It is said that the type of tile you choose can make or break your project – and this is especially true when building and renovating in Barbados.
When choosing your tiles, you will first be amazed at the choice available to you. While ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular, you now have glass, cement, metal and stone tiles to choose from. But remember, not every tile works for every job, and there is your budget to consider.
Here we look at the type of tiles available for your Barbados project. We’ll give you some top tips for each type to help you decide what will work for you.
1 Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular choices for a project because they’re suitable for so many places in your home. It is a safe choice for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. They are easy to install, clean, and maintain and come in various styles and colours. And for those on a tight budget, they are great value for money.
You can choose from glazed and unglazed finishes. Glazed ceramic tiles provide excellent protection for longer-lasting floors, while unglazed ceramic tiles give an artistic, rustic finish.
Top tip:
Check the ceramic tile lot to make sure you have a clean, uniform end result.
2 Porcelain tile
Porcelain tile is popular because of its ability to emulate stone, brick and wood – without the maintenance of these materials. This is an all-purpose tile that can come in various designs, colours and styles and provides a versatile, elegant finish. You can use these tiles in bathrooms, kitchens, high-traffic areas, splashbacks and even outdoors as they won’t fade.
Top tip:
Installation of porcelain tile can be challenging, and you will need an adhesive when laying down the tile. Make sure your contractor has experience with this material, like the team at Berkan Construction.
3 Glass tile
If you like to entertain, then a glass tile might be for you. These tiles offer excellent stain resistance and are a great alternative to natural stone while providing a clean and minimalistic aesthetic.
Top tip:
Glass tiles can easily chip, so they are not suitable for high-traffic areas. Instead, keep them for smaller spaces with less traction, such as tabletops, desks, backsplash or around a fireplace.
4 Cement tiles
Although they have been around for years, cement tiles are experiencing a boom in popularity, fitting in with the modern interior design. Cement tiles are very versatile, and you can be creative with patterns and colours. As they are porous, they develop a unique patina over time. However, they can be sanded and resealed if the discolouration is not to your taste. With this in mind, use them in low-traffic areas and in small quantities.
Top tip:
Unfortunately, cement tiles are tough to lay, and they must be resealed every month, so you need to plan for ongoing maintenance.
5 Marble tile
Marble tiles immediately upgrade any space or room, adding elegance and refinement. While they are costly, marble tiles deliver a unique texture and depth with their pattern and veining. As with cement tiles, however, marble tiles require ongoing maintenance to keep them looking pristine, and they are prone to scratches and stains. They can also be challenging to clean.
Top tip:
Avoid using marble tile in countertops and instead use them in decorative features such as shower floors, columns and backsplashes. And use a sealant.
6 Mosaic tile
If you’re feeling creative, mosaic tiles are for you as they are available in different shapes, sizes, colours, styles and materials. Use them sparingly for an accent wall, and remember that they look dated quickly.
Top tip:
When choosing the mosaic tile, don’t just select the shape and colour but really consider the space where they’ll be installed.
7 Granite tile
Granite is a natural stone with a similar look and feel to marble and is often a cheaper option if you want that natural look. It has been the go-to title for many years now and is best used as a tile in the laundry room and other secondary spaces where performance and cost are a priority.
Top tip:
Dry mop your granite floors on a regular basis and avoid using abrasive cleaners and bleaches. Make sure spills are cleaned up to avoid staining.
8 Limestone tile
If you are looking for rustic style, natural tones, shades and variation, then limestone tile should be your choice. This natural stone tile is durable, soft and easy to shape and cut. Remember, however, that limestone tile is porous and must be appropriately sealed if it is to survive and not crack and scratch. Limestone tiles have a rich appearance and are suitable for any space, especially outdoors, such as a patio.
Top tip:
Cleaning your limestone tile can be challenging. To avoid ruining the stone, use a neutral pH cleaner and avoid citrus and vinegar-based products.
9 Travertine tile
Travertine tiles produce an elegant and unique statement with a soft, subdued palette of neutral tones. As with other natural stone tiles, it can be damaged by water, stains and traffic, so it will require ongoing maintenance and resealing. They are best used in low-traffic areas and are good on walls instead of floors.
Top tip:
If using on floors, make sure you use the correct sealant and cleaning products.
10 Quarry tile
Quarry tiles are made from ground materials such as felspar, clay, and shale, similar to brick. They are strong, dense, non-porous and water-resistant. They can be glazed or unglazed and do not need to be sealed. Although durable, they can stain and shouldn’t be used in kitchens.
Top tip:
Quarry tiles are best used for high-traffic areas as they are slip-resistant.
11 Metal tile
Ever thought of a metal countertop? If you are looking for a modern aesthetic, metal tiles could be for you. Similar in price to nature stone tiles, they are long-lasting and functional. Metal tiles will scratch, which can soften the overall impact. So if that’s a problem, this type of tile is not for you.
Top tip:
Metal tiles are suitable for work surfaces in your kitchen, bar or laundry room. And with Barbados’ climate and atmosphere, they would not be ideal for outdoor use.
12 Resin tile
As well as looking good, resin tiles are water-resistant and versatile with a wide range of styles, patterns and colours. While they are susceptible to chipping and yellowing when exposed to the sun, they are suitable for water areas such as bathrooms, mudrooms, backsplashes and accent pieces.
Top tip:
If you would like to use resin tiles in Barbados, use them in areas away from the island’s intense sunlight.
Still unsure what tile is best for your project? Then speak with your architect, interior designer or the team at Berkan Construction, who will be happy to provide advice based on their considerable experience of building in the Caribbean.