Tile is one of the most sought-after flooring choices for bathrooms, thanks to its waterproof qualities, low price point, and wide variety of styles available.
Calculating the number of tiles needed for your bathroom requires multiplying its length times its width, adding 10% for breakage and waste, then choosing from these tile materials:.
Ceramic
Ceramic and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floors are both immensely popular choices for flooring needs, yet each may offer differing benefits that may make one superior to the other in your situation. While both options are water-resistant and suitable for bathrooms, porcelain may be more impervious to moisture-causing factors and therefore be the superior option if your bathroom often becomes damp due to humidity levels or walk-in shower use.
Ceramic is also soft and easier for do-it-yourselfers to cut with either a wet tile saw or snap tile cutter, making it suitable for cutting on their own without professional assistance. Furthermore, its scratch resistance makes it great for households with children and pets; its lower density/porosity means it may crack more easily as floors shift underfoot than porcelain does.
Porcelain
Are you searching for beautiful, hard-wearing tiles that resemble porcelain? Look no further. Ceramic tile solutions such as this can be either glazed or unglazed and come in various finishes including matte, polished and slip resistance for optimal use in any environment.
Porcelain tiles are composed of refined clay (usually kaolin) that’s fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles, giving it more resistance against water than its ceramic counterpart. When decorated or left unglazed they make for beautiful statement pieces in any home or business environment.
Porcelain tile must meet certain standards set forth by the PTCA in order to qualify as porcelain, such as water absorption testing. Highly vitrified tiles require longer to install due to being more fragile and eating away at wet saw blades more quickly; however, any additional installation time shouldn’t significantly add onto project costs.
Marble
Marble flooring adds classic sophistication to bathrooms, adding an air of refined elegance in any home. It works well with various decor styles and makes an impressive statement about opulence in any setting.
Natural stone tiles boast unparalleled beauty. Each tile is distinct with intricate patterns and hues that create visual interest; yet this diversity may pose challenges in their use.
Marble is more porous than porcelain, which makes it susceptible to staining and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. Slipperiness may occur as people walk across it; we advise laying slip-proof mats where people will walk. Marble doesn’t come cheap: up to $4 per square foot may be cost prohibitive; therefore it would be prudent to purchase extra tiles in case any get chipped or broken in the future.
Slate
Slate is a natural product that offers homeowners an attractive and distinctive aesthetic. Quarried across the world, slate flooring material comes with different hues depending on its mineral content in soil – this unique style may include hues like gray, tan, rusty browns, olive green and even small spots of purple!
slate offers rustic charm that many homeowners appreciate; however, its initial cost may be higher than other forms of flooring material.
Mats and special coverings should be laid down to safeguard slate floors against hard objects like furniture. This will prevent scratching and other forms of damage over time. In addition, having your slate regularly sealed against stains should also help.
Cement
Cement tiles have been an established design trend since the 1800’s. These classic patterns add instant charm to any room or bathroom of any size.
Patterned cement tiles make a bold statement, whether used to accent neutral colors or add depth and contrast in more luxurious settings. Furthermore, their durability surpasses that of hardwood floors which may become waterlogged or require costly refinishing treatments over time.
Patterns come in all sizes and can be combined together to form larger interlocking patterns. For instance, broad geometric on the floor could pair with smaller floral on the shower walls for an interlocking design that’s unique to that space. Due to their handmade nature, handmade tiles often develop unique patina over time that adds rustic charm; however, use of penetrating sealer after installation can help protect them against water penetration and efflorescence.
