Tile & Ceramic Flooring
Tile is one of the most durable and long-lasting flooring options available. A well-installed tile floor can outlast every other flooring type in the home. At Carpet Barn, we carry ceramic and porcelain tile at our New Cumberland showroom . We also have access to a much larger special order catalog for customers who want something specific. We have been helping Central PA homeowners with tile since 1974, . Our team will help you sort through the options and find the right product for your project.
Not all tile performs the same, and not all tile suits every room. Our staff will help you understand the key differences, steer you toward the right format for your space, and connect you with installation.
Tile Types We Carry
Tile covers a broader range of products than most customers initially expect. Here is a breakdown of the main tile formats available at Carpet Barn:
Ceramic Tile
Made from natural clay fired at high temperatures. A reliable, budget-friendly option for walls and moderate-traffic floors. Softer and slightly more porous than porcelain, which makes it easier to cut and work with. Best suited for interior residential floors and wall applications.
Porcelain Tile
A denser, harder version of ceramic tile fired at higher temperatures. More water resistant, more scratch resistant, and more durable underfoot. The preferred choice for bathroom floors, kitchen floors, entryways, and any area that sees heavy traffic or regular moisture.
Stone-Look Pocelain
Porcelain tile printed to replicate marble, slate, travertine, or natural stone. Gives you the visual warmth of natural stone without the high maintenance and cost. A popular choice for bathroom floors and shower surrounds.
Wood-Look Tile
Porcelain tile manufactured to replicate the grain and color of wood planks. A practical solution for bathrooms and kitchens where real hardwood is not suitable. Waterproof and durable with a warm, wood-like appearance.
Large Format Tile
Tiles in larger sizes, typically 18×18 or larger, up to 24×48 and beyond. Creates a cleaner look with fewer grout lines and a more spacious feel. Requires a very flat subfloor and careful installation to avoid uneven tile edges.
Specialty Tile and Special Order
Mosaic, decorative, encaustic, and other specialty tile available through our special order catalog. If you have something specific in mind that we do not stock in-store, ask us. We have access to a wide range of manufacturers and can source most tile types.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain: Which One Is Right for You?
The ceramic vs. porcelain question comes up in nearly every tile conversation we have with customers. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide:
| Ceramic Tile | Porcelain Tile | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Absorption | Higher. Better suited for dry areas and walls | Lower. Better for wet areas and all floor applications |
| Hardness | Softer. Easier to cut on-site | Harder. Requires a wet saw and more precision |
| Durability | Good for residential floors and walls | Excellent for high-traffic floors and wet areas |
| Cost | Generally less expensive per square foot | Slightly higher cost, but longer lasting |
| Best Uses | Walls, backsplashes, dry residential floors | Bathroom floors, kitchens, entryways, laundry rooms |
If you are not sure which one fits your project, stop by the showroom or give us a call. We will talk through the room, the traffic level, and the look you are going for to help you land on the right choice.
Where Tile Flooring Works Best
Tile performs exceptionally well in rooms where moisture, heavy traffic, or easy cleaning are priorities. Here is where Central PA homeowners use it most:
Bathrooms
Tile is the standard choice for bathroom floors and shower surrounds. It is fully waterproof, handles steam and humidity, and is easy to wipe clean. Porcelain on the floor and ceramic on the walls is a common and practical combination.
Kitchens
Kitchen floors see daily spills, dropped items, and heavy traffic. Large format porcelain tile gives kitchens a clean, open look that holds up to the abuse. Easy to mop and maintain over years of regular use.
Entryways
One of the highest-traffic areas in any home. Tile handles mud, snow, and wet boots without absorbing moisture or showing wear as quickly as softer flooring. A slip-resistant porcelain is the smart choice here.
Laundry Rooms
Moisture and occasional flooding are no problem for tile. Low square footage keeps the project cost reasonable. Easy to mop aggressively without worrying about damage to the floor.
Mudrooms
Similar demands to entryways but often with even heavier use from kids, pets, and outdoor gear. A textured porcelain tile with a darker grout keeps the space practical and looking good longer.
Basements
Tile bonds directly to concrete subfloors, making it one of the few flooring types that goes down over bare concrete without underlayment concerns. Handles any moisture that comes through the slab better than wood or carpet.
In-Stock Tile and Special Order Options
We keep an in-stock selection of ceramic and porcelain tile at our New Cumberland showroom. Our in-stock tile lets you see the actual product in natural light before you commit, and move forward quickly on projects with standard sizing.
For customers who want a specific look, size, or format not available in our showroom, we offer special order access through our manufacturer and distributor network. Special orders cover a much wider range of tile options. Ask our team about availability and lead times when you stop in.
A Few Things to Know Before You Buy Tile
Tile is a longer-term commitment than carpet or vinyl. Getting it right starts with understanding a few basics before you choose a product:
- Subfloor prep is critical. Tile does not flex. Any movement in the subfloor transfers directly to the grout lines and eventually to the tile itself. Flat, dry, and structurally sound are non-negotiable before tile goes down.
- Grout color matters more than people expect. The grout line is a visual element, not just a gap-filler. Lighter grout shows dirt more readily. Darker grout hides everyday use but can look heavy in smaller spaces. Our team can help you think through this before you choose.
- Size affects the feel of the room. Larger tiles make a small room feel bigger by reducing the number of grout lines. Smaller mosaic or accent tiles add visual texture but require more labor to install properly.
- Slip resistance is worth asking about. Not all tile has the same surface texture. In wet areas like bathrooms and entryways, look for tile with a higher slip resistance rating, particularly for floor applications.
- Professional installation makes a real difference. Tile installation requires precise layout, proper setting techniques, and careful grouting. An experienced installer produces a noticeably cleaner result than a rushed or inexperienced one.
Professional Tile Installation Available
Every tile product we carry can be professionally installed by our experienced team. We handle subfloor preparation, layout planning, setting, and grouting. A thorough subfloor assessment is part of every tile installation we do. Every job comes with a 1-year workmanship warranty and a free estimate.
Tile Flooring Available Throughout Central PA
Our New Cumberland showroom serves homeowners across Central PA. We sell and install tile in Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Enola, Shiremanstown, Lower Allen Township, Wormleysburg, Steelton, Lewisberry, York Haven, and Dillsburg. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call.
Come See Our Tile Selection in Person
Stop by our showroom at 505 Park Rd., New Cumberland, PA 17070 to see our in-stock tile selection and browse samples. Our team will walk you through the differences between ceramic and porcelain, help you think through sizing and grout choices, and connect you with installation. No pressure, no obligation.
Feel free to give us a call at 717-938-1609 We are happy to answer any tile and flooring questions and set up a free estimate!