Discover beautiful tile flooring for every room

How do you select the ideal tiles?

Finding the right tile starts with understanding how the space will be used. From there, you can compare material, surface, dimensions, and style.

Ceramic vs. porcelain tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from clay that is shaped and fired. They are available in a huge range of colors, patterns, sizes, and designs. Ceramic can work beautifully for many residential floors and walls.

Porcelain tiles are generally denser and have low water absorption. Depending on the product's rating, porcelain can be an excellent option for demanding applications and moisture-prone spaces.

Neither choice is automatically best. The right product depends on whether you're designing a floor, shower, backsplash, wall, or another surface.

Glazed vs. unglazed tiles

Glazed tile has a surface coating applied during manufacturing. The glaze can add color, pattern, texture, and additional surface protection. It also creates a wide variety of design possibilities, from subtle neutrals to striking decorative looks.

Unglazed tile does not have that added glazed surface. Its appearance tends to come directly from the material itself, creating a more natural look.

Always check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure a particular tile is approved for your intended application.

Tile size and shape

Size can dramatically change the feel of a room. Large-format rectangular and square tiles can create a streamlined look with fewer grout lines. Smaller tiles offer more opportunities for intricate layouts and can work especially well for accents.

Shape adds another layer of creativity. Beyond traditional squares and rectangles, you'll find hexagons, mosaics, geometric shapes, and other decorative formats.

Flooring Concepts' online tile selection demonstrates this variety, with products available in formats such as 12-by-24, 3-by-12, and 6-by-36 inches.

Tile color and shade

Color can make tile blend quietly into a room or become its main attraction.

Light shades can make smaller areas feel brighter and more open. Darker colors add depth and contrast. Warm beige and earth-inspired tones create an inviting feel, while gray and cooler neutrals complement many contemporary interiors.

Remember that grout color matters, too. Matching grout creates a more seamless appearance, while contrasting grout emphasizes the shape and layout of each tile.

Where can tile be installed?

Tile isn't just for floors. That's part of what makes it such a useful design material.

Kitchen floor tiles can create a durable surface for one of the busiest areas of the home. Tile also works beautifully on kitchen backsplashes, where color, pattern, and shape can complement cabinetry and countertops.

Bathroom floor tiles are another popular choice. Tile can also extend onto shower walls, tub surrounds, vanity backsplashes, and decorative wall sections to create a coordinated bathroom design.

Beyond kitchens and bathrooms, consider tile for entryways, mudrooms, laundry rooms, fireplace surrounds, accent walls, and other areas. Some products may also be suitable for commercial applications.

The key is choosing tile rated for the specific surface and environment. A tile designed primarily for a wall isn't automatically appropriate for a high-traffic floor.

How do you clean and maintain tile flooring?

Tile care is refreshingly straightforward.

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust, crumbs, and abrasive grit. Damp cleaning can remove everyday residue, but use products appropriate for your particular tile and grout. Manufacturer recommendations should always come first.

Clean spills promptly, especially on grout. Depending on the tile and grout used, periodic sealing may be recommended to provide additional protection. Porcelain, ceramic, and grout can have different care requirements, so don't assume every tiled surface should be treated identically.

Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically approves them. They may affect certain finishes or grout.

Finally, pay attention to grout lines. Routine cleaning helps prevent dirt from building up and keeps the entire installation looking cleaner.

Why shop for tile at Flooring Concepts?

Flooring Concepts combines the values of a family-operated company with the product knowledge and selection customers expect from a specialized flooring retailer. The company has served customers from its North Olmsted location since 2000 and brings more than half a century of flooring experience to its work.

Unlike a general home improvement store, flooring is the focus here. Customers can explore tile and other flooring products while getting guidance from an experienced design team. Flooring Concepts describes its North Olmsted showroom as a one-stop shop for flooring and design needs, from selecting products through installation.

That means you don't have to figure everything out alone. We can help you compare styles, discuss where your tile will be installed, and narrow the possibilities to options that make sense for your project.

Frequently asked questions about tile flooring

Is porcelain tile better than ceramic tile?

Not necessarily. Porcelain's dense construction and low water absorption make it useful for many demanding applications, while ceramic offers extensive design choices and can perform beautifully in suitable residential settings. Your installation area should guide the decision.

What tiles are best for bathroom floors?

Porcelain and ceramic are common choices for bathroom floor tiles. Look beyond appearance and verify that the specific product is approved for flooring and offers suitable performance for a moisture-prone environment.

What tiles are best for kitchen floors?

Durable kitchen floor tiles that can handle frequent traffic and routine cleaning are ideal. Porcelain and ceramic products are both worth considering, depending on their specifications and your design goals.

Can the same tile be used on floors and walls?

Sometimes, but not always. Many floor-rated tiles can also be used on walls, while some wall tiles are not designed to withstand foot traffic. Always verify the manufacturer's approved applications.

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