Settling on the right tiles for your bathroom can be quite challenging. There are varying designs, materials, looks, characteristics, and methods of installation. You could choose a large hexagon floor tile design or small square tiles — there are many options. Despite the complexity and confusion associated with tile choice, you often have no choice but to find a way out and get yourself bathroom tiles due to the critical role they play. Tiles are just about the most appropriate decorative tool for your bathroom. Here are a few tips to help you through the process of buying tiles for your bathroom.
Consider Your Bathroom Features
Your existing bathroom features should inform the range of tiles that would be best for you. Think about the kind of style that your bathroom features portray. If you are looking to do an overhaul of your bathroom, decide on the appearance that you wish to have in your bathroom. Consider your color preferences. Do you want a mix of black and white—the traditional combination that has been around for decades? Are vibrant colors your most preferred choice? Or do you prefer calming blues? The market has almost all the shades that you can think of. You can order customized tiles that are the color of your choice if you fail to come across them in the market.
Material Used
Unlike other parts of the house where you could use tiles made from just about any kind of material, the bathroom is a bit sensitive. Bathroom tiles need to be water resistant. Bathroom tiles coming into contact with water is inevitable. You do not want your tiles getting soaked each time they come into contact with water. Glass, natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles can all be a great choice for your bathroom. Natural stone tiles can come from different stone types including marble, travertine, sandstone and granite. Ceramic is most often used in tiling as it is not only the cheapest, but also is easy to work with. Tiles made from natural stone are quite gorgeous, extremely hard-wearing, and have the ability to last for centuries. Porcelain tiles are popular due to their extra resistance to damage from wetness and are a great choice for the floor areas of the bathroom that tend to have the most contact with water.
Safety
Bathrooms are the most accident-prone areas of the house. The safety of the tiles should override their aesthetic value. Consider going for unglazed tiles for the floor section of your bathroom, since the glazed ones tend to be slippery. Travertine and porcelain tiles tend to possess a rougher texture, which makes them more resistant to slips. They also hold up well against water damage and foot traffic.
The Fewer the Tile Types the Better
Start by choosing your primary tile type and use it to inform your choice of other tiles to be included in the design for your bathroom. Typically, the floor tiles will be your first choice, followed by wall or tub surrounding tiles, and accent tiles for use as a focal point. Whatever combination, try to stick to no more than three different tile types.
Final Tip
Choose tiles that you’re sure to enjoy for a long time since tiles are long-lasting and you may not be replacing them anytime soon.
