Whether updating an existing bathroom or starting from scratch, the tile you choose greatly impacts your remodeling project.
Your tiles’ color, size, and texture are essential to determine how the space will look and feel.
There are many tile types, and choosing the right ones for your home requires knowledge and understanding.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are affordable, durable and a great choice for bathrooms. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Ceramic tile is softer than porcelain, so it’s better suited for lower-traffic areas and surfaces that won’t be exposed to moisture.
Porcelain is harder, denser and more water-resistant than ceramic. It can withstand high traffic and is ideal for floors, bathtub surrounds, shower walls and countertops. It’s not recommended for exterior projects due to fluctuations in temperature, but it works well as an interior wainscot or backsplash.
Porcelain tile is available in the rectified form, which means it’s cut with lasers after firing to create 90-degree edges and near-perfect sizing. This helps it maintain its durability and beauty longer than other tile types. It also comes in various textures, including wood- and stone-look. While mixing and matching textures can make for a unique design, more than many different kinds of tile can overwhelm a room.
Cement Tile
Cement tile is an increasingly popular bathroom flooring choice. The tiles come in various colors and patterns and can reinforce any design style. Bold patterns can punctuate a monochromatic room or help point a neutral space in a particular direction. Cement tiles can also be an alternative to bricks in a fireplace and mantle.
Porcelain is an even more expensive tile option but is durable and water-resistant. If you chip a blue ceramic tile, you’ll find white underneath, but a blue porcelain tile will be the same color throughout.
Choosing the right tiles is a vital step in the bathroom remodel process. Talk to a professional interior designer or contractor like Bathrooms by RUPP to understand your options and make the best decisions for your home. They can guide you through the various options and consider factors specific to your project, such as lighting, to create a stunning bathroom that meets your goals.
Porcelain Tile
One of the most popular types of tile, porcelain is a dense form of ceramic that can withstand higher levels of wear and tear. It’s also moisture-resistant, making it a great choice for bathrooms.
Choose from a wide range of colors, styles, shapes and textures for your tile. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are versatile and pair well with nearly any decor style.
Mix patterned tiles with a solid color or other tile material for visual interest (without going too crazy and matching-matchy). Additionally, think about how your tile will be arranged in the bathroom. For example, staggered runs of perpendicular tile can make walls feel taller and more dynamic than a simple running bond. Also, consider the texture of your tile — rougher textures can require more frequent deep cleaning than smooth surfaces. Finally, check for certifications like NSF, Greenguard, USGBC, Kosher, and more to ensure quality and safety.
Natural Stone
Natural stone tile is an excellent choice for homeowners in Canby, Oregon, who want to incorporate a sense of nature into their bathroom designs. Marble, travertine, slate and limestone are all examples of popular natural stone tile materials. Each has its distinct look and feel, adding a touch of luxury to any bathroom design.
However, natural stone tiles do require more upkeep than other tile options. Since they’re naturally porous, they must be regularly sealed to help prevent staining and humidity damage. For this reason, they’re best suited for higher-end bathrooms such as an en suite or master bathroom.
In ancient times, the quarrying and transportation of natural stone was an extremely labor-intensive process, which made it expensive and exclusive to royalty. Fortunately, modern technology has helped to make this building material more affordable for the average homeowner. When properly cared for, natural stone tile can last centuries and will continue adding elegance to any bathroom.
