Metal Tile
Metal tiles don't just have a metallic finish; they're actually made of copper, stainless steel, brass, or even iron.

Beautiful but expensive and difficult to cut, they are usually used as occasional accents, such as in the tiled kitchen backsplash and hood shown above. Some types may rust or discolor if exposed to moisture.

Glass Tile
Correctly installed, glass tiles are strong enough for most wall installations. (Some types are even installed on floors.) They can be nearly transparent, almost totally opaque, milky, or smoky. Colors may be pastel or bright.

Available textures include glassy, pebbly, and craggy. Glass is by nature impervious to moisture, so these tiles are ideal for areas that get wet.

Depending on the glass tile's texture, you may be able to install them with organic mastic, latex-reinforced thinset mortar, or epoxy thinset. Whichever adhesive you choose, make sure it's white; gray or brown adhesive will muddy the color. Consult with your dealer to find the best grout.