How to Choose Bathroom Tile

The bathroom is the most popular room in the house to find a variety of tile.  Unlike carpet, paint, and wood, tile offers hygienic, water resistant finishes in a variety of colors and shapes.  Bathrooms can accommodate all types of tiles – ceramic, porcelain, travertine or slate. Ultimately, personal preference will largely determine which tile is right for you, however there are a few factors to consider when narrowing down your choices.

CHOOSE A TYPE OF TILE

Tiles fall into one of four general categories:

• Glass: Glass tiles come in a wide variety of colors and finishes. It generally reflects a lot of light and adds a modern flare the smallest spaces.  While it is easy to clean, stain-resistant and waterproof, glass tile is tricky to install and is susceptible to scratches.
• Ceramic: Ceramic tile is made of clay, minerals, and water pressed together and fired at a very high temperature.  Ideal for damp environments like the bathroom, ceramic tiles are easy to clean and install and result in a surface that can easily be painted for future renovations.  Ceramic tile is made of clay, minerals, and water that are pressed together, and then fired at a high heat.
• Stone: Natural stone tile includes granite, marble, and slate. Pebble and rock tiles offer a unique texture and natural finish. It’s a smart choice for a traditional, classic look.  Natural stone tile is durable, but requires extra care and maintenance to protect against stains and water damage the surfaces beneath the tile.
• Porcelain: Porcelain tile has a dense, hard surface making it ideal for bathrooms.  In many cases, porcelain looks like stone but does not require the maintenance natural surfaces do.  It is scratch-resistant and a great choice for heavy traffic areas.

SIZE

The size of your tile comes down to personal preference.  Many designers advise against using large tiles in small bathrooms in an effort to make the room appear larger.  However, if larger tiles can be applied with few cuts, a larger tile can have a dramatic effect in a small space.

Small tiles can look great in smaller bathrooms, but they result in more grout lines.  Not only is the result sometimes unappealing, the grout is sometimes difficult to maintain.

When selecting a tile size, take note of the spacing between your washbasin, toilet, windows, etc. If the spacing is very compact, small tiles may be the better option, as they will ‘flow’ better than larger tiles and require fewer cuts.

COLOR

There are two things to keep in mind when selecting your desired color palate.

1.  The size of your space.  Lighter colors – whites, pastels and neutrals reflect more light, thus giving smaller bathrooms a more spacious feeling.  Darker, more saturated hues tend to absorb light and can have a dramatic affect in a large or oversized bathroom that gets a lot of light.
2. The fixtures you are planning to use.  If you are installing tile around existing fixtures, consider tiles that complement the time period and finishes.  For instance, white subway tile complements mid-century modern fixtures nicely in a small bathroom while natural stone creates a beautiful juxtaposition with modern brushed nickel lights and fixtures.

Don’t forget to consider using the same color wall tiles as floor tiles to make your bathroom appear more spacious.  Using a similar colored grout also allows the tiles to be affixed closer together, giving the illusion of more space.

FINISHES

Tile not only offers a fresh appearance but an easy-wipe surface which lends itself to household cleaners designed to kill germs.  Although most tiles are water resistant, many are not totally waterproof.

Natural stone tiles require special surface finishes not only to protect them from staining and water damage but also to protect the wall or floor beneath the tile.  These finishes are often categorized as polished, honed, or brushed.

• Polished – Polished finishes result in a shiny, smooth surface that reflects light and emphasizes the color of the stone.  This finish offers more protection from dirt and stains and is highly popular for marble tiles.
• Honed – A matte, satin-like, smooth finish that brings out the natural color and variations in the stone.  Honing makes the tiles less slippery than polished finishes making them ideal for surfaces that get wet often.
• Brushed – Brushing leaves the stone with an aged but smooth look.  The tiles are left mostly unfilled and come with almost a hammered look.

Whatever finish you choose, it will require occasional maintenance in order to keep it looking great.

Even for ceramic tiles, it is important to waterproof the tiling and grout in order to protect the surface and keep it looking as wonderful as the day you installed it.

HOW MANY TILES DO I NEED FOR MY BATHROOM?

The best way to know how many tiles you will need for a bathroom is to hire a professional installer.  Not only does this prevent you from ordering too many extra tiles, it allows you to utilize an experienced professional’s steady hand to ensure a high quality end result.

Harkraft Building Products of Minneapolis brings over 40 years of experience and design sense in home storage solutions. Our certified installation representatives will work with you to make your new spaces come to life with detailed measurements and design suggestions. And with a Lifetime Guarantee on storage products and labor, and prices 25-50% less than big box stores, why wait?