tile & grout
H = healthy
Is the material safe?
C = conscious
Is the material sustainable?
D = durable
Will the material last?
Materials we actively promote.
Materials we like to use.
Materials we use.
Materials we try to avoid.
Materials we advocate against.
tile
Tile is a system of thin manufactured wall components that fit together to form hard-wearing surface. Options include ceramic, stone, metal, baked clay, or glass.
ceramic (glazed)
H — Natural materials that are chemically inert, won't absorb bacteria or odors, offered a wide range of designs, colors, and patterns, easy to clean with non-toxic cleaners.
C — Glazed tiles undergo an additional firing process adding a layer of liquid glass, does not release toxins into the environment, can be made with recycled content, domestic manufacturing available.
D — Resistant to moisture and staining, less durable than porcelain, especially in flooring applications, lower porosity products may require sealing and high maintenance.
porcelain
H — Chemically inert, resistant to bacteria growth and odors, highly versatile, easy to clean and maintain.
C — Made from a mix of higher-grade clays and fired at more extreme temperatures than ceramic, high embodied energy, very long lasting and material can be recycled.
D — Harder, denser, more durable, less porous than ceramic tile, more resistant to water, stains, and scratches than natural stone, will not freeze, fade or crack, appropriate for high traffic areas and exterior applications.
natural stone
H — Doesn’t attract allergens or dust, cleans easily, natural, elegant look, chemical sealers pose an interior health concern when required, options include marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and slate.
C — Naturally quarried product with varied environmental and ethical concerns linked to extraction methods, natural stone is a finite resource, can be recycled or returned to the earth at end of life.
D — Durable and can withstand heavy traffic areas, brittle and can chip easier than porcelain, varying levels of porosity, some natural stones require frequent sealing to prevent staining and water damage.
glass
H — Easy to clean, impervious to water, resistant to mold, mildew, or bacteria growth, slippery when wet and not appropriate for bathroom or shower floors.
C — A high percentage of material sourced from waste and discarded glass, which can be recycled into new strong tile, and can be recycled again at end of life.
D — Non-porous, appropriate for wet applications, prone to scratching and chipping over porcelain, very resistant to staining, reflective surface highlights imperfections and requires regular maintenance.
terracotta (unglazed)
H — Warm-looking with natural feel underfoot, limited color options, slip resistant, sealers are needed for many applications and may have health concerns, more difficult to clean due to rougher texture.
C — Made of natural materials, lower embodied energy compared to higher fired tiles, carbon footprint depends greatly on manufacturing practices and transportation distance.
D — Porus, subject to staining, require protective sealer for water absorption and staining, scratch resistant, prone to cracking.
metal
H — Healthy finished product, easy to clean, may feel cold underfoot, textures range from brushed, polished, matte, or textured, options include stainless steel, aluminum, copper, bronze, chrome, and nickel.
C — Energy intensive manufacturing, extraction may have significant environmental concerns, including habitat disruption, soil erosion, and water pollution, highly recyclable material.
D — Non-porous and easier to maintain than natural stone, prone to denting and scratching, can withstand high temperatures, suitable for wet areas near kitchen appliances.
cement
H — Final product inert and does not release any harmful chemicals, versatile with a wider range of available colors and patterns.
C — Composed of natural materials and pigments, cured using hydraulic pressure instead of high-fired kilns, completely recyclable at end of life.
D — Strong and durable yet also very porous and susceptible to staining from grout or sitting water, require regular sealing, and may patina over time.
resin
H — Synthetic composition, do not provide the same beauty or draw as natural tile, resins used in tiles include polyester, polyurethane, and epoxy, not appropriate for a healthy home.
C — Production involves chemical processes or synthetic materials, environmental implications vary depending on manufacturing practices and materials used, not appropriate for a conscious home.
D — Durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, suitable for high-traffic areas, resistant to chemical damage, susceptible to damage from high temperatures or UV radiation.
vinyl
H — Synthetic chemicals including dioxins and phthalates pose a health risk during production, transportation, and outgassing during and after installation, not appropriate for a healthy home.
C — Use of polyvinyl chloride is a significant health and ecosystem concerns and should be avoided in construction specifications, not long lasting, not recyclable, not appropriate for a conscious home.
D — Entirely immune to water damage, but the many seams between tiles can allow water to seep down between tiles, not resistant to heat or scratching.
grout
Grout is a dense fluid mortar set between individual tiles which hardens to fill gaps and bind the tiles to the substrate. Options include cementitious, epoxy, furan, or polyurethane.
cementitious
H — Generally the least toxic grout option, some offgasing while wet but safe once cured, important to spec zero-VOC products without mildewcides or antimicrobials.
C — Polymer additives included in grout mixtures to add strength, antimicrobial, or other properties vary greatly in their composition associated environmental and ethical concerns.
D — Affordable, durable, and widely used, sanded and unsanded varieties for different tile joint sizes, resistant to stains and water when properly sealed, is more porous than latex modified or epoxy alternatives.
latex modified
H — Increased offgasing potential over cementitious grout, mild skin irritation or respiratory discomfort due to exposure during application, internet once cured.
C — Water-based with fewer volatile organic compounds than epoxy grout, some environmental concerns around the production of synthetic additives.
D — Increased flexibility, adhesion, color retention, and durability over cementitious grout, reduced cracking and improved resistance to water and common household chemicals.
epoxy
H — Requires precise mixing on site, difficult to clean up before it sets, potential skin irritation or respiratory issues due to exposure to its chemicals during mixing and application, inert once installed.
C — Production process involving synthetic chemicals and potential contributions to pollution if not disposed of properly, not recyclable.
D — Exceptional durability, nonporous, resists stains, moisture, and chemical damage, long-lasting with minimal maintenance, good color retention, appropriate for high-moisture areas, does not require sealing.
polyurethane
H — Easier to apply than epoxy grout, off gases VOCs during installation, respiratory health concerns, protective gear should be worn by installers to protect eyes, skin, and lungs.
C — Petroleum-based product, production involves harmful chemicals including di-isocyanates, requires proper disposal to prevent harmful impacts to local ecosystems, not recyclable.
D — The nonporous nature of the grout also improves the resistance to water, stains, and mold growth, resistant to chemicals, cracking, and crumbling, less durable than epoxy.
furan
H — Releases noxious vapors, avoid inhalation during mixing and installation, requires careful handling and adequate ventilation, recommended professional installation, not commonly used in residential applications.
C — Manufacturing involves hazardous chemicals and the need for proper disposal due to its non-biodegradable nature, not recyclable, not appropriate for a conscious house.
D — Resistant to abrasion, stains, moisture, acids, and other chemicals, high physical strength, can withstand exposure to high temperatures, appropriate applications with high exposure to oils and chemicals.