Getting the best out of ceramic & porcelain

Tile is also one of the most versatile options for flooring, with wide varieties of sizes, colors, designs and textures. Tile is also a strong, easy-to-clean option for busy households. Here in Lancaster, we like to create fun, unique looks that are as functional as they are creative.

Inherent creativity

Because there are so many hand-made elements in production and installation, no two tile floors look alike. With so many options in textures, materials, shapes, and sizes, installing a tile floor is like putting together a puzzle until a completely unique and stylized design forms. Like a mosaic, tile floors can be the most expressive floor type for interior designers and homeowners alike.

There are so many options with tile flooring the list is endless. What are the different types of tile flooring? Below is our list of types of tile flooring. You can see these and many more tile options at our Lancaster Tile Showroom.

Different Types of Tile Flooring

Travertine tile - Travertine is a natural limestone created by hot mineral spring deposits and it is mined all over the world. The locations of the limestone and the composition of the rock make color and pattern variations that are unique with every tile. Travertine is a naturally porous stone but stone sealants are applied for better performance and to bring out the rich textured qualities of each stone. Marble - Marble is THE classic floor tile as it has been used for floors throughout history. Marble floors are extremely durable due to their hard composition and come in a brilliant array of colors, patterns, and shade variations. These variations do make it hard to match tiles if new tiles are needed from a different batch, so it is important to have a few extra tiles should repairs be needed. Slate - Slate is a tough sedimentary rock made from compressed clay or volcanic ash. Slate can be used for outdoor or indoor flooring. It manifests in brown and green earth tones as well as darker grays and blues. Slate also has natural fire and waterproof qualities which help make it water, fire, and stain resistant, requiring very little maintenance. Granite tile - Granite is a coarse grained igneous rock that has granular flecks of feldspar and quartz with other minerals which give it a sparkle and depth seldom matched by other stone types. It is porous so it does have to be sealed periodically and while it is strong, it is not as resilient as ceramic tile. Wood-look tile - Wood look tile is fast becoming a Lancaster County favorite. These ceramic and porcelain tiles have the warm textures and color of wood and the durability and easy maintenance of ceramic tile. If you have not seen wood look tiles, then it is time you did. Ceramic - Ceramic tile is the most popular tile variety. Tiles are made from various clay materials and fired in a kiln. Ceramic tiles can be coated or uncoated though most ceramic tile floors in Lancaster County are coated. Since ceramic tile is manufactured, it comes in a wide range of shapes and colors for almost every room type. Though the hardness of the tile may need to be considered for areas where you will be standing for long periods of time. What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile? - Porcelain and ceramic tile are both tiles made a variety of clay like materials that are fired in a kiln. However porcelain tiles have greater water resistance and can be used outdoors. Porcelain must also be certified as porcelain by the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) for meeting ASTM C373 standards that prove it has better water resistance, and durability. Both materials are great for use in flooring, bathroom tiles, and kitchen backsplashes.