Choosing the Right Tile: Ceramic, Porcelain, and Stone Options for Your Home
- Made New Home Services
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Tile is one of the most defining materials in any home remodel. Whether you're designing a custom shower in your Overland Park bathroom, installing heated floors in your Lenexa basement, or creating a striking backsplash in your Kansas City kitchen, the type of tile you choose has a major impact on both form and function.
At Made New Home Services, we help homeowners across Johnson County and the KC Metro navigate these material choices every day. Three of the most common tile types—ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone—each offer distinct benefits depending on the space, budget, and maintenance expectations.
This guide will walk you through:
What each tile material is made of
The pros and cons of each
Where each option performs best
Where to shop for tile in the Kansas City area
Reliable online sources for unique or specialty tile
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tile makes the most sense for your home and your remodeling goals.
Ceramic Tile: A Classic Choice for Versatile Spaces
What is ceramic tile? Ceramic tile is made from natural clay that is shaped, glazed, and fired in a kiln. It’s one of the most accessible and widely used tile materials—and has been a staple in kitchen and bathroom remodeling for decades.
Pros of Ceramic Tile:
Affordability: Generally more budget-friendly than porcelain or stone.
Design Flexibility: Available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Ease of Cutting & Installation: Softer material makes it easier (and more affordable) to install.
Great for Walls & Low-Traffic Floors: Ideal for backsplashes and bathroom walls.
Cons of Ceramic Tile:
Porosity: More absorbent than porcelain, which can lead to staining or moisture issues if not sealed properly.
Durability: Less dense and more prone to chipping or cracking under heavy use.
Not Ideal for Outdoor Use: Due to its absorbent nature, it’s not great for freeze-thaw environments (like outdoor patios).
Best Places to Use Ceramic Tile in KC Homes:
Bathroom walls or shower surrounds
Kitchen backsplashes
Powder rooms or guest bathrooms with lower foot traffic
Johnson County homeowners love ceramic tile when they’re aiming for a cost-effective upgrade that still looks stylish and polished.
Porcelain Tile: Durable, Stylish, and Low-Maintenance
What is porcelain tile? Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile, but it’s fired at higher temperatures and made from more refined clay. This process makes it denser, less porous, and far more durable.
Pros of Porcelain Tile:
Highly Durable: Ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, mudrooms, and even basements.
Water-Resistant: Its low porosity makes it perfect for wet areas like showers and laundry rooms.
Wide Design Variety: Porcelain can mimic natural stone, wood, or even concrete with impressive realism.
Great for Radiant Heating: Holds and distributes heat well if you’re installing heated floors.
Cons of Porcelain Tile:
Harder to Cut: Requires specialized tools and skilled labor, which can increase installation costs.
Higher Price Tag: Tends to cost more than ceramic, both in materials and labor.
Weight: Heavier tiles may require reinforced subflooring in some applications.
Best Places to Use Porcelain Tile in KC Homes:
Bathroom floors and showers
Kitchens, especially in open-concept homes
Basements and laundry rooms
Entryways and mudrooms
If you’re remodeling a Lenexa basement or adding a walk-in shower in Leawood, porcelain tile offers the perfect blend of performance and style.
Natural Stone Tile: Timeless Luxury with Unique Character
What is natural stone tile? Natural stone tiles are cut from real quarried stone like marble, slate, travertine, or granite. Each tile is unique, offering one-of-a-kind variation and organic texture.
Pros of Stone Tile:
High-End Look: Natural variation adds luxury and sophistication.
Durability: Stone is naturally strong, especially granite and slate.
Longevity: With proper care, stone tile can last for decades.
Increased Home Value: Offers strong ROI in high-end remodeling projects.
Cons of Stone Tile:
Maintenance: Most stone tile requires sealing and periodic resealing to protect against staining and etching.
Cost: More expensive upfront and over time due to maintenance needs.
Slip Risk: Some stone finishes (like polished marble) can be slippery when wet.
Variation: While this is part of the charm, it can make matching tiles more challenging.
Best Places to Use Stone Tile in KC Homes:
Master bathrooms
Fireplace surrounds
Luxury kitchens
Entryways or feature walls
If your goal is to create a spa-like master bath in Mission Hills or a natural stone backsplash in Brookside, natural stone delivers unmatched beauty—but be prepared to maintain it.
Where to Shop for Tile in Kansas City
At Made New Home Services, we love connecting our clients to trusted local tile showrooms where they can see and touch tile in person. Here are some of our top Kansas City tile suppliers:
KC Tile Source – Kansas City, MO
Great selection of ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. Beautiful showroom with helpful staff.https://www.kctilesource.com
ProSource of Kansas City – Lenexa, KS
A go-to for many remodelers in the area. Offers trade pricing, a wide selection, and great service.https://www.prosourcewholesale.com
The Tile Shop – Overland Park, KS
Ideal for homeowners who want to explore design ideas. Offers free design consultations and large samples.https://www.tileshop.com
Floor & Decor – Kansas City, KS
A big-box option with extensive inventory and competitive pricing. Good for budget-conscious tile shopping.https://www.flooranddecor.com
Popular Online Tile Retailers
Looking for unique or hard-to-find options? Online retailers can expand your tile search beyond the Kansas City Metro.
TileBar
Trendy, designer-level tiles shipped directly to your door. Great for statement pieces and mosaics.https://www.tilebar.com
Wayfair
A wide range of tile styles at various price points. Be sure to read reviews and order samples before purchasing.https://www.wayfair.com
Reliable source for quality tile, especially if you’re ordering plumbing fixtures or lighting at the same time.https://www.build.com
How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Kansas City Remodel
When helping homeowners across Johnson County decide on tile materials, we often start by asking these questions:
Where is the tile being installed?Wet areas like showers or laundry rooms demand porcelain or properly sealed stone. Kitchen backsplashes? Ceramic is often more than enough.
What’s your budget?Ceramic will stretch your dollar further. Porcelain offers a nice middle ground. Stone is best for luxury projects.
Do you want low-maintenance?Porcelain is easiest to maintain. Stone requires sealing. Ceramic falls somewhere in the middle.
Is slip resistance a factor?Especially for bathrooms and basements, choosing a textured finish can help prevent falls.
Do you need something that mimics a look?Want the look of wood, but the durability of tile? Porcelain “wood-look” tile is perfect.
Final Thoughts from the Field
Choosing tile for your Kansas City kitchen, bathroom, or basement remodel doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Made New Home Services, we guide homeowners through every step—from selecting the right material to coordinating with trusted tile vendors, to expert installation that lasts.
Whether you’re remodeling in Shawnee, Fairway, Overland Park, or anywhere in between, we’re here to bring clarity and craftsmanship to every tile decision you make.
Ready to explore tile options for your next home project? Contact us today to schedule a consultation—we’d love to help make your home Made New.
