Your bathroom is a high traffic area — whether it’s reserved for one person or the entire family. Foot traffic isn’t the only thing your bathroom is full of. More than any other room in the house, it’s also full of water.
Between the shower, sink and toilet, your bathroom floor sees a high volume of water on a daily basis. That’s why tile flooring makes an excellent option for bathrooms. Its classic look and water resistance make it a durable choice for any bathroom. Here are some things you should know when selecting the best bathroom floor tiles for you.
Different Tile Types
Tiles come in both a ceramic and porcelain variety. Though both are well-suited for bathrooms, each type of tile has specific pros and cons.
1. Ceramic Tile: Pros and Cons
Ceramic tile flooring is waterproof and resists wear and tear, including stains, scuffs, dents and chips. Because it’s made from clay or synthetic materials, it’s durable. Ceramic tiles are treated with a glaze or protective finishes that can make the tiles even tougher or more slip-resistant. These tiles come in a variety of colors and styles, including imitation stone, slate and wood.
Some of the pros of ceramic tiles include:
- Water-resistant and durable
- Variety of color and style options
- Simple installation process
- Generally less expensive than porcelain
Some of the cons of ceramic tiles include:
- Less durable than porcelain
- Not allergen-resistant
2. Porcelain Tile: Pros and Cons
Porcelain tile flooring is even more waterproof and durable than ceramic tile. These tiles are heated at an extremely high heat, which makes them dense and gives them low moisture absorption. Porcelain tiles even resist common allergens like dust, mites or pollen, which may be ideal for people who have allergies. Their high-heat formation means porcelain tiles are available in a broader range of designs and styles compared to ceramic tiles.
Some of the pros of porcelain tiles include:
- Extremely water-resistant and durable
- Wide range of designs and styles
- Allergen-resistant
Some of the cons of porcelain tiles include:
- More expensive
- More involved installation process
Things to Consider Before Selecting Tiles
To help you pick the type of tile that’s best for you, think through the following elements.
1. Budget
Determine how much you’d like to spend on your bathroom flooring before selecting an option. Though you don’t have to stick to a hard maximum or minimum cost, a budget can act as a helpful guide to narrow down tile options.
2. Bathroom Size
Is the space you’ll be filling small or large? The answer to this question will help guide the size of tiles you consider as well as the budget. If your bathroom is small, you might select a pricier tile. If the bathroom is large, you may consider a low-cost option. Knowing the square footage of your room will help further narrow down your selection.
3. Primary Users
Adults, children, and pets all have different impacts on tile flooring. Think about who will be in the bathroom to help determine whether you want ceramic or porcelain tiles. A bathroom primarily used for children will see greater long-term wear and water than a master bedroom. Don’t forget pets, either! If you plan to bathe pets in your bathroom, consider whether you need a hypoallergenic option.
4. Location and Frequency
Your bathroom’s location will play into tile type as well. If you’re redoing a guest bathroom that is used infrequently, you won’t need to worry as much about durability. However, if you’re adding flooring to a highly used bathroom, you’ll want to consider choosing a long-lasting option.
5. Color
Think about the color of your bathroom walls when selecting tile. Are the walls neutral? Perhaps you’ll want to add a splash of color to accent the room. Are the walls already a statement? Maybe you’ll want to select a subtle imitation wood or stone tile. With a bit of forethought, you can use your bathroom tile selection to transform and revitalize your bathroom.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tile for Your Bathroom
Even when you come prepared to select your tile, you may feel overwhelmed with the number of options available. Here are some tips for a smooth selection process:
1. Find Reference Photos
Search the internet for bathroom floor tile ideas to help formulate a plan. Take note of bathroom and tile combinations that you’re drawn to. If possible, ask yourself what it is you like about certain pairings. Are you drawn to bright patterns? Are you looking for a sleek, modern look? When you begin to understand your style preferences, you’ll be able to identify tiles that fit your vision for the room.
2. Consider Your Decor and Goals
The color of your towels and fixtures, as well as the type of decor in your bathroom, may help you decide what tiles you want. Do you want the floor to match these items? Or maybe contrast them? Does matching the tiles and decor not matter to you?
Perhaps your goal is to find a tile that blends well with the colors and decor you have. Or maybe you’re looking to utilize your new floor to turn your bathroom into a totally new space. Considering these small items may seem insignificant, but the better you understand your room goals the more you’ll love the finished product.
3. Ask the Experts
Before choosing bathroom tiles, talk to an expert to answer any questions you might have. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice if you’re uncertain what will work best for your bathroom and lifestyle. Keep an open mind. Experts may explain an option or make a suggestion you hadn’t considered, so allow some flexibility in your plans. The decision is ultimately up to you, but some advice along the way may lead you to the best outcome.
4. See the Tile in Action
A nearly surefire way to see if the tile you’ve selected will match your bathroom is to bring tile samples into your home. It’s one thing to browse tiles in a storefront with bright lighting. But that doesn’t tell you what the tile will look like in your bathroom.
If your bathroom doesn’t have any windows, it’s probably lit solely with light bulbs. Depending on the type of bulbs you use, your bathroom light could range from yellow-toned to blue-toned. When paired with the darkness of the walls and the size of the space, your tiles have the potential to look vastly different in your bathroom compared to the store.
If your bathroom has windows, you’ll likely receive a mix of natural light and artificial light. This means you’ll be seeing the room and the tile in a combination of white-toned and yellow- or blue-toned lighting. If given the chance, examine the tiles in your space with your lighting to see if they’re truly the right fit for you.
Find a Style You’ll Love
At 50Floor, we carry a variety of high-quality, affordable tile options. Whether you’re looking for ceramic or porcelain tiles, we have styles for every bathroom. Take your selection to the source with our free home appointments. Our experts will guide you through options and help you make a decision you’ll love.
To find your perfect bathroom tiles, schedule an appointment with 50Floor today!
