Choosing tile can feel overwhelming with thousands of options available. But by considering a few key factors—your space, lifestyle, budget, and Sacramento's unique climate—you can narrow down the perfect choice. After 15+ years of helping Sacramento homeowners, here's our comprehensive guide.
Step 1: Consider Your Space
Where you're installing tile significantly impacts which material is best. Each space has unique requirements:
Kitchen Floors
Needs: Durability, stain resistance, easy cleaning, slip resistance
Best options: Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone (sealed)
Bathroom Floors
Needs: Water resistance, slip resistance (textured surfaces), easy cleaning
Best options: Porcelain, ceramic, mosaic tiles (more grout = more grip)
Shower Walls & Floors
Needs: Water resistance, proper waterproofing system, slip resistance for floors
Best options: Porcelain, ceramic, glass tile (walls), small format tiles for floors
Living Areas
Needs: Durability for foot traffic, comfort, aesthetics
Best options: Porcelain, wood-look tile, natural stone, large format tiles
Backsplashes
Needs: Heat resistance (behind stove), easy cleaning, design impact
Best options: Ceramic, porcelain, glass tile, natural stone (sealed)
Step 2: Understand Tile Materials
Porcelain Tile
Best for: Almost anywhere—floors, walls, showers, outdoors
Porcelain is made from refined clay fired at very high temperatures, making it extremely dense and durable. It's the workhorse of the tile world.
- ✓ Water absorption rate under 0.5% (virtually waterproof)
- ✓ Handles temperature extremes (great for Sacramento)
- ✓ Scratch and chip resistant
- ✓ Available in endless styles (wood-look, stone-look, concrete-look)
- ✗ Heavier than ceramic (requires sturdy subfloor)
- ✗ More expensive than basic ceramic
Ceramic Tile
Best for: Walls, backsplashes, light-traffic floors
Ceramic is made from clay fired at lower temperatures than porcelain. It's more porous but still excellent for many applications.
- ✓ More affordable than porcelain
- ✓ Easier to cut (great for DIY)
- ✓ Huge variety of colors and patterns
- ✓ Perfect for walls and backsplashes
- ✗ More porous than porcelain
- ✗ Can chip more easily
Natural Stone
Best for: Statement floors, elegant bathrooms, unique designs
Marble, travertine, slate, and granite each offer unique character. Every piece is one-of-a-kind.
- ✓ Unique, natural beauty
- ✓ Increases home value
- ✓ Timeless appeal
- ✗ Requires regular sealing
- ✗ More expensive
- ✗ Can stain without proper care
Glass Tile
Best for: Backsplashes, shower accents, decorative features
- ✓ Reflects light beautifully
- ✓ Non-porous (easy to clean)
- ✓ Stunning visual impact
- ✗ Can scratch
- ✗ Shows imperfections in wall surface
- ✗ More expensive to install
Step 3: Consider Sacramento's Climate
Sacramento's climate presents unique considerations for tile selection:
Hot, Dry Summers (100°F+)
- • Tile stays cool underfoot—a welcome relief from the heat
- • Porcelain handles temperature swings without cracking
- • Wood-look tile gives hardwood aesthetics without warping concerns
Mild, Wet Winters
- • Mudrooms and entryways benefit from durable, easy-clean tile
- • Porcelain's low water absorption handles tracked-in moisture
- • Textured finishes provide slip resistance
Step 4: Think About Maintenance
Be honest about how much maintenance you're willing to do:
| Material | Maintenance Level | Sealing Required |
|---|---|---|
| Glazed Porcelain | Low | No |
| Glazed Ceramic | Low | No |
| Glass Tile | Low | No |
| Marble | High | Yes (annually) |
| Travertine | Medium-High | Yes (annually) |
| Slate | Medium | Yes (every 2-3 years) |
Step 5: Choose the Right Size
Tile size dramatically impacts the look of your space:
- Large tiles (18"+): Make rooms appear bigger, fewer grout lines, modern look
- Medium tiles (12"-18"): Versatile, traditional, work in most spaces
- Small tiles/mosaic: Better for small spaces, curved surfaces, shower floors
Pro tip: In small bathrooms, using larger tiles (despite intuition) can actually make the space feel bigger by reducing visual clutter from grout lines.
Step 6: Set a Realistic Budget
Tile costs vary dramatically. Here's what to expect in Sacramento:
- Budget: $2-5/sq ft (basic ceramic and porcelain)
- Mid-range: $5-15/sq ft (quality porcelain, simple natural stone)
- Premium: $15-50+/sq ft (marble, designer tiles, handmade)
Remember to budget for installation (typically $5-15/sq ft in Sacramento) and materials like grout, thinset, and backer board.
Need Help Choosing?
Selecting the right tile is a big decision. At Russell Tile, we offer free consultations where we can discuss your space, show you samples, and help you find tiles that match your vision and budget.
Quick Decision Guide
Best all-around choice: Porcelain tile—durable, versatile, low maintenance
Best for tight budgets: Ceramic tile—affordable without sacrificing style
Best for luxury: Natural stone—timeless elegance, increases home value
Best for wet areas: Porcelain or ceramic with proper waterproofing
Best for Sacramento's climate: Porcelain or wood-look tile