Ceramic floor tile is durable, classic and, best of all, versatile. The variety of shapes, styles and colors that ceramic tile comes in is a large part of its appeal and popularity.
Ceramic floor tile is a durable flooring material made from natural clay and minerals that are kiln-fired to create a hard, long-lasting surface. Known for its affordability, easy maintenance and design versatility, ceramic tile is a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, mudrooms, laundry rooms and living spaces. Available in wood-look, stone-look, patterned and solid-color designs, ceramic tile offers the appearance of natural materials with the practicality of a low-maintenance floor.
Benefits of Ceramic Floor Tile
Durable for everyday residential use
Easy to clean and maintain
Budget-friendly flooring option
Available in a wide range of colors, shapes and patterns
Resistant to many common household stains
Offered in wood-look, stone-look, mosaic and large-format styles
Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and living areas
Popular Ceramic Floor Tile Options
Style
Best For
Key Benefit
Wood-Look Ceramic Tile
Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms
Hardwood appearance with easier maintenance
Stone-Look Ceramic Tile
Entryways, bathrooms, living spaces
Natural stone aesthetic with less upkeep
Patterned Ceramic Tile
Statement floors
Decorative personality and visual interest
Solid-Color Ceramic Tile
Traditional and modern interiors
Clean, timeless design
Large Format Ceramic Tile
Open-concept spaces
Fewer grout lines and a streamlined look
Ceramic Tile Styles, Shapes and Colors
Ceramic floor tile is available in a variety of shapes, layouts and colors to suit different design styles.
Square and rectangular tile offer a timeless, versatile look.
Plank tile creates a hardwood-inspired appearance.
Hexagon and mosaic tile add texture and geometric interest.
Herringbone, chevron and checkerboard layouts create movement and visual impact.
White and cream tile brighten rooms and can make smaller spaces feel larger.
Gray, beige and brown tile provide versatile, timeless appeal.
Black, patterned and multicolor tile add contrast and personality.
Where to Use Ceramic Floor Tile
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Ceramic tile stands up to everyday spills, moisture and foot traffic, making it a practical choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Entryways and Mudrooms
Durable ceramic flooring helps handle dirt, moisture and daily wear near home entrances.
Living Spaces and Bedrooms
Wood-look and stone-look ceramic tile provide a durable alternative to hardwood or carpet while maintaining a warm, stylish appearance.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile
Choose ceramic tile for an affordable, versatile flooring option.
Choose porcelain tile when maximum durability and water resistance are priorities.
Both materials are available in a wide range of colors, sizes and styles.
How to Choose Ceramic Floor Tile
For value: Choose ceramic tile for budget-conscious projects.
For farmhouse and rustic spaces: Consider wood-look ceramic tile.
For traditional interiors: Consider stone-look or neutral-colored tile.
For decorative spaces: Choose patterned ceramic tile.
For modern rooms: Select large format tile.
For added traction: Consider textured finishes in bathrooms and entryways.
Ceramic Floor Tile Inspiration
Whether you're creating a timeless kitchen with stone-look tile, adding warmth with wood-look flooring or making a statement with patterned ceramic tile, ceramic flooring offers a durable foundation for nearly any room. Use our Tile Visualizer to see tile in your space, schedule a free design consultation for expert guidance, or browse Pinterest for design inspiration.
Our Experts Can Help
We know there’s a lot to consider when selecting your floor tile, but we have a wide selection and all the tools and materials you need for installation and care. Visit your local Tile Shop showroom and let one of our friendly sales associates help you find the right ceramic floor tile for your project.
Yes. Ceramic tile is durable enough for most residential flooring applications and can last for decades with proper installation and maintenance.
Is ceramic floor tile waterproof?
Ceramic tile is highly water resistant, making it a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile is made from a more refined clay mixture and fired at higher temperatures, resulting in greater density and water resistance.
Can ceramic tile be used with radiant heat?
Yes. Ceramic tile is compatible with most radiant floor heating systems and conducts heat effectively.
What are the advantages of ceramic tile?
