Tile Buying Guide: Ceramic, Porcelain, Stone & Cement

The Ultimate Tile Buying Guide

Ready to choose tile with zero regrets?

If you’re staring at ceramic, porcelain, stone, cement tiles, and a dozen other options wondering, “Which one is actually right for my project?”—this tile buying guide will make your decision simple, confident, and future‑proof. In a few minutes, you’ll know the differences between tile types, how to read ratings like PEI and DCOF, what works best by room, and when to choose handmade cement tiles from Studio Cement Tile.

What This Tile Buying Guide Covers (Quick Map)

Tile materials at a glance (pros, cons, best uses)
PEI (wear) and DCOF (slip) ratings—decoded
Indoor vs. outdoor considerations
Design benefits & style ideas (with inspiration links)
Room-by-room recommendations (kitchen, bath, patio, more)
Expert tips for color, pattern, and layout
FAQs, ordering steps, and how to get samples

Explore design inspiration anytime in our Gallery or shop Cement Tiles in Stock.

Tile Materials: Pros, Cons & Best Uses

1) Ceramic Tile

Best for: Low‑ to medium‑traffic walls and floors, backsplashes, decorative accents.
Pros: Budget‑friendly, wide color selection, easy to cut.
Cons: Chips/cracks more easily than porcelain; glaze can show wear; not ideal for heavy commercial floors.
Use it when: You want a stylish, affordable wall or residential floor with moderate wear.

2) Porcelain Tile

Best for: High‑traffic floors, showers, commercial spaces, some outdoors.
Pros: Dense, highly durable, low water absorption, great for busy areas.
Cons: Harder to cut, fewer handmade looks, can feel colder/harder underfoot.
Use it when: You need maximum durability and stain resistance with minimal maintenance.

3) Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine, Limestone, Slate, Granite)

Best for: Luxury floors/walls, showers (with proper care), fireplaces, vanities.
Pros: Unique veining, long‑lasting, adds value.
Cons: Porous (needs sealing), susceptible to acids (etching), variation requires skillful layout.
Use it when: You want natural variation, timeless luxury, and you’re willing to seal/maintain.

4) Cement Tiles (Encaustic/Handmade Cement)

Best for: Statement floors, patterned walls, kitchen/bath, patios (properly sealed), commercial entrances.
Pros: Artisan, customizable, thick color layer (3–4 mm), velvety matte finish, ages beautifully, eco‑friendly (no kiln).
Cons: Must be sealed; sensitive to acids; requires experienced installer.
Use it when: You want character and pattern that porcelain can’t replicate—a bespoke, designer look. Explore in‑stock cement tiles or custom options.

5) Terracotta & Zellige (Handmade Clay)

Best for: Warm, rustic floors/walls (terracotta); glossy, artisanal walls/showers (zellige) with variation.
Pros: Organic character; terracotta’s warmth; zellige’s jewel‑like glaze.
Cons: Variation is part of the charm; sealing/maintenance often required; not for every floor use.
Use it when: You want Mediterranean warmth (terracotta) or shimmering texture (zellige) on walls.

6) Terrazzo (Cement or Resin Matrix with Aggregates)

Best for: Floors and counters with a speckled, contemporary look.
Pros: Iconic design statement; durable; customizable.
Cons: Professional installation; higher cost.
Use it when: You want modern sophistication with long life.

7) Quarry/Concrete/Brick Pavers

Best for: Porches, mudrooms, utility, outdoor paths.
Pros: Rugged, slip‑resistant textures.
Cons: More utilitarian aesthetics.
Use it when: Outdoor durability is priority #1.

Tile Ratings You Actually Need: PEI & DCOF (Decoded)

PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) Wear Rating

Measures surface wear resistance (commonly used for glazed tiles):

PEI 0–1: Walls only (showers, backsplashes).
PEI 2: Light residential floors (bathrooms).
PEI 3: General residential floors.
PEI 4: Heavy residential / light commercial.
PEI 5: Heavy commercial.

