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Tile is one of the most versatile surfaces you can choose for your home, thanks to its lasting style and quality performance on floors, walls, backsplashes, and showers alike.
Here at Floor Coverings International®, we make choosing the right tile simple by bringing the Mobile Flooring Showroom® directly to you. With more than 300 locations across the US and Canada, a local Design Associate is ready to help you explore options in the comfort of your home, so you can feel confident your chosen color, finish, and texture will work perfectly in your space.
During your free in-home consultation, your Design Associate will assess your room's unique conditions, including lighting, traffic levels, and the demands of the space, to recommend ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles.
We work with trusted flooring manufacturers to offer an extensive selection of premium tile products and complementary flooring solutions. We recommend premium, stain-resistant grout to help your new tile look its best with less ongoing maintenance.
Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation TodayThe right tile depends on where it's going, how much traffic it will see, and the look you want to achieve. Here are some of the best tiles for different rooms to consider before your Design Associate visits.
Tile is well suited to bathrooms because it's water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. It's also available in a wide range of styles and can be combined in unique patterns for a custom bathroom design.
When choosing bathroom tile, there are a few things to consider. For bathroom floors, look for tile with appropriate slip resistance. Matte or textured finishes may provide more traction than highly polished surfaces. Porcelain tile is a popular choice for bathrooms because it is dense, durable, and highly resistant to moisture.
Large-format tiles can make a space feel bigger, making them a popular option for small bathrooms, while mosaic tiles can add pattern, texture, and detail around the floor's edge, as a decorative wall border, or to define the vanity area.
Premium, stain-resistant grout can help simplify routine cleaning. Because care requirements can vary by tile and grout product, always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Kitchens need durability, easy cleaning, and moisture resistance, and tile delivers all three.
Large-format tiles are a popular choice for kitchens because fewer grout lines can make routine cleaning easier.
Porcelain tile is a popular choice for kitchen installations because it is dense, durable, and highly resistant to moisture. For kitchen floors, look for tile with appropriate slip resistance, particularly in busy households with children or pets.
Wood-look tile is another kitchen option, combining the look of hardwood with the durability and moisture resistance of tile. It's available in a range of colors, plank sizes, and finishes to complement different kitchen styles.
Tiles aren't just for floors, though. They're also ideal for kitchen backsplashes behind the stove or range and along countertops.
Tile used in showers should be appropriate for wet environments, with shower floors also requiring careful consideration of slip resistance. Porcelain is a popular option for showers because it's dense, durable, and doesn't need sealing, while smaller-format tiles are often used on shower floors.
Sealing and maintenance requirements vary by tile and grout product, so your Design Associate can help you understand the requirements for the products you select.
Subway tiles, mosaic tiles, and large-format tiles for walls are all popular options for shower installations.
The benefits of tile flooring are its longevity, wide range of design options, and relatively low maintenance requirements.
Ceramic and porcelain are both used to make tiles, and sometimes the terms are even used interchangeably, but they are slightly different products.
Both are made from ground clay minerals that are pressed, glazed, and fired at high temperatures.
Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous, and more durable than ceramic tiles. Ceramic is still a very popular and sturdy material.
Ceramic tile is commonly used for walls, backsplashes, and indoor applications, while porcelain's density and low water absorption can make it suitable for higher-traffic and moisture-prone areas. For outdoor installations, choose porcelain tile specifically rated for exterior use.
When it comes to cleaning, you'll need to be mindful of whether you have polished (glazed) or unpolished (unglazed) tiles, as they require slightly different cleaning methods, but your Design Associate can discuss this with you as you decide which tiles are best for your home.
Beyond ceramic and porcelain, FCI carries a wide range of tile styles to suit every room and design aesthetic, so there’s sure to be something for you and your home.
Originally used in New York subway stations, the subway tile is now a timeless design staple and one of the most popular tile styles. This particular tile is a classic rectangular brick, typically 3x6 inches.
It's best used in kitchen backsplashes, on bathroom walls, and in shower surrounds, and it's available in several materials.
Classic white is a familiar choice, but subway tile is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, which means it works well in traditional, transitional, and modern rooms.
The travertine tile is a natural stone tile that’s formed from limestone deposits, which give it its warm earthy tones and natural variation, meaning every tile is slightly different.
