Selecting the right bathroom tiles will affect the entire look, and cost of your bathroom remodel. Homeowners must consider several factors, such as maintenance, durability, and how their choices for countertops, flooring, and backsplashes will affect the overall look of the room. You will want to create a cohesive look that meets your budgetary needs. But where should one begin? Here are a few tiling options based on popularity and a few based on the look you might be interested in achieving.
Popular options
- Porcelain: This tile type is the most popular according to flooring experts. It is durable and great for radiant heat if you desire the added element of warmth. However, it tends to be more expensive than ceramic options.
- Ceramic: Ceramic tiles are fairly durable and come in a variety of colors and textures. Glazed options will not absorb water. They are a less expensive option than porcelain.
- Mosaic Glass: Glass tiles are quite popular given the level of customization. Not only that, they can be highly shiny, reflective, and easy to clean. They can also be textured for areas where grip is desired. They are, however, more expensive than porcelain and ceramics.
- Marble: Marble tiles are considered quite desirable and exquisite. The natural pattern comes directly from chunks of rock. For this reason, they are among the most expensive. However, they are known for picking up stains and scratches. Although it can be found around the world, it mainly comes from Spain, India, Italy, and China. This import process is part of the driving factor behind the cost.
Design Options
While there are many design options such as modern, contemporary, rustic, etc. the natural option is a classic and go-to style for many homeowners. It also tends to be a pricier option. However, homeowners can boast of one-of-a-kind, naturally occurring stone for their home.
Natural look:
- Pebble Tile: This type of tile provides an instantly rustic look. This is for those who enjoy the charm, texture, and dimension of natural greys and browns that small stones and pebbles provide. It is excellent as a backsplash and in showers. They are naturally slip-resistant and durable. Expect the price to vary based on pebble size, with the smaller options being less expensive than the larger ones.
- Slate: One of the most expensive tile varieties on the market, slate is also one of the most versatile and durable. This rich, gray-toned rock is a great option for the shower and especially the floor. Consider slate if you desire heated tiles as it circulates warmth from electric and piping systems under the tiles.
- Limestone: Did you know that limestone is formed in oceans and seas? It is comprised of shells, coral, and other debris that bind together forming this type of rock. This gives it the trademark beige or cream color. Consider limestone if you live in a warmer climate as it is cool to the touch. Consider the maintenance of limestone as it requires sealing and resealing over the years.
- Terracotta: Named after the Italian word for “baked earth,” Terracotta tiles are recognized by their reddish-brown color. They are considered a type of ceramic tile that can be glazed or unglazed but will need to be sealed for protection, especially in the bathroom. Terracotta offers a rustic, southwest, or even Mediterranean look and feel to the bathroom.
Sleek and modern
Modern tiles are often described as elegant, clean/sleek, and better for the environment when it comes to reusable or recycled material. It also bypasses the mining aspect needed for natural stone.
- Glass: In terms of style and variety, glass tiles have seemingly endless options in terms of color, shine, texture, and pattern. It is easy to clean, durable and customizable. They are an excellent option for showers walls, and backsplashes. Glass tile easily adds a sense of luxury. As a bonus, given that they can be made from recycled material, glass tiles are eco-friendly.
- Metal: Stylish and sleek are two words used to describe metal tiles. Given the tendency for metal to rust, it may not initially seem like the best idea for the bathroom, however, permanent coating is available to prevent nature from taking its course. This allows homeowners to use materials such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and tin. It is best used as a backsplash or accent feature rather than shower walls and floors. Metal or metallic tiles are considered an environmentally friendly option, come in a variety of colors, and add instant style and texture. Metal is one of the least cost-effective options, often coming in around the same price as natural stone, however, it is durable and easy to clean.
How to Choose Bathroom Tile
Choosing the right tile first depends on your budget, then the style or theme of your home, as owners typically try to create a cohesive look throughout. Keep the measurements of your bathroom in mind, as tiles are priced by square foot. This means the difference in price between a ceramic tile of $2-4 per square foot and slate tile at $10-15 per square foot is tremendous.
How a Professional Contractor Can Help
Imagine spending thousands of dollars on a stone slab for your bathroom countertop. You decide to try to do as much of the remodel as you can without hiring a professional. As you maneuver the 300-pound rectangle into the bathroom, it slips from your hand and falls to the floor with an audible cracking sound.