Note: Unglazed tiles (e.g., cement tiles) aren’t classified by PEI in the same way—evaluate durability by thickness, density, and manufacturer guidance.

DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction)

indicates slip resistance when wet (typical reference: ≥ 0.42 for level interior floors).

Higher DCOF = more slip resistance.
Use textured/matte finishes for wet zones (showers, entries, pool surrounds).
On sloped ramps/exteriors, aim for even higher traction; consult installer/code.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: What Changes?

Water & sun: Choose low‑absorption materials (porcelain) or seal porous options (cement, stone).
Thermal movement: Allow expansion joints; follow TCNA guidelines.
Finish: Matte/textured for traction outdoors; UV‑stable pigments (cement tiles use mineral pigments).
Freeze‑thaw: In cold climates, prioritize low absorption or covered areas, and proper installation.

Design Benefits & Why Handmade Cement Tiles Stand Out

Depth & character: Hand‑poured color layer (3–4 mm) = rich tone that develops a patina.
Custom colors & patterns: Match brand palettes, historic motifs, or create new designs.
Eco‑conscious: Air‑cured, set in recycled water—no kiln firing.
Versatility: Floors, walls, fireplaces, stair risers, patios, bars, and commercial lobbies.

Explore our living Gallery and shop Cement Tiles in Stock.

Style & Application Ideas

By Home Style

Modern House: Graphical black‑and‑white geometrics; large‑format layouts; cement tile “rugs.”
Farm House / Ranch House: Soft neutrals, terracotta accents, floral/heritage patterns.
Mediterranean/Moroccan: Star‑and‑cross, arabesques, blues/greens with tumbled brass accents.
Contemporary Loft: Monochrome terrazzo looks, concrete textures, statement fireplace surrounds.

By Surface

Floor Tiles: Use borders to frame dining areas; try checkerboard or herringbone for movement.
Wall Tiles: Backsplashes, shower walls, fireplace cladding; stack or offset for contemporary vibes.
Accent Walls: One patterned wall can transform an entry, bar, or powder room.
Outdoors: Courtyards, stair risers, outdoor kitchens—seal, slope for drainage, and use expansion joints.

Room‑by‑Room Recommendations

Kitchen Design

Goal: Beauty + practicality.

Backsplash: Ceramic, porcelain, zellige, or cement tile for artistry.
Floors: Porcelain for maximum durability; cement tiles for high‑impact patterns with sealing.
Pro Tip: Wrap an island with cement tiles for a brand‑worthy focal point.

Bathroom Design

Goal: Spa comfort + slip safety.

Showers/Walls: Porcelain slabs, ceramic subway, zellige (walls only); cement tiles for feature walls (seal thoroughly).
Floors: Porcelain mosaics for grip; cement tiles in main baths with proper DCOF and sealing.
Pro Tip: Choose matte finishes to reduce glare and improve traction.

Living Spaces

Entry & Hallways: PEI 3–4 porcelain or cement tiles (sealed) for patterned “runners.”
Fireplace Surrounds: Stone for drama, or cement for color geometry; mind heat clearances.
Pro Tip: Use a cement tile border to frame a large rug‑effect in great rooms.

Bedrooms & Offices

Floors: Porcelain wood‑looks for warmth; cork underlayment for acoustics.
Feature walls: Cement or ceramic patterns behind headboards or desks.

Patios & Outdoor Rooms

Materials: Porcelain pavers; cement tiles (covered spaces), quarry/brick for rustic grip.
Pro Tip: Choose mineral‑pigment cement tiles; reseal per traffic/sun exposure.

