Trends come and go, but tile has owned kitchens and bathrooms for generations for one simple reason: nothing else laughs at water the way tile does. Whether you're updating a Memphis bungalow bath or a Dallas kitchen, here's how to pick the right tile for the space.
Porcelain vs. Ceramic
Both are clay-based, but porcelain is fired hotter and longer, making it denser, harder, and nearly waterproof - ideal for floors that see splashes and mopping. Ceramic is slightly softer and usually cheaper, which makes it a fine choice for walls, backsplashes, and lower-traffic baths. For kitchen floors, we steer most customers to porcelain tile.
Natural Stone: Worth the Upkeep?
Slate, travertine, and marble bring a character no manufactured tile can copy, and in the right home they're breathtaking. The tradeoff is maintenance: stone is porous and needs periodic sealing, and acidic cleaners can etch it. If you love the look but not the upkeep, today's stone-look porcelains are remarkably convincing. Our natural stone tile page covers the real options.
Styles We're Installing Most
Large-format rectangles with minimal grout lines are the runaway favorite, followed by warm stone-look porcelains that replace the cool grays of the last decade. Patterned mosaic tile remains popular for bathroom floors and shower pans, where extra grout adds welcome grip.
See tile samples against your own cabinets and counters.
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