Urbano Pure 3D Mix 4x12 Glossy Concrete Look Ceramic Tile 7.9mm (NURBPURMIX4X12)4x12 · Glossy$7.35/sq ft$71.22 per box
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is kiln-fired clay, usually with a glaze on top, and it absorbs more than 0.5% water, which separates it from porcelain. That softer body is easier to cut and usually costs less. Check the PEI rating: under 3 means walls only, 3 suits residential floors. Best for walls, backsplashes and dry indoor floors.
- Ceramic tiles
- 181
- Price per sq ft
- $2.69 to $20.75
- Rectified edges
- 25
- Samples
- $4.99
Sizes compared
From our 181 ceramic tiles. Prices are per sq ft.
| Size (in) | Tiles | From | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4x12 | 27 | $6.09 | $7.35 |
| 12x24 | 25 | $2.69 | $4.49 |
| 16x48 | 17 | $7.19 | $8.09 |
| 4x4 | 11 | $9.09 | $9.09 |
| 3x12 | 10 | $9.55 | $9.55 |
| 2x10 | 10 | $9.25 | $9.25 |
| 11.5x39.5 | 9 | $5.95 | $5.95 |
| 3x6 | 7 | $9.85 | $14.69 |
How to choose ceramic tile
Ceramic is the right call more often than its price suggests, as long as it goes where its body can handle the job. Work through these checks in order.
- Location sets the PEI. On a backsplash or bathroom wall, any PEI works, including glazes under 3. A bedroom or bath floor needs PEI 3; kitchens, hallways and entries call for 4-5. A soft glaze on a busy floor wears through at doorways first.
- Water exposure. Ceramic absorbs more than 0.5% water by weight. On shower walls that is fine, because the waterproofing behind the tile does the protecting. Outdoors where it freezes, use only tile rated frost-resistant to ASTM C1026; frost-rated porcelain tile is the usual choice there.
- Body color. Red body ceramic is made from red clay, white body from lighter clay. A chip in a pale glaze shows less on a white body. Neither is automatically stronger; for floors, compare breaking strength (ASTM C648) on the spec sheet.
- Edge and joint. Pressed, cushion-edge ceramic needs joints of 1/8 in or more. Rectified ceramic can go down to 1/16 in for a cleaner, modern line. Use the Edge filter to narrow the list.
- Cutting. Ceramic scores and snaps cleanly on a manual cutter, and a carbide-tipped or diamond drill bit for ceramic tile handles outlet and pipe holes. That makes it friendly for DIY wall tile projects.
Before ordering, add about 10% overage for straight lay, compare the shade code printed on each carton before opening any, and hold a sample against your cabinets or fixtures, since glaze color shifts under different light.
Questions
Is ceramic tile good for floors?
Yes, for indoor residential floors when the glaze is rated PEI 3 or higher. Bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas are well within its range. For kitchens, entries and hallways where grit gets tracked in, step up to PEI 4-5 or choose porcelain. Bathroom floors that get splashed should also carry a DCOF of at least 0.42.
Do you seal ceramic tile or just the grout?
Just the grout, for glazed ceramic: the glaze already keeps water and stains out. Cement grout between the tiles is porous and darkens with spills, so seal it once it has cured. Unglazed ceramic, such as terracotta-style tile, is a different case; it is porous and usually needs a penetrating sealer, so read the care sheet for each product.
Ceramic vs porcelain: which is better?
Porcelain is better for wet and high-traffic spots, and frost-rated porcelain for freezing ones; ceramic is better value for walls and most indoor floors. The dividing line is water absorption: porcelain absorbs 0.5% or less by weight, ceramic more. Ceramic is also easier to cut and drill, which saves time on backsplashes full of outlets. On a dry bedroom floor, the difference rarely shows.
What drives the price of ceramic tile?
Size, edge and glaze drive it: ceramic on this page runs $2.69-$20.75 a square foot, tile only, with plain glazed wall tile at the low end and rectified formats, decorative glazes and handmade looks at the top. Budget separately for thinset, grout, trim pieces and about 10% overage, and remember that installation labor can cost more than the tile.
Can ceramic tile go on a patio or porch?
Only where it never freezes, or when the product is rated frost-resistant to ASTM C1026. Ceramic absorbs more than 0.5% water, and water inside the body expands as it freezes, cracking the tile or popping the glaze. For patios in cold states, choose frost-rated porcelain or pavers; a covered porch in a warm climate is a safer spot for ceramic.
Can you paint ceramic tile?
Yes, on walls and backsplashes that do not take standing water, but treat paint as a stopgap. Clean with a degreaser, scuff the glaze, apply a bonding primer, then use an epoxy or ceramic tile paint. Painted tile wears through on floors and peels in showers, so replacing the tile is the lasting fix in those places.
What sizes does ceramic tile come in?
The most common sizes here are 4x12 (27), 12x24 (25), 16x48 (17), 4x4 (11), 3x12 (10) and 2x10 (10) inches. Thickness runs from 6.3 to 19.8 mm. Larger formats mean fewer grout lines but need a flatter floor; small formats and mosaics follow curves and shower slopes.
Which finishes are available in ceramic tile?
Glossy (89), Matte (73) and Polished (9). Glossy brightens small spaces and wipes clean on walls; matte hides water spots and is the usual pick for floors; polished reflects light but is slippery when wet, so keep it to walls and dry floors.