Comparisons at a Glance

Need/Scenario	Best Choice	Why
Budget wall update	Ceramic	Affordable, easy to install
Tough commercial floor	Porcelain (PEI 4–5)	High wear resistance
Historic charm	Cement tiles	Handmade, customizable patterns
Low‑maintenance shower	Porcelain	Low absorption, easy clean
Luxe statement	Marble/Stone	Natural veining, prestige
Warm rustic kitchen	Terracotta	Earthy tones, timeless feel
Uber‑modern loft	Terrazzo/Concrete look	Sleek, graphic presence

Handmade Process (Cement Tiles)

Design & mold creation.
Pigment pour into metal mold (pattern layer 3–4 mm).
Hydraulic press bonds color + body.
Curing & water bath; tiles air‑set using recycled water.
Sorting with artisanal variation—blend boxes during install.

Expert Tips (Color, Pattern, Layout)

Pick a palette first (2–3 main colors; repeat across surfaces).
Scale matters: Big rooms handle bold, large patterns; small rooms shine with tight motifs.
Blend boxes: Especially with handmade tiles to distribute natural variation.
Seal twice: Before and after grouting for cement/stone.
Mind grout: Match for subtlety; contrast to outline pattern.
Order overage: 10–15% for cuts, waste, and attic stock.

Install & Performance Essentials

Substrate: Flat, clean, structurally sound; use proper underlayment.
Thinset: White, non‑staining mortars for cement/zellige; follow manufacturer.
Grout: Non‑sanded for delicate surfaces; epoxy only if tile is rated for it.
Sealers: Penetrating or enhancing (test first). Reseal based on wear/UV.
DCOF targets: ≥ 0.42 wet for level interiors; choose texture/mosaics for showers.
Maintenance: pH‑neutral cleaners; avoid acids on cement/stone/terracotta.

Inspiration Links

Browse real projects: Gallery
Shop patterns ready to ship: Cement Tiles in Stock
Start a custom design: Contact Us

FAQs (Quick Answers)

Q1: Is porcelain always better than ceramic?
A: Porcelain is denser and tougher; ceramic is budget‑friendly and great for walls.

Q2: Can cement tiles go in showers?
A: As accents/feature walls yes; for shower floors use proper sealing and texture—many prefer porcelain mosaics for maximum grip.

Q3: Do handmade cement tiles stain?
A: Seal before/after grouting; use pH‑neutral cleaners. With care, they age beautifully.

Q4: What PEI do I need for a kitchen floor?
A: Typically PEI 3+ for residential kitchens; higher for commercial.

Q5: What DCOF is safe for bathrooms?
A: Aim for ≥ 0.42 wet; choose matte/texture for floors.

Q6: Can I mix tile types?
A: Yes—e.g., cement tile feature wall + porcelain floor for durability.

Q7: How much extra tile should I order?
A: 10–15% overage; more for complex patterns/diagonals.

Q8: Are zellige tiles suitable for floors?
A: Generally used on walls; check product specs if considering floors.

Q9: What makes cement tiles eco‑friendly?
A: No kiln firing; mineral pigments; cured with recycled water.

Q10: Can you match my brand colors?
A: Yes—custom cement tiles are our specialty. Start here: Contact Us.

How to Order & Next Steps

Get inspired → Gallery
Choose in‑stock or custom → Shop Cement Tiles
Request samples → Touch + test finishes and colors.
Talk to our design team → Layout, sealers, and DCOF guidance.
Place your order → Fast U.S. shipping; 3–4 weeks in‑stock, 4–6 weeks custom.

CTA: Prefer a printable version? Download Tile Guide (PDF) • Request Samples (we’ll help you shortlist patterns).

Choose With Confidence

A beautiful space starts with informed choices. With this tile buying guide, you’re ready to select materials that fit your style, budget, and performance needs—then elevate everything with the handcrafted artistry of cement tiles from Studio Cement Tile.

Start exploring now:
🔗 Visit Our Website
🔗 Shop Cement Tiles in Stock
🔗 Contact Us for Custom Tiles

The Ultimate Tile Buying Guide: Ceramic, Porcelain, Stone, Cement & More