The Foundation of Every Great Remodel
At Summit Signature Kitchen & Bath, we help Knoxville homeowners choose finishes that are both beautiful and practical, starting with one of the most impactful design elements: tile.
Tile defines the tone, texture, and personality of your remodel. Whether you’re updating a spa-inspired bathroom or modernizing your kitchen backsplash, the right tile transforms a space from functional to exceptional.
Understanding Tile Materials: Ceramic, Porcelain, and Natural Stone
Not all tile is created equal. Each material has its own strengths, costs, and maintenance needs.
Ceramic Tile
Best for: Bathroom walls, low-traffic floors, backsplashes
Pros: Affordable, easy to clean, widely available in many colors and textures
Cons: Softer and slightly more porous than porcelain
Maintenance: No sealing required
Ceramic is a go-to choice for many bathroom remodel projects—it’s lightweight, classic, and budget-friendly.
Porcelain Tile
Best for: High-traffic floors, shower walls, kitchen floors
Pros: Extremely durable, dense, water-resistant, easy to clean
Cons: Slightly more expensive; can be harder to cut
Maintenance: Virtually none
Porcelain is ideal for kitchen remodel and bathroom remodel flooring alike—especially where durability and moisture resistance are priorities.
Natural Stone Tile (Marble, Travertine, Slate, etc.)
Best for: Feature walls, luxury bathrooms, high-end kitchens
Pros: Timeless beauty, unique veining and color variations
Cons: Porous, requires sealing, higher installation cost
Maintenance: Seal every 1–2 years
Stone tile brings unmatched luxury to your kitchen renovation Knoxville homes, but it does require ongoing care to preserve its beauty.
Where to Use Tile in Your Remodel
In the Bathroom
Shower Walls: Use porcelain or ceramic with accent tile strips or niche backs.
Shower Floors: Choose small mosaic tiles (like 2″x2″) for proper drainage.
Floors: Ceramic or porcelain for easy maintenance.
Trim: Use bullnose edges or Schluter metal trim for clean, polished finishes.
In the Kitchen
Backsplashes: Use ceramic or porcelain for simple cleanup and endless style.
Floors: Porcelain or luxury vinyl tile for durability and moisture resistance.
Accent Walls: Consider natural stone or textured porcelain for added depth.
Tile Layout and Design Tips
Mix textures: Pair matte and glossy finishes for subtle contrast.
Add accent lines: Horizontal or vertical borders break up solid walls beautifully.
Plan your edges: Decide early between bullnose, pencil tile, or Schluter trim.
Consider color: Neutral tones open up smaller rooms; darker shades add warmth and contrast.
Knoxville Tile Vendors We Recommend
As a local remodeling contractor serving West Knoxville, we’ve partnered with several trusted suppliers who offer excellent selection and service:
Floor & Decor – Cedar Bluff
(Large inventory, great prices, designers available for consultations)
The Tile Shop – Kingston Pike
(Ask for Adam or David for a Summit Signature customer discount)
Exact Tile & Design
(Boutique tile selections and expert design advice)
Tile Sensations
(Curated, unique tile lines for custom spaces)
Need help choosing?
The design teams at the above vendors can review samples, check your selections, and ensure proper coordination between tile, cabinets, and countertops.
You can also check out our gallery of recent projects to gather inspiration!
Maintaining and Protecting Your Tile Investment
A little maintenance keeps your tile looking new:
Wipe down shower walls weekly to prevent soap buildup.
Reseal natural stone surfaces every 12–24 months.
Use neutral pH cleaners and avoid acidic products.
Check grout lines regularly for wear and reseal as needed.
Why Knoxville Homeowners Trust Summit Signature
At Summit Signature Kitchen & Bath, we combine design expertise, craftsmanship, and trusted local partnerships to make remodeling easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel or kitchen renovation in Knoxville, our experienced team will guide you through every step—from material selection to final installation.
Ready to start your remodel?
Schedule your consultation today.