Tile is one of the most versatile building materials for your home. They are not just for walls and floors, you can use them for decoration, protection or other less common applications. Since they are lightweight and easy to install, anyone can work with mosaic for a wide range of home improvements. Here are five places around the house that can benefit from tile applications.

Worktop: Ceramic tile is one of the most common materials for kitchen countertops. Because it is hard and waterproof, it holds up extremely well to the damp and often humid environment of the kitchen. If you’re busy, you’ll also like its low-maintenance nature; a quick clean from time to time is usually all it takes.

splash guard: The backsplash protects your walls from spills coming from the sink and counter. Almost all backsplashes are made from tile due to its natural resistance to water. Some people prefer stone or marble, but since it’s more of an accessory, it’s not practical to splurge on expensive materials. You can use the same tile design as your countertop or choose a contrasting color for a stronger effect.

Flat: Tile is one of the cheapest flooring options, especially when compared to popular materials like hardwood and marble. Most tiles can withstand heavy use in living rooms and the heat and humidity of bathrooms. Best of all, it’s easy to install—you don’t need a lot of prior experience to lay a tile on your own.

wall accents: Small decorative tiles are great accents for walls, counters, and floors. They typically come in stronger, deeper colors and feature interesting patterns, often to complement the color of larger mosaics. Use them to dress up large walls or to create patterns on your tile floor.

Outside: Some tiles can be used on the exterior walls of your home. These are usually decorative ones made to resemble natural materials, such as wood and stone. They are great alternatives to exterior paint as they do not fade and can withstand most exterior elements. Since you won’t be stepping on them, you can use larger, lighter tiles to make installation easier.