Top Tiling Questions, Answered by the Pros

30-Second Summary

Choosing the right tile can feel overwhelming, especially with so many materials, finishes, and technical details to consider. This tiling FAQ answers your top 20 tiling questions, from the difference between porcelain and ceramic to the best way to tile a small bathroom, plus solutions to common tiling problems. Our pros cover everything, grout colors, waterproofing, large format tile benefits, and how to care for your installation. Think of this as your how-to tile guide, designed to make your project stress-free and stunning.

Introduction

Choosing the perfect tile for your home is exciting, but it often comes with dozens of questions. Should you go with porcelain or ceramic? Do you really need a waterproof membrane in the shower? What’s the right grout color for white subway tile?

At MOSAICENTER, we believe an informed homeowner is a happy homeowner. That’s why we’ve gathered answers to the most common tiling problems and crafted a clear how-to-tile guide that blends professional tiling tips with practical advice you can use right away.

Questions Answered in This Guide

What's the real difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?
Which tile is best for a bathroom floor and shower walls?
What are the most durable types of tile for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways?
Is natural stone tile (like marble or slate) a good choice for my project?
What are the pros and cons of glossy vs. matte finish tiles?
How do I choose a tile color and pattern that won't go out of style?
What is a "rectified" tile, and why would I want one?
What is a PEI rating, and why does it matter for my floor tile?
How important is a tile's water absorption rate?
How can I tell if a tile is slippery when wet? (What is a DCOF rating?)
Why are some tiles so much more expensive than others?
What's the difference between a wall tile and a floor tile? Can I use floor tile on a wall?
How much extra tile should I order for cuts and waste?
How do I choose the right grout color to match or contrast with my tile?
What's the difference between sanded and unsanded grout, and which do I need?
Are larger or smaller tiles better for a small room?
Can I get samples of the tiles I'm interested in?
Besides tile, what other materials will I need to buy? (e.g., mortar, sealer)
How do I care for and clean my new tile to keep it looking great?
What are the benefits of buying tile from a specialty store like MOSAICENTER vs. a big-box store?

1. What’s the real difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?

Porcelain is denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic, making it more durable and water-resistant.

While both are made from clay and fired in a kiln, porcelain tile is baked at higher temperatures, giving it greater strength and a lower water absorption rate. This makes porcelain an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. Ceramic tile, on the other hand, is lighter and easier to cut, making it great for walls or areas with less foot traffic.

Browse our Porcelain Tile and Ceramic Tile collections for inspiration.

2. Which tile is best for a bathroom floor and shower walls?

Porcelain is the best tile for both bathroom floors and shower walls due to its low water absorption and durability. Explore our complete collection of Bathroom Tiles for Floors & Walls for stylish, slip-resistant options.

Pair it with a waterproof membrane for shower tiling to prevent leaks. If you want a spa-like look, natural stone-like marble is also popular, but it requires sealing and more maintenance. Explore our Shower & Wall Tile Collection for stylish, slip-resistant options.

3. What are the most durable types of tile for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways?

Porcelain and natural stone tiles are the most durable for high-traffic spaces.

Porcelain resists scratches, stains, and moisture.
Natural stone (like slate or granite) brings a timeless, upscale feel.
Avoid glossy tiles in hallways; they can become slippery.

For kitchens, see our curated Kitchen Floor Tile collection.

4. Is natural stone tile (like marble or slate) a good choice for my project?

Yes, but natural stone requires sealing and more maintenance than porcelain or ceramic.

Marble tile offers luxury but is porous. Slate is tougher, with a rustic look. Both need a tile sealer and regular cleaning. Explore our Marble Tile and Slate Tile categories to see how natural stone can elevate your space.

5. What are the pros and cons of glossy vs. matte finish tiles?

Glossy tiles are bright and reflective, while matte tiles offer better traction and hide dirt.

Glossy pros: reflective, easy to clean, great for walls.
Glossy cons: slippery when wet, shows smudges.
Matte pros: slip-resistant, modern look, hides water spots.
Matte cons: slightly harder to clean.

6. How do I choose a tile color and pattern that won’t go out of style?

Neutral tones, classic subway tiles, and large-format tiles are timeless choices.

White, beige, and grey remain the most versatile. For style longevity:

Opt for subway tile with contrasting grout for kitchens.
Consider the benefits of using large-format tiles; they minimize grout lines and create a modern, spacious feel.

7. What is a “rectified” tile, and why would I want one?

A rectified tile has machine-cut edges for minimal grout lines and a sleek, seamless look.

They’re ideal for modern, open spaces. You’ll need a very flat floor leveling system for installation.

8. What is a PEI rating, and why does it matter for my floor tile?

A PEI rating measures a tile’s resistance to abrasion, helping determine where it can be used.

PEI 1–2: Walls only
PEI 3: Light residential floors
PEI 4: Normal to heavy residential and light commercial
PEI 5: Heavy commercial traffic

Always match the PEI rating with the intended space.

9. How important is a tile’s water absorption rate?

The water absorption rate determines if a tile is suitable for wet or outdoor areas.

Porcelain: <0.5% absorption (ideal for showers and outdoors).
Ceramic: 0.5%–3% (fine for walls and dry floors).
Natural stone: Varies, must be sealed.

10. How can I tell if a tile is slippery when wet? (What is a DCOF rating?)

The DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) rating measures slip resistance.

≥0.42 DCOF: Safe for floors, even when wet.
Below 0.42: Best for walls or decorative areas.

Always check DCOF before buying bathroom orkitchen tiles.

