Types of Tile Materials: What You Should Know - Grepl

07 March, 2025

Choosing the right tile for your home and commercial space can be the difference between creating a beautiful and worthwhile space or one that wears out quickly or needs constant upkeep. Each tile type has its own advantages, from classic ceramic to high end porcelain. So let’s take a look at the most popular tile materials and what makes them so unique.

1. Ceramic Tiles

One of the most widely used types are ceramic tiles which are affordable and extremely versatile. Ceramic tiles are made of clay and baked at high temperatures, they are available in different colors, patterns and finishes.

ceramic tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Cost-effective
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Available in a variety of styles, including matte and glossy finishes
  • Resistant to stains and mild moisture

Best Use Cases: Ideal for walls, low-traffic flooring, kitchen backsplashes, and bathroom walls.

2. Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are a superior variant of ceramic tiles that, when produced at higher temperature, are more dense and durable. These are moisture resistant and wear resistant, and most suitable for both residential and commercial space.

porcelain tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Highly durable and water-resistant
  • Available in a variety of finishes, including matte, glossy, and textured
  • Less porous, making them ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens
  • Mimics natural materials like stone and wood with realistic textures

Ideal Applications: High-traffic areas, bathrooms, outdoor patios, commercial spaces, and kitchens.

3. Vitrified Tiles

Vitrified tiles are made by silica and clay fusing together to make a strong non porous surface. The vitrified tiles have different types such as double charged, full body, and soluble salt.

Vitrified Tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Extremely durable and stain-resistant
  • Low water absorption, making them ideal for wet areas
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
  • Available in polished and glazed finishes for enhanced aesthetics
  • Easy to install and maintain compared to natural stone

A. Double Charge Tiles

Double Charge Tiles are made of double layer technology by fusing two layers of pigment together to create a thicker surface.

double charge tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Scratch and stain-resistant
  • Withstands heavy foot traffic
  • Low maintenance and long-lasting

Best Usage Scenarios: Malls, offices, commercial buildings, industrial areas, and high-traffic hallways.

B. Full Body Tiles

Full body tiles are of uniform color and texture throughout its thickness which gives it suitable for heavy duty usage.

Full Body Tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Scratches and chips are less noticeable.
  • Highly durable and strong.
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Applications: Perfect for high-wear commercial spaces, airports, shopping malls, and residential areas with heavy foot traffic.

C. Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT)

The glazed surface of GVT tiles enhances the aesthetics but also provides durability and water resistance.

Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT)

Key Benefits:

  • Available in various textures, patterns, and finishes
  • Resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture
  • Mimics natural stone, wood, or marble designs

Popular Usage: Living rooms, commercial spaces, hotels, and decorative flooring.

4. Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are tiles of small sizes, made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, or from any natural stone. In fact they are often used to create intricate patterns and artistic designs.

Mosaic Tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Adds a unique and artistic touch
  • Easy to customize with different design
  • Available in different shapes; Square, hexagon and penny rounds.
  • Moisture resistant for bathrooms and pools

Best Places to Install: Kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower floors, and accent features.

5. Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles which include marble, granite, travertine and slate have a timeless and a high end look. Each type of stone has its own texture and patterns, which make it a unique choice for floors and walls.

Natural Stone Tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Highly durable and long-lasting
  • Adds a natural and elegant aesthetic
  • Requires sealing for salts and stains to remain long-term, stain resistant.
  • Offers unique, one-of-a-kind patterns due to natural formation

6. Glass Tiles

Glass tiles become the favourite of the people due to their glossy, reflective surface that brings brightness and a modern feel in interiors. They are commonly used in backsplashes, shower walls and accent pieces.

glass tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Easy to clean and resistant to stains
  • Enhances light reflection, making spaces appear larger
  • Available in a variety of colors and finishes
  • Eco-friendly option made from recycled glass
  • Resistant to mold and mildew in humid environments

Where and How to Use: Ideal for kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, swimming pools, and decorative wall features.

7. Cement Tiles

Cement tiles (also called encaustic tiles) are crafted by hand and famous for their vibrancy, durability and detail. If you are on the lookout for a vintage or Mediterranean style, these types of earthenware are the ideal choice.

Cement Tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Eco-friendly and handmade
  • Extremely durable and long-lasting
  • Available in bold patterns and colors
  • Requires sealing to prevent moisture absorption

Applications: Feature walls, outdoor flooring, patios, courtyards, and decorative accents.

8. Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles are composed of natural clay that produces a warm rustic feel. For centuries, these tiles have been used which add a traditional and earthy feel to spaces.

Terracotta Tiles

Key Benefits:

  • Warm and inviting aesthetic
  • Natural slip resistance for outdoor areas
  • Long lasting when sealed properly
  • Comes in various shapes like hexagonal and rectangular

Popular Usage: Flooring in commercial buildings, staircases, luxury interiors, hotels, and office spaces.

Choosing the Right Tile for Your Space

There are many factors involved when choosing the best tile such as durability, maintenance, and the Aesthetics. Here are some key considerations:

  • Porcelain, vitrified, or quarry tiles are the ideal choice for high traffic areas.
  • In wet areas, porcelain, glass or natural stone tiles with a sealed finish is best.
  • Natural stone, marble, or high gloss porcelain are excellent for a luxury look.
  • Mosaic, Cement or Resin tiles are a little bit bold for an artistic touch.
  • Quarry, terracotta, or vitrified tiles for outdoor use are tough and weather resistant.
     

Find Your Perfect Tile!

Conclusion

There are factors to consider when selecting the best tile – durability, maintenance requirements and aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right tiles for your needs requires understanding the types of materials available, so whether you’re looking for tiles for high-traffic areas, moisture-prone zones or just a tasteful addition all of these factors play a part.

Visit Grepl Group and explore premium quality tile collection for your project.

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