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ToggleYou would usually look for a room flooring that is eye-catching and fits the design perfectly. However, the same tactic doesn’t work for bathrooms where the floor is splashed with water many a time. When looking for a proper bathroom flooring, there are not many options available, except for tiles, as they are both water-resistant and beautiful.
Choosing the right bathroom tile can help you give your bathroom a fresh, new look. There are various kinds of tiles that best suit different applications and styles. Here we will focus on ceramic, porcelain, natural, and brick tiles. Each of them has special characteristics, colours, and durability.
That said, here’s a breakdown of some types of tile and why you might want to consider them for your bathroom.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic is a common choice for shower flooring because it’s inexpensive, easy to install, and resistant to stains and water damage. However, ceramic tile can also be durable enough for any surface in your bathroom.
You can get the ceramic tile in many colours and textures, including slate, marble, or granite, which makes it a great option if you’re trying to match an existing style or create a new one.
The problem with ceramic tiles is that they are naturally quite porous, which means that dampness and humidity can cause the grout between them to weaken or crack. If not properly sealed at installation time, the grout may need to be replaced more frequently than you would have liked. Also, the grout can get discoloured over time due to stains from soap scum or mildew buildup.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is another type of fired-clay tile, it’s just denser than ceramic tile, so it’s more moisture-resistant and stain-resistant. It’s also more durable, making it a great choice for bathroom floors. Porcelain tiles can be used on walls and counters as well, but they aren’t as common a choice as they are for floors.
Porcelain tiles come in varying colours and designs like wood grain or stone patterned images. They don’t need much maintenance and are very durable.
But while porcelain is also durable and attractive, it isn’t always the right choice. There are several reasons why:
- They have a low coefficient of friction, which means they can be slippery when wet, posing a safety risk
- They are harder to install than other types of tile
- They are expensive
Natural Stone Tile
A natural stone tile is a durable and beautiful way to make your bathroom feel new again. It can stand spills and wetness, giving you options for flooring, walls, and even your shower.
It comes in a wide variety of colours and styles to match any aesthetic. And it’s not just for your bathroom; you can also use it for kitchen walls and floors, as well as in basements and other living spaces.
The problem with natural stone is that it’s porous, which means that it’s more likely to stain than ceramic or porcelain tiles. The tile will need to be sealed regularly to prevent staining. Also, it is expensive, particularly if it’s imported or rare, like marble.
Brick Tile
When it comes to bathroom tiles, brick tiles are a great option. They’re made with fired clay, which makes them highly durable. The clay is often coloured in the firing process and then glazed. This gives brick tiles a super-smooth texture and finish that works well in any bathroom.
Brick is naturally resistant to stains and moisture, making it ideal for high-traffic bathrooms. Unlike natural stone or ceramic tile, brick does not absorb dirt or grime. It’s also easy to wipe down if it gets dirty or wet. Also, you won’t have to seal brick regularly the way you would with other materials like marble or travertine.
The biggest problem with brick tiles is that they need to be replaced frequently as they age.
What’s the Best Solution When Selecting Bathroom Tiles?
When choosing bathroom tiles, there are some factors you need to consider, ranging from moisture resistance and colour to cost and maintenance.
Hardness, Moisture Resistance, and Non-Slip Qualities
- Hardness: Look for tiles that are scratch-resistant. Tile floors tend to get scratched easily, especially by heavy furniture. If you have hardwood or tile floors in the room, careful consideration must be taken when choosing a bathroom flooring option.
- Moisture resistance: This is also an important factor when choosing a bathroom flooring option. Be sure to choose a tile that can withstand humidity.
- Non-slip qualities: Textured surfaces on tiles are also an important feature to look out for when purchasing bathroom tiles. Tiles with a textured surface will prevent slips and falls on wet or slippery surfaces. Though it is easy enough to clean up any spills, accidents do occasionally happen, so ensuring that there are no sharp edges or slippery surfaces of your choice can help protect your investment in bathroom fixtures.
Colour
The colour of your bathroom tile is just as important a factor to consider as the durability of the tile. Light-coloured tiles will make your bathroom appear larger and brighter, while darker colours will create an enclosed and cosier feel.
If you are looking for a cosy feel, don’t be afraid to go bold with dark colours like navy blue or emerald green. These colours add depth to your space and can make it feel relaxing and inviting at the same time. Just remember that these colours require proper lighting; otherwise, they can end up making the room appear even smaller than it is.
For smaller bathrooms, light-coloured tiles are your best option when looking for timeless style and lasting beauty. White subway tiles with black grout are not only classic but also extremely versatile.
You could even try out some patterns, such as offsetting one colour against another or using different sizes of tiles within each row to create an interesting effect on the floor or wall surface of your bathroom.
If you are looking to create a rustic look, then brick tiles can help you achieve the desired look. Bathroom brick tiles come in a wide range of colours and shapes, which make them ideal for any home improvement project. They require little maintenance and can be cleaned using warm water and mild detergents.
Cost
It is important to determine what your budget is before choosing a specific type of tile. If you are renovating an entire bathroom, tiles can become expensive depending on the area you live in and how many tiles you need to purchase. Typically, ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most common types of tiles used in bathrooms because they are water-resistant and durable. Ceramic and porcelain come in many different colours, textures, sizes (measured by length and width), and shapes (square, rectangle, subway).
Depending on the type of tile you choose to use in your bathroom remodel or renovation project, there is a wide range of prices for each square foot. You will have to decide if you want luxurious-looking tiles or lower-priced tiles that still look great.
Maintenance
It goes without saying that the more maintenance you want to put in, the better your tiles will look. No matter what you do, it’s inevitable that your bathroom tiles will get dirty or stained at some point.
So how much regular upkeep are you willing to do? That depends on the type of tile you install and the amount of money you want to spend. Some materials are extremely difficult to clean, so they require a lot of work. The most common low-maintenance options are ceramic tiles, brick tiles, porcelain tiles, and stainless steel tiles.
Conclusion
One of the biggest problems with bathroom tiles is that they often look cheap and cold. These days, bathrooms are becoming more and more important rooms in people’s homes. But a tile can be a tough material to work with when you’re trying to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The best solution would be bathroom brick tiles. Brick tiles offer all the benefits of traditional tiles, such as easy installation, water resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning, with the added bonus of being able to take on any aesthetic. So whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or something rustic and cosy, brick tile can help bring your vision to life.