How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Home: A Complete Guide

Selecting tile for your home is about more than picking a color you love. The right tile needs to perform well in its intended space, resist wear and moisture, and stand the test of time. Whether you're planning a bathroom refresh, a kitchen backsplash, or an outdoor patio, understanding tile types and performance standards will help you make a confident decision.

At Carreno Tile, LLC, we follow guidelines set by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) to ensure every installation meets professional standards. This guide breaks down what you need to know about tile selection—from water absorption to slip resistance—so you can choose materials that look great and last.

Understanding Different Tile Types

Not all tiles work the same way in every space. Here's what sets them apart:

Porcelain Tiles are highly durable and water-resistant, absorbing less than 0.5% of water. This makes them ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor spaces. They hold up exceptionally well in freeze-thaw conditions.

Ceramic Tiles offer a wide range of colors and styles at a more affordable price point. They work beautifully on walls and in areas with lighter foot traffic, though they absorb more water than porcelain.

Mosaic Tiles are small tiles—often glass, ceramic, or stone—mounted on sheets for easier installation. They're popular for shower floors, backsplashes, and decorative accents.

Quarry Tiles are made from natural clay or shale and known for their durability. They're excellent for high-traffic commercial or residential areas.

Glazed Wall Tiles feature a glass-like finish that's easy to clean and comes in countless designs. However, they're designed for walls, not floors, and shouldn't be used in areas exposed to freezing temperatures.

Each of these tile types is tested under ANSI A137.1 standards, which means they've been evaluated for performance, durability, and safety.

Why Water Absorption Matters

Water absorption affects how well a tile performs in wet environments. Tiles are classified into four categories based on how much water they absorb:

• Impervious: Less than 0.5% absorption (most porcelain tiles)

• Vitreous: 0.5% to 3% absorption

• Semivitreous: 3% to 7% absorption

• Nonvitreous: 7% to 20% absorption

For showers, kitchen floors, or any area that gets wet regularly, impervious porcelain is your best bet. It won't swell, crack, or develop mold issues over time. For dry interior spaces like accent walls or fireplace surrounds, ceramic tiles work beautifully and cost less.

Slip Resistance: What DCOF Means for Safety

Slippery floors are more than an inconvenience—they're a safety hazard. The TCNA uses a measurement called DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) to rate how slip-resistant a tile is when wet.

Tiles with a DCOF rating of 0.42 or higher are considered safe for most interior floors. When selecting tile for bathrooms, kitchens, or entryways, check the DCOF rating to ensure it meets this threshold. At Carreno Tile, we prioritize both beauty and safety, installing only tiles that meet recommended slip resistance standards.

Tile Grading: What First Grade Really Means

Tiles are graded based on quality and appearance before they reach the market:

• First Grade (Standard Grade): The highest quality with consistent color, size, and minimal defects

• Second Grade: May have slight color variations or minor imperfections

For a polished, professional look, first-grade tiles are the way to go. They ensure uniformity across your installation and reduce the chance of noticeable flaws.

Durability and Abrasion Resistance

How well will your tile hold up to daily wear? That depends on its abrasion resistance—how well it resists scratching, scuffing, and surface wear.

Porcelain tiles are naturally tough and hold up well in high-traffic areas. Glazed ceramic tiles get extra protection from their glass-like coating, which helps resist surface damage.

For homes with kids, pets, or heavy foot traffic, look for tiles tested under ASTM C1027. This test measures how well a tile's surface withstands wear over time, ensuring it stays looking new for years.

Freeze/Thaw and Outdoor Performance

Planning to tile an outdoor patio, walkway, or entryway? Your tile needs to handle temperature swings without cracking.

The TCNA recommends tiles tested under ASTM C1026, which evaluates freeze/thaw resistance. Porcelain tiles excel here—they're nearly waterproof and won't crack when temperatures drop. Ceramic tiles with higher water absorption rates aren't suited for outdoor use in cold climates.

Stain and Chemical Resistance

Spills happen. Quality tiles can handle them without permanent damage. Tiles are tested for stain resistance using ASTM C1378 and chemical resistance under ASTM C650.

Tiles that pass these tests stay easy to clean and maintain their appearance even after exposure to common household chemicals, oils, and acidic substances. This makes them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use areas.

Trim Tiles and Mosaic Sheets

The finishing touches make a big difference in how your tile installation looks. Trim tiles—like bullnose edges or corner pieces—create clean, polished edges and transitions. Mosaic sheets allow small tiles to be installed quickly and evenly, with consistent spacing built in.

At Carreno Tile, we handle all these details to ensure your installation looks seamless and professional from every angle.

Specialty Tiles and Custom Projects

Some homeowners want a unique look—handmade tiles, specialty shapes, or materials that add character. While these tiles may not meet every ANSI standard, they can bring a one-of-a-kind charm to your space.

If you're considering specialty tiles, work with an experienced installer who understands their limitations and knows how to install and maintain them properly. We guide you through these decisions to make sure your custom project is both beautiful and functional.

Tile Standards Explained

When choosing tile, you might come across a few technical terms or codes like ASTM or ANSI. These are simply quality and performance standards that help ensure your tile is durable, safe, and long-lasting. Here’s a quick guide to what they mean:

• ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials
  Sets national standards for how tile products are tested for durability, water absorption, and strength.

• ASTM C1027 – Abrasion Resistance Test
  Measures how well a tile surface resists visible wear, scratching, and foot traffic — helping you choose the right tile for busy areas like kitchens or hallways.

• ASTM C373 – Water Absorption Test
  Determines how much water a tile can absorb. Porcelain tiles typically have very low absorption rates, making them ideal for bathrooms, showers, and outdoor areas.

• ASTM C1026 – Freeze/Thaw Resistance Test
  Tests whether a tile can handle temperature changes without cracking — especially important for outdoor installations.

• ASTM C650 – Chemical Resistance Test
  Checks how well a tile surface resists household chemicals and cleaners.

• ASTM C1378 – Stain Resistance Test
  Ensures tiles can resist staining from everyday spills like coffee, wine, or soap.

• ANSI A137.1 – American National Standards for Ceramic Tile
  Defines how tiles are classified, measured, and graded to meet consistent quality standards.

Make the Right Choice for Your Home

Choosing tile isn't just about aesthetics. Performance, safety, and longevity matter just as much. By following TCNA standards, Carreno Tile, LLC ensures every project meets professional installation requirements and delivers results that exceed expectations.

Ready to start your next tile project? Contact Carreno Tile, LLC today to schedule a consultation. Let's bring your vision to life with tiles that are beautiful, durable, and built to last.