Tile 101: Everything You Need to Know About Buying & Picking Tile

image by tessa neustadt | from: our modern english kitchen reveal

If you tuned in yesterday, you probably saw our post on the must-know rules and guidelines for pairing multiple tiles in a single bathroom project. I walked you through the EHD considerations (such as stick to a color palette, vary your scales and finishes…head here to see the rest if you missed it), but today, we’re rewinding a bit and talking tile basis…or what I like to call Tile 101. (Earlier this year, I did a similar post but on countertop materials, so, if you’re renovating, do yourself a favor and open this in a separate tab to read through after you get to the end of today’s post.) 

Anyhow, today is all about the nitty-gritty of tile…the what, when, how. I promise to not go too nerdy on ya, but I know it’s always helpful when you are equipped with at least some info when thinking through (and trying to describe) the tile you want for a home reno project. Knowing the lingo—and function—is half the battle, folks. Alright, let’s do this. 

Tile 101 

Tiles have certainly been around for ages…I’m talking Babylon here guys. Many of the other earlier civilizations made use of baked clay tiles in their buildings, including one that you’re almost certainly familiar with—zellige. It’s a tile favorite around here at EHD and has Moroccan roots from the 10th century. Tile as old as time, indeed…Get it?

While most hard materials cut up into tiny little pieces can technically be referred to as tile, today we’re talking more about your usual suspects: ceramic, stone, glass, etc., along with their respective pros and cons.

Floor Tile vs. Wall Tile
image by zeke ruelas | from: modern deco kitchen reveal

While a lot of tiles available these days could definitely be used interchangeably (check with your manufacturer please!), I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that floor tiles are specifically made to tolerate more stress than those manufactured for use as wall tiles. Floor tiles, because they’re subject to a lot of traffic, both human and heavy furniture, need to be strong and durable to withstand such pressures. And because they’re durable enough, no worries if you also want to use them as wall tiles—tile away. And countertops, too.

But using them the other way around? Stop, don’t do it, find yourself another tile. Wall tiles are generally manufactured to be thinner and lighter, and will most likely not be durable enough (read: may crack or break!) for all the heavy traffic that it will receive as a floor tile. Double check before buying en masse por favor. How? Enter, the PEI rating.

I read that providing this information isn’t required, so some manufacturers will actually NOT specify some or all of their tile’s ratings. BUT they will usually say something about where they recommend you use the tile that you’re looking at. For tile manufacturers that do use this rating, you can usually find it down in their tile specs, tear sheet, or sales sheet. 

This goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: even if you see photos online of people using what seems to be the same exact material on their walls and floor, you should always make sure yourself that the tile you’re buying is appropriate for whichever use you’re wanting it for.