Ceramic tile is a popular choice because of the vast number of colors, shapes, sizes, finishes and textures that are available. In addition to its appearance, the cost effectiveness and easy maintenance makes it a wise choice in any room in your home.
What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Ceramic and porcelain are both man-made tiles that are produced from firing clay or other materials. The main difference is determined by the genetic makeup of the tile bisque. The size of the grain and temperature of the kiln will determine the strength of the tile. Some ceramics are stronger than porcelains and vice versa, so it’s all about where the tile is being installed and the look you are going for.
What rooms are good places to install ceramic tile?
The sheer amount of styles, shapes and finishes of ceramic tile make it a solution for any room in your home. From modern to rustic to traditional, there’s a ceramic tile flooring option for any décor. Add personality to your bathroom, kitchen, shower, garage—anywhere you want flooring that’s functional and fashionable.
Can ceramic tile be used outside?
Only some ceramic tile can be used outdoors, so be sure to check your local The Tile Shop before installing.
How long will a ceramic tile floor last?
Simply put, a very long time. With proper installation and care, a ceramic tile floor can last for many years. This is one advantage of tile over other materials. While cheap options might be appealing at the time, a quality tile floor will last much longer and be well worth it in the long run.
How scratch resistant is ceramic tile flooring?
With a higher luster, glazed ceramic tile is more prone to scratches than its unglazed alternative, which won’t show as many scrapes and marks.
How stain resistant is ceramic tile flooring?
Ceramic tile that is finished with a protective glaze is impervious to stains. Unglazed ceramic is vulnerable to staining, so definitely keep that in mind when choosing a finish for your tile.
There’s no need to wax or shine your ceramic floor—just be sure to keep up on regular sweeping and cleaning.
How slippery is ceramic floor tile?
If you have a glazed finish on your ceramic tile, it will be more slippery than an unglazed tile. For areas that are more likely to be wet (like laundry rooms, kitchens and outdoors), unfinished and textured tiles are a much better choice.
Is ceramic tile a “green” product?
Since it’s made from natural ingredients like clay, sand, minerals, quartz and water, ceramic is considered a green material. Many types of ceramic tile are made with recycled content, too. Ceramic tile can also lower your home’s energy footprint by storing heat, reducing consumption and increasing efficiency.
Should you install ceramic floor tile without grout?
The short answer is no. You might think the lack of grout will make your job look better, but if you want your floor to last, you need to use grout. Tile installed without grout has a much higher chance of breaking—even the thinnest lines make a big difference. It’s technically possible to install without grout, but it’s not recommended.
How is ceramic flooring made?
Ceramic tile is made from clay that’s shaped and fired at a high temperature in a large industrial oven known as a kiln. Materials commonly used for the clay include natural rock, slate, marble and even glass.
Where is ceramic flooring made?
This tile is manufactured in countries all over the world, including Morocco, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United States, China, Vietnam, New Zealand and Brazil.
Do I need to seal ceramic tile?
Sealing glazed ceramic flooring is not necessary, but the grout lines should be sealed in order to prevent mold and water damage between your tiles.
What is the difference between glazed and unglazed ceramic tile?
Glaze is the color that is added to the top of a tile bisque. This can be matte or shiny. Glazed tiles can also add in fine aggregate to create a non-slip surface. Unglazed tiles are essentially just the body of a tile or what's underneath most tiles. It can be finished smooth, but it is very hard to find an unglazed ceramic tile besides quarry tiles, which are usually used in commercial kitchens.
Can ceramic floor tile be used on walls or backsplashes?
Yes! Ceramic is great to use on walls and backsplashes. Have fun with your tile combinations—you can coordinate your wall tile and floor tile, contrast them to really let one shine or use the same tile in both locations. Your design is only limited by your imagination and preferences.
Can you install ceramic over vinyl, painted concrete, linoleum or wood flooring?
It’s possible to install ceramic tiling over your existing flooring, but it’s hard to recommend it in every case. In order to be sure that your ceramic tile installation will work, stop into The Tile Shop to get helpful advice on your specific project.
