Texture can be both visual and tactile — from color, line, and shape to smooth, rough, fuzzy, and soft. In the world of design, texture is what gives a surface — and a space — layers of intrigue and interest.
There are many types of texture in design — this is a category that extends way beyond upholstery and fabrics. It even includes tile.
From tumbled marble and other natural stones with their soft, timeworn edges to handmade zellige and even tiles with wood texture, textured tile spans a range of materials and styles. What they share is a sense of authenticity — a feeling that the tile has a story to tell.
That’s because when you run your hand across a textured tile, you get a sense for more than just the surface — you feel the organic quality of nature mixed with expert craftsmanship and rich history.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the beauty of textured tile and cover everything you need to know — including what it is, where to use it, installation tips and advice (DIY and professional!), maintenance, and where to find the right textured tile for your space.
What Is Textured Tile?
Textured tile generally refers to any tile with a raised, indented, or irregular plane — anything that adds tactile depth and visual interest beyond a polished, glossy surface.
At Riad Tile, texture often takes the form of natural stone. Our tumbled collections — featuring limestone, marble, Brazilian slate, and Moroccan stone — are all about texture you can see and feel. Each tile bears subtle irregularities, soft edges, and a slightly matte surface that diffuses light in a gentle, organic way.
Types of Textured Tile
There are so many ways that texture can show up in tile. And depending on the material and finish, the look and feel can vary dramatically — from rustic to refined. Here are some of the most common types of textured tile.
Tumbled Natural Stone
Perhaps the most iconic example of textured tile is tumbled stone, which is made by literally tumbling pieces of marble, limestone, or travertine in a drum with water and abrasives.
The result is a soft, weathered surface with rounded edges and a matte finish. This texture makes stone look as though it’s been worn smooth over centuries, lending instant old-world authenticity and charm.
This natural stone is ever-so-versatile; its tumbled quality brings rustic warmth, and its signature veining contributes an earthy refinement that never goes out of style.
Tumbled Marble: A little weathered and distressed yet classically elegant and full of history, tumbled marble tiles stand in contrast to standard honed marble, which is more polished and shinier.
That said, this variety of marble adds such a beautiful and soft, natural look to the space of your dreams.
Travertine: Travertine is a type of limestone that can be polished or tumbled.
When served up in fluted, cabochon mosaics and oval shapes, the travertine's texture is undeniably impactful and attention-grabbing.
Brazilian Slate: While not tumbled, the Brazilian Slate collection still brings a hint of raw texture. It’s sourced directly from the quarries of Southeast Brazil — a material renowned worldwide for its durability and versatility.
Available in black and grey, this slate is a beautiful choice for projects of all sizes and aesthetics.
Handmade Tiles
Handmade tiles convey texture with their organic, imperfect surfaces. Each piece varies slightly in size, thickness, and glaze, which adds movement and depth.
Zellige: Zellige is a type of handmade, authentic Moroccan tile crafted using methods from ancient Moroccan tradition.
It’s characterized by its irregularities and imperfections. And this is what gives the tiles their iconic textured look — even in their glazed form.
The tile reflects the subtleties of light and shadow, which only adds to the experience of texture. The unglazed, natural terracotta versions of zellige are less visually reflective, yet they really bring texture to the surface.
Dimensional Tile: Artisan ceramic tiles with dimensional relief patterns are miniature sculptures in their own right. As such, they bring a dose of artistry anywhere they are used.
Plus, the range of colors from neutral white textured tiles to saturated shades of blue, pink, and green makes them particularly delightful.
Tiles with Wood Texture
Modern technology has allowed manufacturers to imprint realistic textures onto porcelain and ceramic tiles. Tiles with wood texture combine the warmth of natural grain with the practicality of tile — meaning, it’s waterproof, durable, and low-maintenance. This type of textured tile is particularly popular for spaces like bathrooms, where the desired look may be the warmth of wood, yet the practicality of tile is necessary.
Why Choose Textured Tile?
A textured surface is experiential — it brings an extra layer of visual interest to your space while contributing an organic richness. But it’s not only about how the tile makes your space look; it’s also about how it resonates underfoot as you walk across a bathroom floor — or how it feels as you run your hand across a backsplash's texture or a countertop.
Delivers Character and Warmth
Texture is an instant mood-setter. While smooth finishes can feel too polished at times, textured surfaces add time-honored character and depth. Whether it’s the subtle variation of tumbled stone, the artistic vibe of dimensional tile, or the handcrafted imperfection of white textured tiles, each space becomes unique and inviting as a result.
Offers Grip and Safety
In areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and patios, a little textured grip goes a long way. Unlike honed and polished stones — which are glossy and beautiful but can be precarious when wet — textured tile offers a naturally slip-resistant surface. So, it’s ideal for spaces where water enters the equation.
Hides Dirt and Imperfections
Sometimes highly polished tiles — especially in lighter colors — can really show the slightest hint of dirt. Any wear and tear can also be highly apparent over time. Yet, textured finishes tend to disguise dust, footprints, and any natural wear. This is one reason they are especially practical for high-traffic areas like entryways and kitchens — and even spaces like mudrooms.
Brings Design Versatility
Textured tile is really a team player in the world of interior design. It melds beautifully with many aesthetic styles — from traditional to transitional and beyond — and it also matches well with other textures, as well as smooth finishes.
It also serves as an essential tool for creating contrast — an element central to design, especially in modern and contemporary looks. For example, a backsplash tiles’ texture juxtaposed against sleek and smooth quartz counters creates a perfect visual balance.
