Contents
Introduction
Bathroom tiles are considered to be the element that has a significant role in the design. They can act as a foundation and determine the overall feel of the whole room. The process of Choosing Bathroom Tiles is all about making the right decision based on certain factors that are functional and those that are more artistic.
The flooring has a vast area making the bathroom appealing to the eye. They are also useful in this part of the building which is always wet due to water dripping from the roof. Benefits of using bathroom tiles include that the tiles should be waterproof, have a slip-resistant surface, long-lasting, and require minimal maintenance. It is evident from the research that the kind of tile to be used affects both its performance and appearance.
Kinds of Bathroom Tiles
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are made from clay and other natural resources and are fired in a kiln to a glaze. As for glazing, it shapes the final appearance of the piece. To add to this, the shoes are available in a wide variety of designs and styles at reasonable prices. They have concluded that ceramic tiles are suitable for use in bathrooms. However, it is now a fact that porcelain is a relatively more hard material.
Porcelain Tiles
The primary difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is that the porcelain one is fired at a higher temperature. This makes it denser, harder, more water resistant, and more durable than the usual wood that is used for furniture and other establishments. Porcelain also imitates the appearance of stone, wood, marble, and other surfaces, but it is more resistant to stains and water. Thus, porcelain bathroom tiles are highly functional in several ways.
Natural Stone Tiles
Luxury natural stone materials such as marble, travertine, and slate are well-suited for bathrooms adding that luxury spa look. However, it can discolor and stain over time and requires regular resealing every few years to avoid this problem. This increases maintenance.
Glass Tiles
They are made of crushed glass and they display various colours. They offer a smooth, shiny surface to reflect light on. Contemporary look light glass bathroom tiles are best for the bathroom tiles. The center part of the glass is made to be rough so that it becomes less slippery when wet. However, it is more prone to cracking or chipping than ceramic, porcelain, or stone-based materials.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are tiny, often square or rectangular pieces of tiles that are set up on the mesh substrate. Mosaics are made with small quantities of glass stones or ceramic pastes put together in artworks. For shower borders or wainscoting use brilliant mosaic sheets or alternate textures for bathroom tiles backsplash. Note that if you use mosaic tiles, then grout between them is usually challenging to clean.
Tile Size & Shape
Standard Sizes
Available tile sizes vary from 1”x1” mosaics to up to 16”x16” squares or even 12”x24 rectangles. Interlocking standard tiles are easier to install because they nest into one another. Thin white tiles, approximately 3 x 6 inches, are used to create traditional bath surrounds. Hexagons and elongated styles are available as a choice.
Large Tiles
Tiles that are larger than 12 inches in one or the other dimension or in both are bound to make a stinging impression. In this aspect, plank tiles are bigger and rectangular or square to reduce the grout joints. They are ideal for spacious showers and new styles. However, large tiles chip more quickly and can be rather complex to apply.
Small Tiles
Any decorative glass, ceramic, or stone pieces less than 2 inches in size such as mosaics and tiles fit the bill as garnishes. Know that any piece that uses all-mosaic will have a lot of grout lines that are very difficult to clean. Eliminate or, at least, reduce the use of small tiles in the areas that are likely to get wet, such as the shower area.
Choosing Perfect Tile Colors & Patterns
Neutral Tones
Decorative tiles in Cream, beige, and gray keep the bathroom theme light and comfortable. This is more than just a subway tile; it is classic clean and white. Natural colors are useful as they allow one to be creative and use the intensity of texture and pattern freely. Other aspects, such as paint and accessories, should remain lighter so the room does not look overwhelming.
Bold Colors
This element is practical but also adds bright, cheerful colors and patterns to the bathroom tiles. Shades of blue and green make the viewer think about sea glass and nature. One’s senses and spirits are tickled by warm red oranges or sunny yellows. It is advisable to use only large tiles in wet areas, such as shower enclosures, or behind washing areas unless one is daring.
Classic Patterns
Tiles such as subway, hexagonal penny rounds, diamonds, and squares when arranged in staggered lines or with a basketweave pattern appear timeless and are most popular in white. Bathroom timeless black and white geometric tile designs are versatile and can be installed in any era bathroom.
Trendy Designs
The innovative concepts of the cracked glass mosaics, the extra-long planks, the digital prints, and the textural metallic finishes give that fresh and more vibrant impression. Yet, rather stylish bathroom tile decisions may not go beyond the years or the selling of the home. For those who are bored with the absence of character in many neutral shades, personality can be added with tiles alone.
Practical Aspects
Slip Resistance
Iubec textured anti-slip bathroom tiles are safe, especially for shower floors. COF values are reported as rated friction coefficients which represent slip resistance. Smooth and sleek surfaces such as polished glass, marbles, granites, and ceramic tiles mirror the water whenever wet and therefore need etching or textured surface coating. Large flat tiles increase the slip factor since the size of the tiles is more prominent than the grout lines.
Sustainability & Maintenance
Bathrooms should preferably be tiled with porcelain and ceramics since they do not get damaged easily when exposed to water. Check hardness ratings – porcelain is preferred when its score is over 1200. It’s important to understand that a natural stone needs to be sealed periodically. regarding the choice of tiles, one must take into consideration the durability of tiles and their washability since the room is a bathroom.
Water Resistance
Denser-stained porcelain and ceramic tiles are not easily penetrated by water or soaked up by the tile surface. Another aspect that can be understood is that glazing makes tiles even more resistant or less permeable. Many natural tiles are vulnerable to etching if cleaners containing acids or accidentally spill wine on them without the application of sealer. Glass tiles are less absorbent and although they are not as hardwearing as ceramic tiles, they are less likely to chip or crack.
Tile Selection & Care
Joint is the area in between tiles wherein grout is applied. Epoxy grouts are the best in that they do not allow water to penetrate but they are so difficult to apply. White is a clean color of grout but it looks dirty and therefore needs washing. Pros of dark grout are: dark grout is less noticeable when dirty and on the other hand cons are: dark grout reveals soap scum. Grout also requires sealing, as the tiles do. Reducing grout joints makes it easier to clean and also saves time and effort in cleaning the tiles.
Conclusion
Choosing Bathroom Tiles enhances the bathroom’s appearance and efficiency at the same time. Prefer the functionality of the space first, then the flair. If you are planning to have your dream house for sale in the future, think about the resale value of the house when designing the dream bathroom sanctuary through colorful, patterned, sized, shaped, textured, and material ways.
Also read: Walk-in Shower Design Ideas
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