Choosing tile at a showroom is exciting. Living with the wrong tile in Arizona is not. After years of restoring, repairing, and replacing tile in Arizona homes, we have strong opinions about what works and what does not. This guide comes from the restoration side of the business, where we see the long-term consequences of tile choices every day.
Arizona Climate Challenges Every Tile Must Survive
- Summer surface temperatures exceeding 150 degrees on exterior tile
- Daily temperature swings of 30-50 degrees causing expansion and contraction
- Extremely hard water (15-25 grains) leaving mineral deposits
- Fine, abrasive desert dust that scratches soft surfaces
- Intense UV radiation that fades colors and degrades sealers
- Monsoon moisture followed by extreme drying cycles
Porcelain Tile: The Low-Maintenance Champion
Porcelain tile is the most practical choice for most Arizona homes. Full-body porcelain (where color runs throughout the tile) handles Arizona conditions with minimal maintenance. It resists scratching from desert dust, does not need sealing, handles thermal stress well, and cleans easily even with hard water.
Travertine: Beautiful But High-Maintenance
Travertine is the quintessential Arizona floor. It looks stunning and stays cool underfoot. But it requires regular sealing, is vulnerable to acidic spills and hard water etching, and needs professional maintenance to keep looking its best. If you love the look and are willing to invest in maintenance, travertine is a beautiful choice.
Marble: Luxury That Demands Care
Marble is the most maintenance-intensive tile for Arizona homes. It etches from acidic substances, stains easily, scratches from desert dust, and requires frequent professional polishing. Beautiful in low-traffic areas like master bathrooms, but problematic for kitchens, entryways, and high-traffic zones.
Saltillo Tile: Authentic But Demanding
Saltillo brings authentic Southwest character but demands the most maintenance of any tile type. It requires periodic stripping and resealing, stains easily, and chips more than harder materials. Choose Saltillo for its character, but budget for ongoing professional care.
Our Recommendations by Room
- Kitchens: Large format porcelain (12x24 or larger) with rectified edges and minimal grout lines
- Bathrooms: Porcelain or natural stone with professional anti-slip treatment
- Living areas: Travertine for luxury homes willing to maintain; porcelain for low-maintenance preference
- Entryways: Full-body porcelain or textured stone for durability and slip resistance
- Pool decks: Travertine pavers or textured porcelain rated for wet areas
- Covered patios: Travertine or Saltillo for character; porcelain for practicality
Before choosing tile, visit a restoration company (like us) and ask to see examples of your chosen tile type after 5, 10, and 15 years of Arizona conditions. What looks perfect in a showroom may tell a very different story after years of desert life.