Travertine can be used in entryways, living rooms, and bathrooms. Travertine has a premium look, and it is popular in Mediterranean and traditional design styles.
Like all natural stone, travertine is sealed during installation and needs periodic resealing. When water no longer beads on the surface, it's time to reseal. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific product.
Mosaic tiles are small, typically 1x1 or 2x2 inches, that are artfully arranged in patterns, used to give some unique charm to a space, add a splash of color or intricate pattern, or pull together a design scheme. Mosaic tiles are available in ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone. Not all mosaic tiles are suitable for floors, and almost no glass tiles can withstand foot traffic, so your Design Associate can help you choose the right mosaic for each space.
They're popular for shower floors, as well as bathroom feature walls and kitchen backsplashes.
Because mosaics have more grout lines, they require a bit more maintenance than larger tiles. Premium, stain-resistant grout can help make cleaning easier.
At participating locations, we carry a range of mosaic options, and your Design Associate can bring samples to your home so you can compare them in your space.
Available in beautiful materials including travertine, slate, marble, and limestone, stone tiles are unique, with natural color variation, veining and texture that add character.
Because stone is a natural product, it requires sealing to help protect it from moisture and staining, but with the right care, natural stone can look beautiful and perform well for years to come. Clean natural stone with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Never use vinegar or other acidic cleaners, which can etch the surface.
Quality tile is highly durable and, with proper installation and care, can provide lasting performance for decades. That said, there are times when replacing your flooring or wall tiles is the best option. Cracked or chipped tiles that can't be matched or replaced individually, persistent grout discoloration that cleaning or sealing won't solve, or tiles that sound hollow when tapped can all be signs that it's time for an update. A hollow sound can suggest the bond between the tile and the floor beneath it has started to fail, which can eventually lead to loose or damaged tiles.
Damage isn't the only reason why you might want to replace your tiles, though: moving into a new home or renovating a bathroom, kitchen, or utility room is the perfect opportunity to choose a style that better suits your taste and lifestyle. Today's tile comes in more designs, sizes, finishes, and installation patterns than ever, giving you plenty of ways to achieve the look you want.
Tile can perform well in moisture-prone areas, but water can still affect the grout, setting materials, and subfloor or substrate beneath it. Water can penetrate grout lines, especially if they're a bit worn, and damage the subfloor.
If you notice your tiles beginning to lift or crack, sound hollow when tapped, or have a musty smell, these could be signs of water damage beneath your tiles. A damaged subfloor may need to be repaired or replaced before new tile goes in, even if the tiles themselves look fine.
Your local FCI team can inspect your subfloor during your free in-home consultation and advise you on the best way forward.
From cleaning tips to long-term protection, our Tile Care & Maintenance Guide helps you protect your floors with professional advice.
Tile installation costs vary depending on the tile material (ceramic, porcelain, glass, or natural stone), the size of the space, the pattern complexity, and any subfloor preparation that's needed. Your Design Associate will provide a down-to-the-penny quote for your project.
Tile is one of the most versatile and durable flooring options available. It's ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, showers, and high-traffic areas. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are water-resistant and easy to clean, while natural stone options like travertine add a premium aesthetic. Your Design Associate can recommend the best tile type for each room in your home.
With proper care, tile flooring can last for decades, making it one of the longest-lasting flooring options available. Regular cleaning and grout maintenance can help extend its lifespan. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners, and refresh your mop water frequently to prevent hazy buildup.
Our expert-guided, easy-to-follow Flooring Guide was designed to help you explore your options with clarity and confidence, all while staying true to your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences.
With 300+ locations across the US and Canada, there's a Floor Coverings International® Design Associate near you. Our local experts make the tile installation process simple by bringing the Mobile Flooring Showroom® directly to your home.
During your free in-home consultation, your Design Associate will evaluate your space, taking into account factors such as wet areas, traffic levels and your home's lighting, before helping you compare ceramic, porcelain and natural stone samples in the room where they'll be installed.
Schedule your free in-home consultation today, and we'll bring a curated selection of ceramic, porcelain and stone tile samples right to your door. You can also read what homeowners have to say about working with our local teams by visiting our reviews page.
*Tile, stone, and backsplash installation available at participating Floor Coverings International® locations. Each Floor Coverings International® business is independently owned and operated.
