Ceramic Tile Types: Selection, Durability, Maintenance & Cost Differences (2026)
How to choose
Consider area (wall/floor, indoor/outdoor), traffic (home/commercial), slip resistance (R rating), water absorption, freeze–thaw, format (large slabs vs. standard), and installation (adhesive, grout, substrate flatness).
All deltas below are vs. standard glazed ceramic (baseline 0%).
Main types & differences (quality, resistance, cost Δ%)
1) Porcelain stoneware (full-body/glazed)
- Best for: high-traffic floors, kitchens, baths, terraces, outdoors (freeze resistant).
- Resistance: very high wear, water absorption <0.5%, strong against shock; often rectified (narrow joints).
- Slip: R9–R12 (matte/structured options).
- Materials cost: ~+20–70% vs. baseline.
- Labor cost: ~+10–25% (harder cutting/handling).
- Pros: long life, exterior-ready, wide finishes (matte/polished/structured).
- Cons: tougher to cut; polished can be slippery when wet without treatment.
2) Standard glazed ceramic (baseline 0%)
- Best for: indoor floors (moderate traffic), walls in kitchens/halls.
- Resistance: good for home use; moderate shock resistance; medium absorption.
- Materials cost: 0%.
- Labor cost: 0% (straightforward install).
- Pros: excellent value and design variety.
- Cons: not ideal outdoors/freeze; glaze may scratch in heavy traffic.
3) Wall tile (faience—wall-only ceramic)
- Best for: interior walls (baths, kitchens).
- Resistance: not for floors; higher absorption; not for outdoors.
- Materials cost: ~−10–15% vs. baseline.
- Labor cost: ~−5–10% (lighter, easier to cut).
- Pros: fast installation, many formats/colors.
- Cons: fragile to impact; floor use not allowed.
4) Large thin slabs (porcelain 6–6.5 mm; 120×240, 120×278 cm, etc.)
- Best for: seamless walls/floors, shower walls, feature panels, countertops/backsplashes.
- Resistance: porcelain strength, but special handling required.
- Materials cost: ~+80–200% vs. baseline.
- Labor cost: ~+60–150% (special tools, suction cups, team).
- Pros: minimal joints, premium look, hygienic.
- Cons: logistics/transport, perfect substrate flatness required.
5) Technical/anti-slip porcelain (structured, R11–R13)
- Best for: outdoors, terraces, ramps, wet commercial zones.
- Resistance: high mechanical and slip resistance.
- Materials cost: ~+25–60% vs. baseline.
- Labor cost: ~+10–20% (grouting/cleaning more meticulous).
- Pros: safety when wet; freeze resistant.
- Cons: harder cleaning due to texture.
6) Clinker / extruded cotto
- Best for: rustic exteriors, stairs, plinths, traditional terraces.
- Resistance: strong to freeze/shock; absorption varies (often needs sealer).
- Materials cost: ~+20–70% vs. baseline.
- Labor cost: ~+10–25% (variable calibers/flatness).
- Pros: authentic look, durable.
- Cons: sizing/flatness can require adjustments; periodic sealing.
7) Ceramic/porcelain mosaics
- Best for: showers (slopes), pools, niches, curves.
- Resistance: excellent (porcelain); very flexible for detailing.
- Materials cost: ~+30–120% vs. baseline (effective m²).
- Labor cost: ~+25–60% (more joints, precision work).
- Pros: adaptable, natural anti-slip via dense joints.
- Cons: grout maintenance more involved.
8) Rectified vs. non-rectified
- Rectified: sharp edges, narrow joints (1.5–2 mm).
- Materials cost: ~+10–20%.
- Labor cost: ~+10–25% (finer alignment, very flat substrate).
- Pros: linear, premium look.
- Cons: highlights minor unevenness; requires leveling systems/laser.
- Non-rectified: softer edges, wider joints (≥3 mm).
- Materials/Labor: 0% (more forgiving).
9) Surface finishes (matte, polished, lappato, structured)
- Polished: elegant, easy to wipe, but slippery when wet and shows fine scratches.
- Matte: versatile, good for traffic, hides marks.
- Structured: anti-slip; more demanding to clean.
- Lappato: semi-polished compromise.
Area-by-area recommendations
Bathrooms
- Floors: matte/structured porcelain (R10–R11); mosaic in showers for slopes.
- Walls: faience or thin porcelain slabs (large panels in showers).
- Grout: polymer-modified cement or epoxy for easier upkeep.
Kitchens
- Floors: porcelain matte/semi-polished (stain/shock resistance).
- Backsplash: large slabs or mosaic; epoxy grout recommended.
Hallways/High-traffic
- Floors: porcelain R9–R10; for light commercial → technical porcelain.
Terraces/Outdoor
- Floors: porcelain <0.5% absorption with R11–R12; 9–20 mm thickness; correct slopes.
- Rustic option: clinker; apply sealer as needed.
Stairs
- Treads/landings: porcelain R11 or clinker with anti-slip edges; metal nosing profiles for safety.
Installation & auxiliaries (lifetime impact)
- Adhesives: minimum C2TE; for large formats/thin slabs → C2TES1/S2.
- Substrate: verify flatness/strength; for large tiles use buttering-floating (double-spread).
- Joints: never below manufacturer minimum (important with underfloor heating).
- Grouts: polymer-modified cement (easy) vs. epoxy (superior hygiene, cost Δ ~+30–60%).
- Movement joints: perimeter and field joints; compatible with underfloor heating.
- Lippage control: leveling clip systems reduce edge steps on large formats.
Maintenance & warranties
- Initial clean: remove cement haze (compatible acidic cleaner—never on natural stone).
- Routine: neutral detergents; avoid abrasives on polished.
- Anti-slip/structured: stiffer brushes, periodic deep clean.
- Clinker/cotto: seal after install; re-seal periodically.
- Grout: epoxy = easier long-term care; cement = consider sealer.
Quick selector (by priority)
- Max durability / outdoors: porcelain (right R rating).
- Budget & interior walls: faience.
- Premium seamless look: large porcelain slabs (specialist team).
- Wet-zone safety: structured porcelain / mosaic in showers.
- Rustic + tough: clinker (with sealer).
- Low-maintenance joints: epoxy grout (Δ materials/labor ~+30–60%).
FAQs (short)
1) Polished tiles on floors?
Possible, but avoid wet/sloped areas; polished is more slippery than matte/structured when wet.
2) Large slabs over underfloor heating?
Yes—with C2TES1 adhesive, manufacturer-minimum joints, and movement joints respected.
3) Freeze-thaw outdoors?
Choose low-absorption porcelain with adequate anti-slip, correct slopes, and waterproofing under the tiling.
4) Is epoxy grout worth it?
Yes—for kitchens, showers, and commercial spaces: easier cleaning and better chemical resistance (cost Δ ~+30–60%).
