If you’re looking for the fastest way to update your bathroom, but improve its looks, installing new tile is the way. Even with keeping all of the fixtures, vanity, and everything else, a bathroom with new tile looks brand new. It is a dramatic change with minimal cost. But when choosing the tile to update your bathroom, it is important to understand the different types of tile available, and their different uses. In addition, it is crucial to hire a certified tile installer.
Ceramic Tile For an Easy and Affordable Bathroom Remodel
The obvious choice is ceramic. It’s tried and true, it comes in every shape and color and pattern you can imagine, and it’s affordable. Ceramic tile is the most versatile option available. You can put subway tiles up for your backsplash, large format tiles up for your floor, and mosaic tiles in your shower, and they’re all still ceramic.
In addition to being versatile, ceramic tile is affordable. No matter how small your bathroom remodel budget is, you can find some ceramic tile that is cost effective, and gorgeous. Glazed ceramic is also very good at resisting moisture, especially when used in tandem with a waterproofing system.
Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tile is the creative homeowner’s dream. The small tiles can be arranged and patterned in unlimited different ways. However, if you choose to tile your entire bathroom with mosaic, expect much higher labor costs. The small tiles require much more time and work than larger formats.
This is why mosaic tile is typically reserved for accent pieces within a shower or a backsplash. In addition, we often advise homeowners to choose mosaic tile for their shower floor. The small tiles require many more grout lines, which provides traction in the bottom of the wet shower floor.
Subway Tile Backsplash
If you truly want the smallest, most affordable renovation to spruce up your bathroom, adding a subway tile backsplash is a very efficient and low cost transformation. There’s a reason why so many homeowners choose subway tile for their backsplashes in both the bathroom, and the kitchen. The look is classic, customizable with different colors and accents, and homeowners never regret the choice. A subway tile backsplash compliments whatever your decor choices are.
What’s the Difference Between Porcelain Tile and Ceramic?
Porcelain tiles are a higher grade than ceramic. Ceramic tiles are made from red clay. Porcelain tiles are made from a clay like material, but with much more silica and quartz content. In addition, porcelain tiles are fired at a much higher temperature. The result is a more durable tile. Once again, porcelain tiles are available in countless shapes and patterns. They come in varieties that are glazed, etched, or textured. Any homeowner can find porcelain tile that fits their tastes.
A popular option are wood patterned porcelain planks. Homeowners can have the water resistant features of porcelain tile with the look of hardwood in their bathrooms. Here’s an article all about wood-like tile. Porcelain tiles are even made to resemble marble tiles, and industrial bricks.
Glass Tile
Glass tile, when paired with some great lighting, shimmer, and come to life as you move around the bathroom. They’re great to surround a shower, or to use for a backsplash. We have even built some customer mirror frames out of glass tile that blends seamlessly into the backsplash, and ends at the vanity. However, glass tiles are prone to chipping and cracking. Therefore, they should not be used on the floor.
Natural Stone Tile
There are many different natural stone tile options available to homeowners that range from luxurious marble to rustic limestone.
Marble Tile
Although you can get porcelain tile that resembles marble, it’s not the real thing. Marble is a high end, natural stone tile that has been used in construction since ancient times. They create an elegant look that can’t be replicated, and marble is extremely durable. If you replace your bathroom floor with marble, it is likely that it will last the rest of your life. And please don’t think that your options are limited with the looks of marble. There are many different colors and sizes to choose from, and build and decorate around.
Granite Tile
Granite is a more affordable natural stone tile than marble. However, it is arguably just as gorgeous. Granite contains small pieces of different minerals that shimmer and shine under the light. We typically think of granite as a countertop material, but it makes a great flooring as well.
Granite is harder than marble. It is extremely durable, and resistant to cracks and chips. Although it’s not completely waterproof, it is water resistant, especially when it is maintained well and kept sealed.
Quarry Tile
The manufacturing process of quarry tile is comparable to bricks. They get their name from the quarries where the materials the tiles are made from are found. Quarry tiles have a rustic, earthy feel, and will compliment a similar decor. Quarry tile is very durable, but they are susceptible to stains. Because of this, quarry tile is best used for walls. However, if it is kept sealed, and the right cleaning agents are used, it can create a gorgeous floor.
Limestone Tile
Like quarry tile, limestone also has a rustic look to it. This natural stone tile really brings an earthy feel into a home. Limestone is very porous. It must be kept sealed, and that seal must be maintained to use it as a tile in a home. Using acidic cleaning agents on the stone can ruin the look of limestone tiles. However, limestone tiles on the wall require less maintenance that as a flooring.
Travertine Tile
Travertine is another natural stone with a rustic feel. It comes in neutral tones of gray and beige. Like some of the other natural stone tiles, travertine is susceptible to stains, and requires more maintenance than options such as glazed ceramic. Because of this higher maintenance, these tiles are best used for walls instead of flooring. However, it is possible to use it for flooring, but it must be kept sealed, and only certain cleaners may be used on it.
Need more help choosing which types of tile for a bathroom remodel? Please Call or Email us here at Flooring Masters for a free consultation!
