Clazak's Guide to Choosing the Right Tile for Your Remodel
August 20, 2025
Tile plays a crucial role in any remodel, offering not just function but visual impact. From backsplashes to bathroom floors, the right tile choice can elevate your space, tie together your design elements, and provide durability that lasts for years. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?
At Clazak Kitchen & Bathroom, we’ve helped countless Ohio homeowners navigate this decision with confidence. Whether you’re exploring a bathroom remodeling project in Ohio or embarking on kitchen remodeling in Akron, OH, the right tile can make all the difference. Our guide breaks down what to consider when choosing tile for your custom remodel.
Before falling in love with a tile’s appearance, start with its purpose. Where will the tile be installed? How much wear and tear will it experience? Tiles used on floors must handle foot traffic and possibly water, while wall tiles are more about appearance and accent.
Here are a few key areas to think about:
Durability, slip resistance, and ease of maintenance should guide your tile selection depending on where it will live. See some real-life examples in our gallery.
There are several types of tile materials, and each has its own pros and cons. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common:
Ceramic tiles are popular for both walls and floors. They’re easy to clean, cost-effective, and come in a wide range of styles and colors. Best for areas with light to moderate foot traffic.
Denser and more durable than ceramic, porcelain is ideal for high-moisture areas and heavy-use flooring. It’s a smart choice for bathroom remodeling in Ohio, where freeze-thaw cycles and water exposure are concerns.
Marble, travertine, slate, and granite add organic beauty and unique texture. These tiles require more maintenance but offer high-end visual appeal. They pair beautifully with natural stone or quartz countertops for a cohesive, luxurious look.
Often used in mosaics or accent strips, glass tiles offer incredible color depth and reflective qualities. Perfect for backsplashes or niche areas where you want to make a statement.
Tile size can dramatically influence the look and feel of a room. Large-format tiles (like 12”x24” or bigger) create a sleek, modern aesthetic and can make small rooms feel larger by reducing grout lines. On the other hand, smaller tiles or mosaics can add intricate detail and visual texture.
For floors, larger tiles help minimize grout joints and create a more continuous surface. In showers or tight bathroom layouts, smaller tiles allow for better slope and drainage on shower pans or curved surfaces.
The scale of the room should guide your tile dimensions. For example, a powder room might benefit from a bold mosaic floor, while a spacious kitchen may shine with large rectangular tiles set in a herringbone or stacked pattern. Browse more inspiration in our Kitchen Portfolio.
Color affects not just the aesthetics but also the mood of a room. Neutrals like white, gray, and beige provide timeless appeal and work well in both traditional and modern spaces. Bolder colors, like navy, emerald, and rust, are trending for those who want more personality in their remodel. Get some fresh ideas in our post on 2025 Kitchen Design Trends.
Finish matters, too:
When planning a kitchen remodeling project in Akron, OH, consider how tile color and finish will complement your cabinetry, countertops, and overall style.
Tile doesn’t exist in isolation. It needs to coordinate with the rest of your space. One of the most important relationships is between tile and countertops. Whether you choose quartz, granite, or a solid surface, your tile should enhance, not compete with, your counters.
For a harmonious look:
When working on custom remodels, Clazak’s design team helps clients build a cohesive palette that blends cabinetry finishes, tile selections, and countertops seamlessly. Meet the experts who will guide your project on our Meet the Team page.
Grout color may seem like a small detail, but it can drastically affect the finished look. Matching grout creates a seamless, unified surface, while contrasting grout emphasizes tile pattern and layout.
Consider stain-resistant or epoxy grouts for wet areas like showers and bathroom floors. These newer options resist discoloration and require less maintenance over time, which is especially important in high-traffic family homes.
Lighting can change the way tile looks dramatically. Always view your tile samples in the actual room where they’ll be installed. Natural light, cabinetry color, and wall paint can all affect how a tile appears.
We recommend taping sample tiles to the wall or laying them on the floor and observing them throughout the day. What looks warm and rich in the showroom may look cool and flat under your home’s lighting.
Choosing tile may seem like a small part of your remodel, but it’s one of the most visible, tactile, and enduring design elements you’ll select. From functionality to style, every decision matters, and having expert guidance makes all the difference.
At Clazak Kitchen & Bathroom, we take pride in helping homeowners across Ohio bring their spaces to life with thoughtful, stylish, and durable tile choices. Whether you’re beginning a bathroom remodeling project or undergoing a full kitchen update, our team is here to ensure every detail is just right.
