There are several types of tile. Ceramic tiles are made from pressed clays covered with a glaze of metallic oxides and ceramic stains or finished with a matte surface. Porcelain mosaic tiles are baked at a higher temperature, which makes them thicker. Their color also goes through the tile, rather than only covering the surface. Quarry tile is an unglazed mix of shale and clays that also has color throughout.

The spaces between the tiles are filled in by grout. An epoxy grout is recommended to help resist stains. It’s usually best to choose a grout that closely matches the color of the tiles.