Design Ideas for Textured Tile
Texture elevates every surface — so whether you’re craving a cozy retreat or a modern statement, textured tile brings a literal and figurative touch that ties everything together.
Kitchen Obsession
Light, shadow, and stone come together in harmony in this kitchen that serves up texture galore. Beige Travertine Fluted Mosaic Tile lends soft movement and calm sophistication to this contemporary Japandi design.
Backsplash Beauty
This kitchen backsplash is a feast for the eyes. Riad Tile’s Beige Travertine Cabochon Pencil Mosaic’s bring organic warmth, depth, and character.
It also lends a sense of permanence to the changes of light throughout the day in this charming space.
Shower Power
This breezy shower may be the closest alternative to showering in the great outdoors. The texture of the Unglazed Natural Terracotta 2"x6" Thin Bejmat Zellige brings those outside vibes in — yet this tile is still efficient for a shower.
Floor Goals
Riad Tile's Moroccan stone delivers the warmth of nature underfoot, pairing seamlessly with every golden hue in this utility room. The Akal Dark 4"x12"x3/4" Moroccan Limestone (Tumbled and Honed) tile — laid in a herringbone pattern — ensures the floor is not an afterthought but foundational to the design.
Another way to bring the enchantment of tumbled tile to the floor is with Casablanca Carrara marble, which goes with anything and everything. While it integrates with almost any aesthetic, it’s far from ordinary as the intricate grey veining and subtle variations bring the 12"x12" floor tile to life.
How to Install Textured Tile
While you can absolutely install textured tile yourself, it often requires a little more care — and a lot more know-how — than smooth surfaces. The uneven surfaces mean that cutting the tile can be trickier — and that grout can settle differently. So, patience and attention to detail will be paramount for all the DIY weekend warriors who love a project.
DIY Installation Tips
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Prepare your surface. Make sure it’s clean, level, and dry before you begin.
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Lay out your tile: Before you adhere your tile to the surface, it can be helpful to lay it out so you can ensure you like the visual patterns that are created from the textures.
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Use spacers. Even slight irregularities in tile size or shape can add up — spacers ensure consistent lines.
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Apply thinset mortar carefully. Use a notched trowel to evenly spread adhesive.
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Work in small sections. This keeps the mortar from drying before you place the textured tiles.
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Grout with care. If you’re wondering how to grout textured tile, the answer is “very carefully”! Apply grout diagonally with a rubber float, pressing it into joints at an angle. Work in small sections and wipe away any excess grout quickly with a damp sponge, as residue can cling to the tile’s texture and raised edges, and it can be very difficult to remove. If you do notice residue clinging to the tile texture, a diluted vinegar solution (for non-stone tiles) or specialized stone-safe cleaner can remove haze without harming the finish.
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Seal the stone. Textured tiles should always be sealed after installation to protect against moisture and stains, especially given their uneven surfaces that can attract mildew more readily.
When to Hire a Professional
If you’re new to tiling and DIY projects, consider hiring a professional. Even if you are a seasoned DIYer, you may want to bring in the experts, especially for large rooms, intricate patterns, or heavy stone. In these cases, a professional installer is 100% worth it.
They will ensure that every edge and every line is straight and that the overall effect of your textured tile is visually cohesive. This is important because tumbled natural stone tiles can vary in size and thickness.
Care and Cleaning of Textured Tiles
Maintaining and cleaning textured floor tiles isn’t complicated — but it does take the right tools and tips. Here are some of the basic things to know about how to clean textured floor tiles as well as showers, backsplashes, and more:
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Sweep or vacuum regularly. This prevents dirt from settling into the grooves or pores of your textured tile.
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Spot-clean promptly. Make sure to wipe up any spills promptly to prevent staining.
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Clean tile with warm water and mild pH-neutral solutions. Harsh cleaning products — like acid-based solutions or bleach — can damage natural stone and other textured tiles. Stick to pH-neutral products.
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Use a soft brush for deep cleaning. A nylon-bristle brush can help lift dirt from the tile texture, as well as the grout lines, without scratching or dulling the surface.
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Dry with a soft towel. Because excessive dampness or standing water that’s left on the tile can dull the finish over time, it’s essential to dry the tile after use and cleaning.
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Reseal regularly. Natural stone and tumbled finishes should be resealed regularly — every one to two years — depending on traffic and the tiles’ exposure to water and other elements.
Pro tip: Consider testing your cleaning solution on an extra tile before applying it to the rest, just to ensure it doesn’t harm the tile.
When you know how to clean textured floor tiles and all your textured tile surfaces properly, the tile will age gracefully, acquiring even more patina and character over time.
Where to Buy Textured Tile
Texture is more than a visual choice — it’s a sensory experience. Whether you’re designing a spa-inspired bathroom retreat, a charming kitchen that’s a cook’s dream, or an inviting outdoor space, textured tile is eye candy that invites touch, movement, and light.
If you’re ready to bring that kind of depth and dimension into your home, look no further than Riad Tile’s curated selection of high-quality, textured tile options. Each tile tells its own unique story of craftsmanship and timeless design.
At Riad, we welcome designers, homeowners, and contractors alike — and we're happy to provide samples on-site. Among Dallas tile stores and across the country, we boast some of the lowest prices. You can find our showroom at 5200 E. Grand Avenue #520, Dallas, TX 75223.
If you’re not local to Dallas, you can browse our complete collections of tiles online — and they are all available for nationwide shipping straight to your door. You can order samples directly from our product pages, too.
Need help choosing or wondering what textured tile to choose? Contact us anytime — or feel free to request a sample today! We're here to assist with design ideas, product details, and ordering support.