11. Why are some tiles so much more expensive than others?

Tile cost depends on material, durability, finish, and origin.

Natural stone and imported artisan tiles are pricier, while mass-produced ceramic tiles are budget-friendly.

12. What’s the difference between a wall tile and a floor tile? Can I use floor tile on a wall?

Floor tiles are stronger and thicker; wall tiles are lighter and easier to cut.

You can use floor tiles on walls, but not wall tiles on floors due to durability limits.

13. How much extra tile should I order for cuts and waste?

Always order 10–15% more tile than the measured area.

This covers cuts, waste, and future repairs. For complex patterns like herringbone, order closer to 15%.

14. How do I choose the right grout color to match or contrast my tile?

Neutral grout blends seamlessly, while darker grout creates contrast and highlights patterns.

For example:

Choosing grout color for white subway tile → grey grout for contrast, white grout for seamlessness.

15. What’s the difference between sanded and unsanded grout, and which do I need?

Sanded grout is for joints ≥1/8”, while unsanded grout is for thinner joints.

Sanded: Stronger, prevents cracking.
Unsanded: Smooth, ideal for glass or polished tile.

16. Are larger or smaller tiles better for a small room?

Larger tiles often make small rooms feel bigger by reducing grout lines.

But in tight areas (like around fixtures), smaller tiles may be easier to fit. The best way to tile a small bathroom is often with medium-to-large format tiles.

17. Can I get samples of the tiles I’m interested in?

Yes, most specialty stores, including MOSAICENTER, offer tile samples.

Request yours here: Tile Samples.

18. Besides tile, what other materials will I need to buy?

You’ll need thin-set mortar, grout, spacers, backer board, tile sealer, and tools like a wet saw.

This ensures proper installation and long-lasting results.

19. How do I care for and clean my new tile to keep it looking great?

Regular sweeping and pH-neutral cleaners keep tiles fresh.

Seal natural stone and grout.
Use gentle cleaners, avoid bleach on stone.
Reseal grout every 1–2 years.

20. What are the benefits of buying tile from a specialty store like MOSAICENTER vs. a big-box store?

Speciality stores offer curated collections, expert advice, and higher-quality materials.

At MOSAICENTER, you also get:

Professional design support
Access to unique styles and premium finishes
Better long-term value

1. How to choose the right tile?

Choosing the right tile depends on the room, foot traffic, and style you want. For high-traffic areas, porcelain tile is best because it’s durable and water-resistant. In bathrooms, use slip-resistant tiles. For a timeless look, stick with neutral colors or classic patterns like subway tile. Always balance aesthetics with function.

2. What is the best tile for a shower?

The best tile for a shower is porcelain because of its low water absorption and durability. Mosaic tiles with texture are also popular for shower floors since they provide extra grip. Natural stone can work, but requires sealing and regular maintenance.

3. How much does tile installation cost?

Tile installation cost varies depending on the material, pattern, and labor in your area. On average, expect $7–$25 per square foot (including materials and labor). Porcelain and natural stone installations are usually more expensive than ceramic due to cutting difficulty and weight.

4. Can you tile over existing tile?

Yes, you can tile over existing tile if the surface is solid, clean, and level. The old tiles must be firmly attached with no cracks. Use a high-quality thin-set mortar designed for tile-over-tile applications. Keep in mind that this raises floor height, which may affect doors and transitions.

5. How do I calculate how many tiles I need?

To calculate how much tile you need:

Measure the length and width of the area.
Multiply to get square footage.
Add 10–15% extra for cuts, waste, and future repairs.
For complex layouts (like herringbone), add closer to 15%.

6. How to clean tile grout?

To clean tile grout, use a baking soda and vinegar paste or a pH-neutral cleaner with a stiff brush. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach on natural stone. For long-lasting results, reseal grout every 1–2 years to prevent stains and mildew.

7. What tools are needed for tiling?

Basic tiling tools include:

Tape measure & level
Tile cutter or wet saw
Notched trowel & spacers
Rubber mallet
Grout float & sponge
Bucket & mixing paddle

These ensure proper installation and a professional finish.

8. Should I seal my tile and grout?

You should seal grout to protect against stains and moisture. Most porcelain and ceramic tiles don’t require sealing, but natural stone tiles (like marble, slate, and travertine) must always be sealed. Reseal grout every 1–2 years for best protection.

9. Best tile for kitchen floors?

The best kitchen floor tile is porcelain because it’s tough, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. Natural stone, like slate or granite, also works well but needs sealing. Avoid glossy finishes, which can become slippery in kitchens.

10. How to prevent tile from cracking?

To prevent tile from cracking:

Install tiles on a properly prepared, level subfloor.
Use an uncoupling or crack isolation membrane.
Leave expansion joints around the room’s perimeter.
Use the right thin-set mortar for your tile type.
Cracks usually come from movement underneath the tile, not the tile itself.

Conclusion

Navigating tile choices can feel overwhelming, but with these professional tiling tips and clear answers to the most common tiling problems, you’re equipped to make confident, stylish decisions for your home. Whether it’s understanding PEI ratings, selecting the right grout color, or discovering the best way to tile a small bathroom, this guide serves as your go-to how-to tile guide. At MOSAICENTER, we believe your project deserves expert guidance and premium materials. Feeling inspired? Explore our curated Tile Collections today, or connect with our design experts for personalized advice to bring your vision to life.

Feeling inspired? Explore the curated MOSAICENTER Tile Collections today.

Your Top 20 Tiling Questions, Answered by the Pros | MOSAICENTER