Which Tiles are Best for Floor: The Complete Easy to Follow Guide

A good flooring defines the character of a home. When your guests step on the floor of your home, they feel the soothing ambience only when your tile flooring is in good condition. There are endless options for tile flooring. But the question might have arisen in your mind - which tiles are best for floors?

Beautiful glossy tiles might look stunning in a showroom, but when installed in your actual kitchen, wet bathroom, or living room, they might not look as great as you expect. Also, under different lighting conditions, they might look different.

Don’t worry, this is your complete guide on choosing the best floor tiles for your home! You’ll get to know the popular tiles for flooring, which tiles are the most durable, which tiles are best suited for which area of your home, and lastly, some additional tips.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Popular Types of Floor Tiles Available

By material, there are only two types of tiles: ceramic and porcelain. Considering the design, finish, texture, and manufacturing process, there are some other types. Here are some popular types of tiles you’ll find in your nearest DBL display centers.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made mostly with sand, white clays, talc, feldspar, illitic and kaolinitic clay, calcite, dolomite, and water. The mixture is pressed in a special mold to give the tiles the desired shape. Even though they are compressed under high pressure, they retain some moisture when released from the molds. It helps to prevent fragility and keeps the tiles’ shape in good condition. After printing the designs on the tiles, they are fired at 900°C to 1200°C. This part is crucial as it makes the tiles durable and long-lasting. You’ll get ceramic tiles with diverse designs, mostly used for their cost-effectiveness. They are thicker compared to porcelain tiles and have a higher water absorption rate. Due to the lower density, ceramic tiles are used as floor tiles for low-traffic areas.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic tiles, which are made with almost the same materials. The proportions of the raw materials are engineered slightly, depending on the design, required textures, patterns, etc. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are fired at 1200°C to 1500°C for hours. This slow process makes porcelain tiles denser and more durable than ceramic alternatives. They offer the lowest water absorption rate and withstand heavy foot traffic. For their extreme durability, they last for decades in high-traffic areas. Due to this unique property, they are used in bathrooms, kitchens, stairs, patios, and anywhere else where durability is the primary concern.

Read More: Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tiles: The Ultimate Differences.

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

As the name suggests, glazed porcelain tiles are a type of porcelain tile with a glossy/mirror-like finish on the surface. Like porcelain tiles, they are made with refined clay and minerals. Their elegant look, uncompromised durability, and ability to withstand high traffic make them increasingly popular flooring options for bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor areas.

Anti-Slip Tiles

Anti-slip tiles are commonly used in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where safety is paramount. They come in matte and textured finishes, offering enhanced grip to prevent accidental slipping. Besides bathrooms and kitchens, anti-slip tiles are used as floor tiles in areas constantly exposed to moisture. As durability is a top priority here, almost all anti-slip tiles are made from porcelain.

Vitrified Tiles

Vitrified tiles are denser than porcelain tiles. They require almost the same materials as porcelain tiles. The difference is that vitrified tiles are fired at around 1200°C for a long time. The priority here is to make the tiles glass-like without sacrificing durability. As they are extremely durable and fire-resistant, they are also a popular option for residential and commercial flooring. Even though they are comparatively more expensive than porcelain tiles, people choose them for their timeless elegance that lasts for decades.

Floor Tile Materials at a Glance: A Cheat Sheet for Skimmers

Here is a quick snapshot on the floor tile materials with short details. Take a look-

Which Tiles are Best for Floor? Room by Room Recommendation

Different rooms need different tiles. What works perfectly in your bathroom might be a disaster in your kitchen. Let's break down the best tile choices for each space so you can make smart decisions that you'll love for years.

Kitchen Flooring

Your kitchen floor takes a beating from spills, dropped dishes, and constant foot traffic. Porcelain tiles are your hero here. They're super durable, water resistant, and easy to clean. Go for matte or textured finishes to avoid slipping when things get wet.

Bathroom Flooring

Safety first in the bathroom! Porcelain and ceramic tiles both work great, but make sure you choose textured surfaces for grip. Smaller tiles with more grout lines also help prevent slips. Want that spa feeling? Natural stone like slate adds warmth and character.

Living Room and Bedroom Flooring

Comfort matters in spaces where you relax. Wood look porcelain tiles give you that cozy vibe without the maintenance headaches. They feel warmer underfoot than traditional tiles and add serious style points. Pair them with area rugs for extra comfort in bedrooms.

Check out for details: How to choose tiles for a living room.

Entryway and Hallway Flooring

These high traffic zones need tough tiles that can handle mud, dirt, and constant footsteps. Heavy duty porcelain in darker shades or patterns hides dirt better between cleanings. Choose slip resistant finishes, especially if rain or snow gets tracked inside.

Basement Flooring

Moisture is your biggest enemy in basements. Porcelain tiles laugh in the face of dampness and won't warp or crack. Luxury vinyl tiles also perform well here and feel warmer on your feet. Skip natural stone unless your basement stays bone dry.

Outdoor Spaces and Patios

Your outdoor tiles need to handle whatever weather throws at them. Porcelain pavers made for exterior use resist frost and won't fade in the sun. Natural stone like granite or slate looks stunning and provides natural slip resistance that keeps everyone safe.

Laundry Room Flooring

Detergent spills happen. Appliances leak. Your laundry room needs tiles that can take it. Ceramic or porcelain in medium to large sizes makes cleanup a breeze. This smaller space is perfect for trying bold patterns or fun colors you might shy away from elsewhere.

Garage Flooring

Your garage needs tiles tough enough to handle car weight, oil drips, and heavy tools. Unglazed porcelain or specialized garage tiles are built for this punishment. Look for high abrasion resistance and anti-slip properties to keep things safe and functional.

The bottom line? Match your tile choice to how you actually use each room. Your home will look better and your floors will last longer when you choose wisely.