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Types of tiles: 12 kinds explained

A simple guide to tile names and which tiles suit each room.

Black-and-white star-pattern floor tiles seen from above with a red chair

Knowing the types of tiles makes it easier to pick the best tiles for your home. Tiles differ in material, strength, water absorption and finish, which decides where each works best.

Here are 12 common tile types and names.

Teal glazed tiles laid in a basket-weave parquet pattern

01Ceramic tiles

Affordable, mostly for walls.

02Vitrified tiles

Strong, low absorption; the most popular floor tile in India.

03Double-charged vitrified

Two layers of pigment; durable for high traffic.

04Glazed vitrified (GVT)

Printed designs like marble or wood.

05Full-body vitrified

Colour runs through; hides chips.

06Porcelain tiles

Very dense and durable.

07Mosaic tiles

Small pieces for patterns and showers.

08Terrazzo tiles

Chips set in cement or resin.

09Cement tiles

Handmade patterned tiles like Athangudi.

10Anti-skid tiles

Textured for wet areas.

11Wooden-look tiles

Wood looks with tile durability.

12Outdoor/parking tiles

Thick, heavy-duty tiles.

Not sure which tile suits each room? See our flooring in Kolkata service.

Best tiles for home by room

Room Best tile
Living room Glazed or double-charged vitrified
Bedroom Matte vitrified, wood-look
Kitchen floor Anti-skid vitrified
Kitchen wall Glossy ceramic or vitrified
Bathroom floor Anti-skid porcelain
Bathroom wall Ceramic or vitrified
Balcony Outdoor anti-skid
Parking Heavy-duty tiles

Materials and rough cost factors

  • Tile type and size.
  • Brand and finish.
  • Laying and grout.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of tiles?+

Ceramic, vitrified (several types), porcelain, mosaic, terrazzo, cement, anti-skid and wood-look tiles.

Which tile is best for home floors?+

Vitrified tiles, especially glazed or double-charged, for most rooms.

What is the difference between ceramic and vitrified tiles?+

Vitrified tiles are denser and absorb less water, making them better for floors.

Which tile is best for bathrooms?+

Anti-skid porcelain or vitrified tiles on floors; ceramic or vitrified on walls.

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