When you’re specifying materials for a luxury project—from high-end homes to premium commercial builds—tile isn’t simply “tile.” The right choice influences durability, maintenance, visual impact, budget, and ultimately how the space performs.
At Decorative Materials, we serve the trade community across Colorado with solutions that elevate both design and specification. Here’s our breakdown of the major tile families you’ll work with—and how to choose the right one for each application.
Porcelain is one of the most durable and versatile surfaces available today. Manufactured from refined clays and fired at extremely high temperatures, it’s dense, strong, and resistant to moisture—making it a go-to choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Why consider it:
Exceptional durability and low water absorption, ideal for high-traffic or wet areas.
Extensive range of looks—from marble-inspired to concrete or wood effects—suiting modern, classic, or transitional interiors.
Large-format options allow for seamless, sophisticated installations with minimal grout lines.
Many collections are also available in 2 cm pavers, engineered specifically for exterior applications such as patios, terraces, and pool decks. These thicker pavers offer the strength and slip resistance needed for outdoor environments while maintaining a cohesive design flow between interior and exterior spaces. Explore more in our Paver Program Brochure and Outdoor Paver Resource Guide.
Porcelain is also cost-effective—delivering the look of luxury stone or marble with easier maintenance and long-term value, making it a smart investment for both residential and commercial projects.
Best uses for your trade clients:
Open-plan living areas, luxury baths, and commercial interiors requiring durability and design flexibility.
Outdoor living areas, pool decks, and patios that flow seamlessly into interior spaces for a cohesive, continuous look.
Projects where designers want the refined aesthetics of natural stone with the added benefits of low maintenance and a lower price point.
Natural stone has been celebrated for centuries as one of the most enduring and beautiful materials in design. Each piece is formed by the earth over time, resulting in one-of-a-kind color variation, veining, and texture. No two pieces are ever the same—each slab or tile tells its own story. From ancient architecture to today’s most refined interiors, stone continues to stand the test of time with elegance and strength.
Why consider it:
A timeless material that adds natural luxury and depth to both modern and classic designs. Each piece offers unique color, texture, and movement, creating spaces rich with character.
Available in a wide variety of materials—marble, limestone, travertine, granite, and more—each with distinct personality and performance.
Offered in both tile and slab formats, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and feature walls where seamless surfaces create a statement.
As a natural material, stone may feature variation across slabs—part of its beauty and authenticity. Working with trusted vendors ensures consistency and thoughtful selection.
Many natural stones are porous and may require sealing or specific care, depending on the type, ensuring longevity and lasting performance.
Best uses for your trade clients:
Kitchens, baths, and feature walls where the natural beauty of stone becomes the focal point.
Entryways, fireplaces, and vanities that call for a sense of permanence and sophistication.
Projects seeking authentic, lasting materials that only grow more beautiful over time.
Glass tile introduces luminosity and movement to a space, reflecting light to create depth and brilliance. It’s a designer favorite for adding contrast, color, and sparkle in both modern and classic interiors. When used thoughtfully, glass can elevate a surface from subtle to striking.
Why consider it:
Reflective surfaces including mirrored finishes enhance light and dimension, especially in smaller spaces or as decorative accents.
Wide range of colors, finishes, and sizes—from art glass to iridescent mosaics to large glass panels.
The non-porous nature of quality glass tile means it resists stains and retains color over time, even in areas exposed to sunlight.
Glass tile has many options that allow trade professionals to create bespoke installations with rich visual depth and bespoke design impact.
Best uses for your trade clients:
Decorative walls, shower niches, and kitchen backsplashes where texture and light play are desired.
Mixed-material mosaics combining stone and glass for layered visual interest.
Projects aiming for modern sophistication or a subtle reflective accent.
Ceramic tile offers endless creative possibilities, ranging from clean and contemporary to artisanal and textural. From simple, decorative, or dimensional field tiles to handcrafted zellige and hand-painted terracotta, ceramic encompasses an incredible breadth of styles, finishes, and price points. Many vendors even offer bespoke programs that allow designers to create custom colors or patterns tailored to their projects.
Why consider it:
Available in a vast range of finishes—from sleek, classic subway tile to authentic handmade surfaces with undulated texture and tonal variation.
Includes artisanal options such as hand-painted terracotta and handcrafted zellige, each adding warmth and individuality.
Offers limitless color, glaze, and texture options suitable for both contemporary and traditional interiors.
Can be fully customized—many vendors offer bespoke design and color matching for truly one-of-a-kind results.
A timeless material that balances beauty, craftsmanship, and versatility across applications.
Best uses for your trade clients:.
Bathrooms, kitchens, or any space where texture, color, and finish bring personality and warmth or feature walls or backsplashes that highlight craftsmanship, variation, and layered design.
Projects embracing color-drenched spaces, where bold, tonal palettes are enhanced by rich ceramic glazes and surface depth.
Designs seeking an elevated, handcrafted aesthetic—from clean minimalism to richly detailed, artisanal expression.
Choosing the right tile material is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about performance, collaboration, specification clarity, and long-term value. Whether you’re specifying a luxury bathroom, a high-end entryway, or a signature mosaic feature wall, understanding the real benefits of porcelain, stone, glass, and ceramic enables you—our trade professionals—to make confident selections that deliver for your clients and installation teams.
If you’d like to explore samples, compare format options, or walk through installation/integration considerations on your next Colorado project, we’re here to help. Visit any of our showrooms or contact us to schedule an appointment today.