Licensed Tile & Stone in Appleton, WI

Properly installed ceramic and porcelain tile flooring can last 50 to 75 years or more. Natural stone tile can last even longer with proper sealing and maintenance. The weak point is typically the grout, which may need resealing or repair every 10 to 15 years. Installation quality is the biggest factor in tile longevity.

Porcelain tile is made from denser, finer clay fired at higher temperatures, making it harder, less porous, and more durable than standard ceramic tile. Porcelain is better suited for high-traffic areas, outdoor installations, and wet environments. Ceramic tile is typically less expensive and easier to cut, making it suitable for walls, backsplashes, and lighter-traffic floors.

Yes, most natural stone requires sealing before and after grouting, then periodic resealing every 1 to 3 years depending on the stone type and location. Marble, limestone, and travertine are particularly porous and require more frequent sealing. Granite and slate are denser and need less frequent treatment. Your installer should seal stone tiles as part of the installation.

Tile and grout are not waterproof. Without a proper waterproof membrane behind shower tile, water penetrates through grout joints and reaches the substrate, causing mold growth, wood rot, structural damage, and eventual tile failure. Modern waterproofing systems like Schluter Kerdi and Laticrete Hydro Ban create a reliable moisture barrier that protects the structure.

In some cases, yes, if the existing tile is well-bonded, level, and structurally sound. The surface must be abraded for adhesion. However, this adds height which affects transitions, door clearances, and fixtures. It also adds weight that the subfloor must support. In wet areas, it is generally better to remove old tile and install a fresh waterproof system.