backdrop for dinner on the stove, the serene accent in your shower, or the gathering spot for family at your kitchen counter. Here's a guide to help you choose which tile type and style is best for your lifestyle or interior design project. GLASS Made from a combination of sand and other minerals that are melted together at very high temperatures. Design Details Cleaning & Maintenance Used for Can be colored either entirely through the tile or just on the surface. Color will not fade while staying moisture-proof. Easy Walls Installation Avoid installing on the floor, unless as a design accent because it could Backsplashes break and become dangerous. Durability Medium Flourishes and trims Cost Med-High $$-$$ PORCELAIN Made from dense clay. Used for Design Details Cleaning & Maintenance Easy Coloring is usually white or gray and left unglazed. You can screen-print an image on it to give it a natural stone or fabric look. Installation Great, lower-maintenance alternative to wood or stone floors. More patterns are available than before, Walls Showers Designer Tip: Porcelain with screen-printing is not colored all the way through so if it breaks or chips, the natural color will show through. Through-body porcelain has color throughout the tile, hiding cracks or chips, making it a great choice for outdoor use. and prices have been reduced significantly. Backsplashes Countertops Durability Lower moisture levels make it more durable and Durability difficult to cut for custom High shapes or rounded edges. Ceilings Flooring Cost Low-High $-$$ CERAMIC TILE Made from Natural clay, sand, and water. Used for Design Details Cleaning & Maintenance Easy May have a natural red terra-cotta finish and may feature a glazed finish. Walls Ceilings Durability Minimize outdoor use because of high moisture content. Backsplashes Countertops Installation Simple. Can be used in oddly-shaped areas that require special cuts. Not advised for outdoor Durability Delicate flooring in extreme temperatures. Flooring Showers Cost Low NATURAL STONE Made from natural material. Used for Design Details Natural, earthy composition and authentic look. Installation Walls Ceilings Outdoor Details provided by installers. Cleaning & Maintenance Porous, requiring more Grill and outdoor Tub decks maintenance than other tile types. Use soap and water or non-acidic cleaners. Should be sealed, either with regular seal (using clear rain coat to protect from spills, stains, or etching), or enhanced sealer, which also enhances color. Backsplashes appliance facing Durability Medium Flooring Showers Baseboards Cost Med-High $$-$$ EXOTIC TILE Made from variety, ranging from animal hide to sea shells to mirrored glass. Used for Design Details Cleaning & Maintenance Endless options. Typically custom-designed for a unique look. Varies Walls Outdoor Cost Varies based on intricacy of your chosen design and materials availability. Natural semi-precious stones like agate tiles can be very expensive, other tiles like mirrored or metal tiles are less expensive. Backsplashes Flourishes and trims Durability Varies Cost Flooring Showers High $$$+ Presented by: DRUAY DESIGN Hitchen G Bath Studio %24