Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Both ceramic (non-porcelain) and porcelain tiles are made from clay and minerals which are kiln-fired into rigid, durable tiles. The only difference is that porcelain tiles contain 50% of a white dust called feldspar. When porcelain tiles are fired, the feldspar melts and creates a bonding agent for all the other materials. This makes porcelain even more durable than ceramic tiles.

Natural Stone Tile

Natural stone tile is comes from larger pieces of rock that are cut down into tiles. These are typically made up of the following material:

• Granite: Best on kitchen floors and high traffic areas as it is nearly impervious and resists scratching.
• Marble: More porous than granite and typically not used as flooring due to the need for frequent resealing in high traffic areas.
• Limestone: Can be left naturally textured or made smooth. Easily stained and prone to scratching, limestone needs to be placed strategically placed.
• Slate: Naturally textured and very durable, making it great for kitchens.

Slate – naturally textured and very durable – great for kitchens