Choosing the right bathroom tile can be a challenge. There is an enormous variety in terms of appearance, material, setup process, and features.

You are seeking an item that is both aesthetically pleasing and intended for a bathroom space, as well as one that is achievable to maintain given your available resources.

This guide provides you with all the information you need to know about the various kinds of bathroom tiles. This will enable you to select the most suitable product for you and provide the rudiments of cleansing and upkeep.

Before Buying Tile for Your Bathroom

You are prepared to revamp the appearance of your restroom, and the out of date tiling simply needs to be removed. It’s high time for us to renovate the bathroom in order to make it seem more contemporary and fashionable. This task of choosing a bathroom design can be quite daunting as there’s so many options available. When you are in the process of selecting a tile for your bathroom, it is important to take the time to evaluate which type will be the best fit. Begin your search and learn about the different types of tile to make an appropriate decision. Then head out and start shopping around!

Buying Considerations for Bathroom Tile

Size of Tile

The magnitude of the tile you install in the shower, bath, or wall for a splashguard above the vanity or on the floor can alter the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. If you choose to go with a bigger tile in a small bathroom, it can give the impression of a bigger area. The more spacious look of a room is due to the fact that there are fewer grout lines on the tiles that adorn the space.

The floors of showers usually benefit from the use of smaller tiles, as more grout lines provide improved traction for your feet. The larger tiles tend to be used for the bathroom floor.

Tile Color

There is a vast array of shades and tints when it comes to tiling. Stunned amazement may seize you as you venture through the aisles seeing the tremendous selection of blues, greens, tans, whites, blacks, and much more hues. Choose the shade of your preference and use the chosen colored palette to help you further limit the alternatives.

Grout Color and Thickness

The shade that you decide on for the grout between the tiles is equally crucial when you have already picked a color for your bathroom tile. A contrasting grout line between the tiles can emphasize the pattern or color variations within the tile, whereas a thin, white or light-colored grout line between tightly spaced tiles can make the tiles appear to blend into one another.

Style

Figure out if you desire an old-style and time-honored look or if you are going for a style that is more dynamic and contemporary. A white tile never goes out of style, whereas a glass tile that reflects light or a vivid, vibrant one adds liveliness to the bathroom upon entry.

Types of Bathroom Tile

Bathroom tile also comes in various types. In this segment, we will be analyzing three types of material: glass, mineral stone, and ceramic/porcelain tile. The cost and design of these three types of tiles vary. If you’re looking for diversity and vibrancy, then you might think that glass tile is ideal for your needs. Those who value opulence and organic products will likely enjoy natural stone, whereas individuals who are on a budget will be able to benefit from the hard-wearing nature of ceramic and porcelain.

Cost

The amount of bathroom tiles that can be chosen from varies greatly, and so does the price. The price can range from approximately $1.00 to $200 per square foot. Be conscious of your capability to pay, and keep an eye out for reductions or lowered prices to keep money.

Tile Grade:

The grade of tiles goes from 1 to 3, with a lower number indicating a higher quality tile. You should opt for Grade 1 or 2 tiles when tiling bathrooms or kitchen floors. Grade 3 tiles are suitable only for walls.

Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) Wear Rating:

Rated I-IV. The higher the number the more resistant to wear. Pick a floor tile with a PEI grading of III, IV or V.

The Porcelain Enamel Institute hardness ratings are:

  • Class I – No foot traffic. These tiles are for wall-only applications.
  • Class II – Light traffic. Interior residential and commercial wall applications. These are for areas where little abrasion occurs, such as bathrooms.
  • Class III – Light to moderate traffic. Good in residential settings with normal foot traffic or for countertops and walls.
  • Class IV – Moderate to heavy traffic. These tiles are acceptable for all home use in addition to medium commercial or light institutional use.
  • Class V – Heavy to extra heavy traffic. Approved tile for all residential applications, heavy commercial work and institutional foot traffic.

Coefficient of friction rating (C.O.F.)

Floor tiles should have a coefficient of friction that offers substantial grip (higher than or equivalent to 0.60).

Water Absorption (W.A.) – Very Important for Bathroom Tile

Most important for bathroom tile is the water absorption. Generally speaking, Ceramic tiles take up more moisture than porcelain tiles, yet they can both be employed in areas that are wet. It is important to choose bathroom tiles with a water absorption rate below 3%, these are known as Vitreous or Impervious tiles. Another term for Impervious tile is Porcelain tile.

Water absorption can also be judged by the name of the tile:

  • Nonvitreous: High absorption (more than 7% water absorbed). Not suitable for outdoor use or for rooms with a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms.
  • Semivitreous: Moderate absorption (3% – 7% water absorbed). Not suitable for outdoor use or for wet rooms, such as bathrooms.
  • Vitreous: Low absorption (0.5% – 3% water absorbed). Suitable for outdoor use and for wet rooms, such as bathrooms.
  • Impervious (aka porcelain): Lowest absorption (less than 0.5% water absorbed). Suitable for all interior and exterior uses.

Only glass or waterproof tiles should be utilized for outdoor locations or for the tiles in bathrooms. The price of the tile is usually higher when it has more resistance to water. Tiles that are impervious and made from glassy materials are typically costlier than those that are semivitreous or not vitreous.

