Tile & Stone That Sets the Tone
Tile With Style and Function
Tile offers a practical way to add color, texture, and personality to almost any space. Ceramic and porcelain tile are popular choices for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, laundry rooms, and other high-use areas. Some homeowners prefer the clean look of large-format tile, while others like smaller tiles, patterns, mosaics, or decorative details. Tile can also create the look of natural stone, wood, or other materials while offering easy maintenance and lasting durability.
The Natural Beauty of Stone
Natural stone brings a distinctive look to floors, walls, backsplashes, showers, and other areas throughout the home. Marble, granite, slate, travertine, and limestone each offer their own colors, textures, and natural variations. Some people love the polished look of marble, while others prefer the earthy character of slate or the timeless appeal of granite. Stone can add warmth, texture, and a one-of-a-kind feel to both traditional and modern spaces.
Benefits of Tile or Stone
Tile and stone offer a durable, versatile way to add style and character to your home. Both options are easy to personalize, with a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, shapes, and finishes. Tile is especially popular for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, laundry rooms, mudrooms, showers, backsplashes, and other areas that see moisture or frequent use. Porcelain and ceramic tile can also provide the look of wood, stone, or other materials.
Natural stone brings a more distinctive, organic feel. Marble, granite, slate, travertine, and limestone each have natural variations that make every installation unique. Stone works beautifully for floors, fireplaces, showers, walls, backsplashes, and outdoor areas, depending on the material and finish.
Tile or Stone: Which Is Right for You?
The right choice often comes down to the look, maintenance, and performance you want. Tile offers extensive design flexibility and consistent patterns, while natural stone provides one-of-a-kind character and texture. Some homeowners prefer tile for its versatility and easy care, while others choose stone for its timeless, natural beauty.
Make Your Mark With Tile & Stone
When most people think about tile and stone, they picture a basic floor or backsplash. Today’s options offer so much more. And they are no longer just for bathrooms or kitchen backsplashes. Consider walls, common spaces, and new rooms.
Choose from a wide range of:
- Colors – From soft neutrals and earthy tones to bold colors and dramatic shades
- Patterns and layouts – Create visual interest with classic patterns, geometric layouts, mosaics, borders, and decorative designs
- Textures – Explore smooth, polished, matte, textured, natural, or dimensional surfaces
- Shapes and sizes – Choose from small mosaics and traditional squares to large-format tiles, planks, hexagons, and unique shapes
- Materials – Ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, slate, travertine, limestone, and other options offer different looks and characteristics
- Finishes – Polished, honed, matte, glazed, and natural finishes can create very different styles. There are more than just the traditional two.
- Wood and stone looks – Tile can recreate the appearance of hardwood, natural stone, concrete, and other materials
Whether your style is traditional, modern, transitional, rustic, or completely unique, there’s a tile or stone option to complement your space. Visit our showroom and get some creative inspiration.
Planning Your Tile & Stone Project
Tile and stone require more planning than simply choosing a color or pattern. The installation itself plays an important role in how the finished space looks and performs. It’s so important to prioritize surface preparation, layout, cuts, transitions, and finishing details all contribute to a polished result. Even the direction and placement of the tile can change the way a room feels. There are a lot of details to consider in comparison to other flooring options.
Grout is another important design element. A matching grout color can create a seamless, consistent appearance, while a contrasting color can make individual tiles, patterns, or shapes stand out. The right grout can add another layer of style to the finished space.
Choosing the right material also means thinking beyond appearance. Consider how much traffic the area receives, how much moisture it encounters, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. The right tile or stone should complement the room while fitting the way you live. From the layout to the smallest finishing detail, each choice helps create a space that feels intentional and complete.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stone & Tile
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Ceramic and porcelain are both made from clay and other natural materials, but porcelain is denser and less porous. Porcelain is often preferred for areas that experience moisture, heavy traffic, or frequent use.
Is tile flooring a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms?
Yes. Tile is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms because many tile options are durable, easy to clean, and well suited to areas where moisture is common.
What types of natural stone are used for flooring?
Popular natural stone options include marble, granite, slate, travertine, limestone, and quartzite. Each has its own color variations, texture, durability, and maintenance needs.
Is natural stone harder to maintain than tile?
Natural stone can require more care than some tile products. Certain stones may need sealing and specific cleaning products. Maintenance depends on the type of stone and where it is installed.
What is the best tile for high-traffic areas?
Porcelain tile is often a popular choice for busy areas because of its density and durability. However, the best option depends on the room, expected traffic, installation, and desired appearance.
Can tile look like hardwood or natural stone?
Yes. Modern porcelain and ceramic tiles can closely replicate the appearance of hardwood, marble, slate, limestone, concrete, and other materials. Wood-look tile is especially popular for creating a natural look with tile’s practical benefits.
How do I choose the right tile size for my room
Room size, layout, style, and installation all play a role. Large-format tile can create a more open appearance, while smaller tiles and mosaics can add detail and visual interest.
Does grout color affect how tile looks?
Absolutely. Grout can change the overall appearance of a tile installation. Matching grout creates a more seamless look, while contrasting grout can highlight individual tiles, patterns, and shapes.
Can tile and stone be used on walls and backsplashes?
Yes. Tile and stone are commonly used for kitchen backsplashes, shower walls, fireplace surrounds, accent walls, bathroom walls, and other vertical surfaces. These applications can add color, texture, and visual interest.
Does tile and stone require professional installation?
Professional installation can help ensure proper preparation, layout, cuts, transitions, grout lines, and finishing details. Proper installation also helps the finished surface perform as intended and look its best.