Have you had a chance to explore WhyTile.com? Since we updated this article in 2018, the site has added several new features that are sure to inspire you! So, if you haven't yet, you'll definitely want to. And, if you haven't recently, then you'll enjoy what's new.
What is WhyTile.com?
Why Tile℠ is the tile industry's first-ever industry-wide consumer-focused initiative designed to educate about and inspire the use of tile in North America. It gathers all of the information you need to make the choice for tile a clear and easy one.
Under the coordination of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), WhyTile.com represents a marketing and educational effort with input from various industry organizations including the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA), the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), the Tile Contractors Association of America, and the Tile Heritage Foundation (THF), in addition to manufacturers worldwide.
WhyTile.com in 2019
A Brief History of Tile
Tile has a rich history, dating back thousands of years in areas around the world. A quick visit to Tile on Wikipedia illustrates that point with stunning tile designs made from ceramic, glass, stone as well as metal from areas such as Ancient Mesopotamia, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Israel, Turkey, Iran, Morocco, and Mexico starting over 2000 years ago.
Many of those stylistic influences continue today, while new tile manufacturing and printing techniques create stunning products that mimic other surfaces, including natural ones.
>> See Timeless Tile Installations That Delight the Senses
Why Tile presents you with magnificent examples of historic tile installations as you explore the heritage of tile.
Were You Aware of these Benefits of Tile?
Did you know that tile is not just a practical solution for a floor or a wall but also an aesthetically pleasing one that contributes to a healthy space?
It's also infinitely customizable and sustainable.
>> See What's an Ideal Sustainable Building Material? Tile, Of Course!
WhyTile details these and other lesser-known facts about the benefits of tile when you explore healthy spaces.
You'll find information about how healthy tile is: it's made from natural ingredients and free from toxic chemicals, making your home healthy from the floor up.
From a safety perspective, many tile styles come in slip-resistant finishes and textures. Tile is non-flammable, too, meaning that it doesn't produce smoke in a fire, reduces flame spread, and doesn't burn while giving off toxic fumes. In tile, you'll find:
- Zero allergens
- Zero VOCs
- Zero formaldehyde
- Zero PVC
The Why Tile Website
When you visit WhyTile.com you'll find magnificent images and ample educational information.
The content is organized into four main sections focused on Healthy Spaces, Tile Style, Easy Care, and Heritage. There's also a Commercial Guide section.
Let's explore each one.
The versatility of designing with tile
As this section highlights, "endless finishes await, from timeless elegance to top trends" with tile. In Tile Style, you'll discover the versatility of designing with tile.
You'll find information about the different types of tile available and a robust and stimulating Inspiration Gallery where you can search on residential and commercial installations, installations in specific industries, types of projects, different tile styles, decors, and even by color. You'll definitely get drawn into the many spectacular images...
- Check out the tile ideas for kitchen, bath, living, outdoor, and commercial installations.
- Feast your eyes on several dramatic installations
- Then, go check out the Design Gallery.
The WhyTile Design Gallery
This section offers you hundreds of inspirational images. You can filter based on:
- Residential or Commercial
- Industries
- Projects
- Tile Styles
- Decor
- Colors
When you find looks you love, pin them to Pinterest, share them on Facebook or Twitter, or explore them in intense detail.
Be sure to download a two-page document titled "Tile Patterns," featuring 60 different tile installation patterns to use indoors and out.
Easy care of tile
In Easy Care, you'll find how easily tile is cleaned and maintained, as well as how durable it is in standing up to everyday life. As this section states, "Ceramic tile is low-maintenance, moisture-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant, so whatever life throws on your surfaces, you’re ready."
You'll find information about stain resistance, water resistance, scratch resistance, fire resistance, and even how tile prevents bacterial growth!
This section also describes the durability of tile, how to care for it, and offers a downloadable one-page resource with tile maintenance tips.
Create healthy spaces with tile
For many homeowners, indoor air quality matters a great deal. When it comes to creating those healthy spaces, tile is the natural choice. Why tile? As this section explains, it's "made from natural ingredients and free from toxic chemicals, ceramic tile makes your home healthy from the floor up."
In Healthy Spaces, you'll learn more about what makes tile healthy, safe, and sustainable, including:
- Healthy spaces and flooring
- Hygiene guides
- Sustainability guide
By the way, did you know that tile is energy efficient? Definitely check out this section where you'll find information about cost savings.
Be on the lookout for Ceramic Tile's low environmental footprint and download one of four EPDs available.
You can download a document explaining about Green Squared®, the world's only multi-attribute sustainability performance standard and certification program for tile and all the associated installation products.
The heritage of tile
In Heritage, you'll gain a better perspective for the history of tile. As this section says,
"The history of ceramic tile extends to nearly every culture of the world. Social, political, and economic forces have influenced tile over the centuries, and in turn, tile has lent its versatile style and functionality to our greatest historical buildings and most treasured icons. The fact that numerous early tile constructions still exist is a testament to ceramic tile’s durability."
This section has been beautifully expanded since the site launched.
WhyTile.com in 2019
It even includes remarkable tile installations such as the Nebraska State Capitol, Union Terminal, the Faces of Petaluma, and more.
Other Why Tile Resources
When you explore WhyTile.com, you'll find a section about buying tile and how to plan your project, with details such as:
- Where will you put the tile?
- What's your budget?
- What's your style?
- Pick a pattern
- Don't forget the grout
- How much tile will you need? A simple calculator
- How to find the best installer - including the CTEF Certified Tile Installer locator to find a qualified tile installer in your area by zip code.
The WhyTile.Com Blog
Check out the WhyTile.com blog. It features interesting articles such as:
>> Increase the Resale Value of Your Home by Focusing on Just These Two Rooms
>> The Complete Guide to Bathroom Tile
>> Ceramic Tile’s Answer to the Plastic Problem
New Commercial Guide to Specifying Tile
If you're in the A&D (Architecture & Design) business, you'll now find tools, resources, and case studies on WhyTile.com in the Commercial Guide section.
Tools offer inspiration for tile projects in several distinct industries, different design projects,
The Resource Library includes references about tile terms and definitions, lifecycle impact, sustainability guides, and valuable EPDs related to the tile industry.
Case studies detail specific installations, the tile used, and why tile was selected for the project.
Are You Ready to Explore WhyTile?
Are you considering using tile in your new home or remodeling project? Be sure to explore WhyTile.
Please share your comments and/or questions in the Comments Box below. 
Note: This article was originally published on August 15, 2017, and has been further updated.