What Tile to Use for an Entry Hall Floor

Natural Stone Tile

• You have many options for flooring tile, but they boil down to two basic variations: natural stone and man-made tile. Natural stone is more costly but is generally considered more attractive and adds more value to your home. Natural stone tiles include marble, travertine, slate and granite. While these options are attractive, they tend to require upkeep, such as regular sealing. Travertine and slate are two of the lower-maintenance stones while marble and granite will require more upkeep.

Man-made Tile

• If you're looking for a more durable option that's also usually more budget friendly than natural stone, choose porcelain or ceramic tile. These tiles can be made to simulate natural stone, though finding options that completely fool the eye isn't easy. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of colors and styles, so you'll likely find an option that works with your interior.

Size

• Both natural stone and man-made tiles are available in a variety of sizes, from the tiniest mosaic tiles to 18-inch squares and larger. To make your entry hall appear larger, opt for a larger tile as they require fewer grout lines and therefore look less busy. If ease of installation is a concern, select 12-inch square tiles as these tend to be one of the easiest sizes to install. If your entry hall is particularly small, opt for a more proportionate size, such as 6-inch square tiles.

Layout

• Many people like to install tiles in a simple grid, but look at other options as well as your layout can add extra pizazz if you've opted for a lower-end tile. Lay your tiles on the diagonal or in a running bond pattern, similar to brickwork. If you have tile or hardwood elsewhere in your home, examine the layout of that flooring and choose one to complement it.