How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Bathroom
Choosing a tile for your bathroom is undoubtedly one of the most fundamental pieces of your renovation. Tile determines the look and feel of your space, but also its durability, safety and upkeep needs. The variety of choices in material, size and style is overwhelming, so it is important to think about your needs first before getting into aesthetics.
Function First: Where Will the Tile Go?
First, determine the area that will be tiled: floor, wall, shower, or backsplash. Each location has its own. For example, bathroom floors should be non-slip for safety; shower walls need materials that resists moisture and can also be cleaned easily. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are excellent choices as they are water-resistant as well as durable. By nature, porcelain is denser than ceramic tile, and thus better in heavy-moisture and high-use areas. If you are just updating existing materials, consider services like tile reglazing in Philadelphia to refresh your bathroom without undergoing a total renovation.
After you’ve determined function, move to aesthetics. Tile size dictates how spacious or cozy your bathroom feels. Large format tiles will open up small bathrooms by giving you fewer grout lines, while small formats, like mosaics, do well for small texture differences or odd shapes. One aspect of tile selection is color; lighter shades, ranging from white to beige and soft gray widen or open the room up, whereas darker tiles pull the eye and create contrast and interest. If you are trying to highlight a local feature, you can add a bold tile to a shower niche or highlight a wall, which would provide interest in an outstanding bathroom.
Don’t Overlook Safety and Maintenance
Safety is very important in wet environments. High gloss tiles may look nice but can also be a slip hazard so it is best to choose textured finishes or slip-resistant tiles. This is especially important on floors. Mosaic tiles also tend to be more slip resistant because of all the grout lines they have. On the topic of maintenance, natural stone tiles such as marble or slate can be beautiful but they will need to be sealed on a regular basis to keep them looking their best. On the flip side, if you are looking for low maintenance, go for porcelain or ceramic tiles which are durable and very easy to clean.
Budget Considerations and Long-Term Value
A big part of your selection process will be your budget. High-end materials like natural stone and designer porcelain are striking but come at a premium price. Luckily, there are several mid-range ceramic choices that can imitate the look of various luxury finishes for a fraction of the cost. Be smart about pricing, not only will you want to consider the upfront purchase price, think about durability AND ongoing maintenance cost. A slightly more expensive tile that lasts you 15-20 years with some light maintenance, may be more cost-effective than a cheaper tile that chips and stains that you have to replace every few years!
Lastly, consider the installation process. In addition to prepping the area for tile, consider that complex patterns, mosaics, or large-format tiles usually require more cutting, leveling or adhesive material. All of those factors usually compound time and cost. If you are on a limited budget, use simple tile shapes and layouts like classic subway tile or standard square flooring, all of which deliver a clean, timeless aesthetic for the budget conscious. For homeowners who are looking for a cost effective improvement, bathtub refinishing in Allentown, PA is a wonderful option to complete a renovation without tearing everything out and replacing it—basically renewing the surface to make it clean, like-new. Finally, think about it long-term. The right tile product represents a good investment in terms of use and value. With consideration of your space, it should last well and create a fresh, inviting space that you love for years to come.
Striking the Right Balance
Ultimately, your tile choice needs to balance performance with personal style. It’s your foundation that endures the day-to-day lives of you and your family while tying together the visual elements of the space. Whether you are this close to enclosing the walls of your powder room, or you’ve embarked on a large-scale renovation of your master bath; involving the right tile for your renovation will guarantee a bathroom that feels as good as it looks. Need help with picking the perfect tile for your bathroom renovation project? Contact our team today for more information on tile types and designs that are suited to your home and lifestyle.
