Bathroom Tiles

The most prolifically used material in a bathroom is tile.  Bathroom tiles come in various material forms; natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, and recycled glass are just a few of the available tile materials.  Ceramic tile is the most common surface material but porcelain tile is becoming more widely used.  In the natural stone department, granite and marble bathroom tiles are popular with slate bathroom tiles even making an appearance on the market. 

Choosing the right bathroom tile can be a daunting task with so many options available.  As with other materials for the bathroom, cost and style play major roles in the selection of tile.  Some bathroom tiling tips are as follows:

q       If you have a small bathroom, select lighter colored tiles as this selection will make the room seem larger.  Darker tiles work well in larger spaces. 

q       Beware of too many mosaic designs in a bathroom.  A few mosaic bathroom tiles can go a long way while too many intricately designed tiles can create a sense of clutter.

q       Ensure that the tile you select is appropriate for the application.  For example, some ceramic or porcelain tiles can be too slick for flooring applications.  Also, some bathroom tiles are more porous than others and should be used only in certain situations.  A tile contractor or another tile professional can assist you in determining the appropriate tile for the intended application.

q       As a general rule, natural stone bathroom tiles such as granite and marble will be pricier than ceramic tile or porcelain tile.

q       The difference between ceramic tile and porcelain tile is minimal.  Porcelain tile is actually a ceramic tile made from more refined clay material.  The clay used in porcelain tile is highly refined and purified which results in porcelain tile feeling denser than ceramic tile.  Porcelain tile has less porosity and a more rugged look due to its density which makes the tile an ideal selection for flooring.  There are two factors involved in rating the durability of ceramic tile.  PEI refers to a ceramic tile’s scratch resistance.  A PEI rating of 1 is suitable for walls while a PEI rating of 2 and 3 is appropriate for kitchens and bathrooms.  PEI ratings of 4 and 5 are used in commercial and heavy commercial applications respectively.  The second factor to consider when selecting ceramic bathroom tile is the MoH hardness scale.  The scale ranges from 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest rating.  When selecting a ceramic floor tile, choose a MoH factor of 7 as most debris brought into a home range in MoH factors between 3 and 7.

q       If you are interested in building green, there are recycled bathroom tiles on the market with increasing availability.  Recycled glass tiles create a unique and environmentally friendly look. 

q       The application of bathroom tiles can be a tricky proposition.  The old adage really applies with the installation of tile; measure twice and cut once.  Determining how much bathroom tile to buy can also be a challenge.  Unless you have experience tiling, hiring a professional tile contractor might be the best choice.

For further support, consult a tile contractor, general contractor, or interior designer for professional assistance in picking the right bathroom tiles for your project.  Contractor Community has a number of contractors and other professionals who can offer invaluable help.