Tile questions, answered

Ceramic and porcelain tile is made from natural ingredients and is free from toxic chemicals that can make you sick. Tile is hypoallergenic, naturally resistant to dust and other harmful pollutants known to cause a variety of health issues, which makes it a good choice if you suffer from allergies or asthma.

Tile is impervious, meaning it is inhospitable to dust mites, bacteria, fungi, mould and other irritants. It is inherently inorganic and emits zero VOCs — the harmful gases emitted by virtually all other types of flooring, which can cause headaches, nausea and nose, eye and throat irritation, and are a leading cause of sick building syndrome.

Tile is also a solid material, so it does not contain the binders common to other flooring and wall surfaces, such as formaldehyde. It is free from PVC, a resin used elsewhere to improve mechanical flexibility and heat stability; PVC contains phthalates and organotin, both regularly a subject of concern among health experts.

Tile is a sustainable building material, certified green. No other flooring or wall covering compares to tile for longevity — installed correctly, tile lasts for many generations. Combined with zero-waste manufacturing, that makes it the most eco-friendly choice for flooring or wall coverings.

Ceramic tile is plastic-free and completely recyclable, and there are many tile options made from recycled materials.

Tile is energy efficient. Its inherent thermal mass reduces peak heating and cooling, which moderates temperature swings in your home — less work for your HVAC system and more energy savings for you.

Tile manufacturers have the lowest carbon footprint of any flooring choice. They typically use materials found within 500 miles of their manufacturing facilities, dramatically reducing the energy and emissions of long-distance shipping.

Over the centuries, tile has represented the perfect union of art and architecture. The richness of tile adorns our greatest buildings and historical icons. Whether you are looking for a durable surface for your flooring or something with a wow factor, tile can and should fulfil both.

Short answer: no. This matters when you are choosing a contractor to build and tile your shower or bathtub surround.

Your shower will have an average of 1,100 inches of water run through it per year. For comparison, the average rainfall in Seattle, Washington is 36 inches per year. Make sure whoever installs your new shower tile has a plan for waterproofing before the tile goes on.