If you are getting a part of your home renovated and are considering tiles, you’re making an excellent choice. The right tiles, with the right aesthetic touches, can spice up your home. However, did you know there’s more to tiles than colours and patterns?

Depending on what your goals for the renovation are, you might have better luck using particular types of tiles over others. If you feel lost in the options – many people are if it’s their first time – don’t fret. RRP is here to help, with some quick information on all the choices.

Materials are a major consideration. For tiles, they come down to three basic types: ceramics, porcelain, and stone.

Porcelain is harder and denser than ceramics. They’re durable, scratch-resistant, and take a lot of wear and tear. The tiles are also stain-resistant, which makes them great choices for commercial areas or kitchens. The water-absorption rate is also abysmal, making them good choices for wet areas.

For stone tiles, you have to look at marble, granite, limestone, travertine, engineered stone, or onyx. Each one has its properties and advantages. Most of them require sealing to add stain resistance and can be finicky to clean.

Marble can be polished. However, it can come in a wide variety of colours after the finish is applied.

Granite is a classic choice. It’s durable, elegant, and versatile. Granite usually sees a use for table tops, rather than tiles. However, it isn’t porous, so doesn’t stain easily except when exposed to acidic foods and beverages.

Limestone is predominantly cream in colour. It has a timeless quality that is matched only by granite.

Travertine is known for its pitted holes and troughs. If you’re looking for a “Roman ruins” feel, this is an excellent choice for tiles. However, it can be acid-sensitive.

Onyx is semi-translucent and is often best backlit. Tiles are rare, though vanity countertops use this often. It is also more fragile than other stone types.

For ceramic tiles, you can choose between mosaic, terra cotta, and encaustic.

Mosaic tiles are usually smaller and make intricate designs. They tend to be brightly-colored and are ideal for more artistic sorts.

Terracotta is baked earth, with a distinct reddish-brown colour. They are durable and can get other colours with glazing.

Finally, encaustic is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a Victorian or Gothic aesthetic. In general, these are laid down in patterns, using a broad range of colours.