Tile flooring in Anthem, AZ

Selecting your ideal tiles

Choosing tile involves more than finding a pattern you like. Where will it be installed? How much traffic will it receive? Will it regularly encounter water? Answer those questions first, then consider the following features.

Ceramic vs porcelain tile

Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are both made from clay-based materials, but their performance characteristics differ.

Ceramic tile is available in an enormous variety of colors, shapes, patterns, and finishes. Depending on its rating, it can work for floors, walls, backsplashes, and other residential applications.

Porcelain tile is manufactured to be dense with low water absorption. That makes many porcelain products well suited to demanding floors and moisture-prone areas.

Porcelain isn't automatically necessary for every project, though. The right choice depends on where you're installing the tile and the manufacturer's recommended application.

Glazed vs unglazed tile

Glazed tile receives a surface coating that can add color, pattern, texture, and protection. Glazes range from high-gloss and reflective to soft and matte.

Unglazed tile has no added glaze covering its surface. Its color comes from the tile body itself, often creating a natural, earthy appearance. Some unglazed tiles may require sealing to protect against stains or moisture.

For floors, also pay attention to surface texture and slip resistance. A glossy tile that looks beautiful on a wall may not be appropriate for a wet bathroom floor.

Tile sizes and shapes

Size changes how you perceive a space.

Large-format tiles create fewer grout lines and can give floors and walls a clean, expansive appearance. Smaller tiles introduce more grout lines and work especially well for detailed patterns, shower floors, and decorative accents.

Shapes open even more possibilities. Squares and rectangles are timeless, while hexagons, mosaics, penny rounds, subway tiles, chevrons, and other geometric designs add personality.

You can even combine formats. Try large tiles across a bathroom wall with smaller mosaics inside a shower niche for contrast.

Tile colors and shades

White, cream, beige, taupe, and gray provide versatile foundations that coordinate easily with other finishes. Brown and terracotta tones introduce warmth, while charcoal and black make a stronger statement.

Want more color? Blues, greens, and patterned tiles can transform a backsplash or accent wall.

Tile can also recreate natural materials. Marble-inspired porcelain brings dramatic veining, while stone-look products mimic slate, limestone, and travertine. Wood-look porcelain offers grain and plank visuals with tile's practical performance.

Kitchen floor tiles and backsplash ideas

The kitchen gives tile plenty of opportunities to shine.

Durable kitchen floor tiles can stand up to busy routines while creating a surface that's easy to clean after everyday spills. Porcelain and ceramic products rated for flooring are available in everything from natural wood looks to bold patterns.

Then there's the backsplash. Here, you can take more design risks because the tile doesn't need to withstand foot traffic. Classic subway tiles keep things simple. Mosaics add detail. Geometric shapes, marble visuals, and colorful patterns can turn the area between your countertops and cabinets into a focal point.

Consider how the tile coordinates with your cabinets, counters, flooring, and lighting before making the final choice.

Bathroom floor tiles and shower designs

Tile is a natural choice for bathrooms because many products are designed to handle moisture.

For bathroom floor tiles, look beyond appearance. Slip resistance, water absorption, size, and intended use all matter. Smaller tiles can provide more grout lines, which may offer additional traction in certain wet applications.

Tile can continue onto shower walls, shower floors, tub surrounds, niches, backsplashes, and feature walls. Using the same tile in different sizes can create a coordinated look, while mixing colors and patterns adds contrast.

Proper waterproofing behind tile in wet areas is essential. Tile and grout are only part of the complete installation system.

Where can tile be installed?

Few flooring materials are as versatile as tile. Depending on the product, tile can be used for kitchen floors, bathroom floors, entryways, mudrooms, laundry rooms, hallways, living spaces, and other high-traffic areas.

Move beyond the floor, and the possibilities multiply. Tile can create kitchen backsplashes, bathroom backsplashes, shower surrounds, tub surrounds, fireplace surrounds, feature walls, niches, and decorative accents.

Some tile is also rated for outdoor applications, which may include patios or other exterior spaces. Anthem's climate makes product selection especially important outdoors, so always verify that the specific tile is approved for the location.

Commercial-rated tile can provide durable flooring and wall surfaces for offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and other businesses.

How to clean and maintain tile flooring

Tile maintenance is refreshingly straightforward.

Sweep or vacuum floors regularly to remove sand and grit. For deeper cleaning, damp mop with a product appropriate for your specific tile. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners unless approved by the manufacturer.

Don't overlook grout. Dirt can collect along grout lines even when the tile itself looks clean. Clean grout with products designed for your grout type, and follow recommendations regarding sealing. Some grout and unglazed tile products may require periodic sealing, while others may not.

Wipe spills promptly, particularly substances that could stain grout. With consistent care, tile can retain its appearance without a complicated maintenance routine.

Tile flooring FAQs

Is porcelain tile better than ceramic tile?

Not always. Porcelain is dense and has low water absorption, making it useful for demanding applications. Ceramic tile can be an excellent option for many residential floors and walls. Choose based on the specific installation.

What tile is best for a bathroom floor?

Ceramic or porcelain tiles rated for floors and wet environments are popular choices. Consider slip resistance, water absorption, size, and texture before deciding.

Are large tiles good for small rooms?

Yes. Large-format tiles create fewer grout lines, which can give a smaller room a cleaner and more continuous appearance.

Does tile flooring need to be sealed?

It depends. Some unglazed tiles and grout products may require sealing, while many glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles do not. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific products.

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