Types of Tile

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is a cost-effective option and has been a popular choice for bathrooms for many years. There are several types of ceramic tile:

  • Glazed Ceramic Tile
  • Unglazed Ceramic or Quarry Tile
  • Porcelain tile

This type of tile can be employed in a variety of ways depending on its rating. Ceramic tile varies the most in quality. Check the labeling on the product to ascertain if it meets your requirements. See our label guide below.

Price: $2 to $7 per square foot

Porcelain (A type of Ceramic Tile)

Porcelain tile is a form of ceramic tile that has been heated in an oven at a temperature that is beyond the standard for ceramics, which results in a product that is more closely knit and less permeable. Porcelain is sometimes referred to as impervious tile, and its uniform color makes it so that chips and other damage are less noticeable. Ceramic tile made from porcelain has a water absorption rate less than 0.5%.

Be certain to look over the label thoroughly, since some companies might refer to their tiles as porcelain even though they do not satisfy that criteria.

Porcelain tiles are ideal for floors, walls, and backsplashes because they withstand stains and impacts. This item is simple to maintain and is obtainable in numerous styles.

Price: $3 to $10 per square foot

Glass Tile

Individual glass sheets or as a tile pattern which may be a mixture of tiles and glass, presented on a mesh.

Glass tile that has strong color, reflection, and is simple to clean is great for walls that serve as a focal point and behind kitchen countertops. Certain types of glass tile are approved for use on floors, although they may be prone to scratches. Glass tile has an impressive assortment of colors that produces a stunning visual effect. The con? It can be expensive and difficult to install. Due to the fact that the tiles are see-through, the adhesive can be observed through them. Unless you possess a great deal of expertise, achieving results that look professionally-done is a challenge for somebody taking on the task themselves.

Price: $7 to $30 and more per square foot

Cement Tiles (Encaustic Tiles)

Handcrafted tiles with elaborate designs common in regions such as Morocco and the Middle East. Also referred to as Encaustic Tiles or Cuban Flooring in the US. These tiles are costly and not as widespread as others, so the individual doing the installation may not have experience with them. Cement tiles are sensitive to acid or powerful cleaning agents, so they require to be treated with a sealant upon installation and need to be refinished at times.

Cement tiles are ideal for areas that must be both strong and attractive, as they can be used for floors, walls, and backsplashes.

Price: $9 to $17 per square foot

Natural Stone Tile

Examples of natural stone that can be carved into tiles include granite, slate, travertine, marble, onyx, and sandstone. Stone tile has a rich, one-of-a-kind look. Stone tile is not a good choice for the bathroom or kitchen due to potential damage from water, pigment, and acid, so it would only be suitable if you plan to maintain it regularly.

Best for: Use stone on walls, backsplashes, or floors. You can achieve the appearance of a granite countertop without spending as much by opting for granite tiles instead of a single slab.

Price: $6 to $20 per square foot

How to Choose Bathroom Tile

When buying tiles to redo your lavatory, don’t let all the different types and prices overwhelm your thought process. Keep going and look for the perfect tile that you like, will not cause you to go over budget, meshes with the existing decor in your house, and provides the visual appeal you are searching for. Ask yourself a few questions to help you figure it out:

What Does the Rest of Your Home Look Like?

It is prudent to take the time to peruse the rest of your abode, making sure the design and colours are consistent, so that your spanking new bathroom fits in as opposed to causing a “oh dear!” moment every time you step in. Unless you are wanting to change the style of your home to go with a newly remodeled bathroom, it’s best to try to keep the same style of your home to make sure it looks cohesive and give yourself better resale value if you ever decide to sell.

How Long Do You Plan to Stay Where You Are?

Changing the tiles in a bathroom can be pricey. Figure out whether you are intending to be living in your home temporarily or for a prolonged period of time, since that could be a variable in deciding how much money you are happy to expend on redesigning the space.

Where to Shop

Bathroom tiles can be purchased from home improvement stores, tile producers , stores that specialize in tiles and floors, and internet shops. The choice of tiles is a matter of individual taste, and it is beneficial to be able to view the tiles in the flesh, to assess their quality, hue, and type of material. You can also choose additional tiles that will coordinate with the ones you have selected and use them in different parts of the bathroom. It is incredibly beneficial to be able to visit a showroom and look at different samples of bathroom makeovers, as well as speak with a design professional, throughout the process of redecoration.

Don’t be afraid to inquire or look into other places and digital vendors when you are shopping to get the ideal product for you and your restroom. Additionally, compare fees as you look for what you need. You will get a lot of pleasure out of it for a long time.

Our Advice: Get Help from A Professional Tile Showroom or Contractor

The people working in a tile showroom are well-informed about the various types of tile and have been educated about the items for sale in the store.

You can take images of the bathrooms that you like to the showroom, and explain to the staff the project you are working on. They will then help you locate tile material that will be suitable for the job.

The evaluation of the hardness of tile can help you decide if it is suitable for the space you are wanting to set it up in. Entryways need a hard, abrasion-resistant, moisture-proof tile. You need to use a material that is moisture-proof and also has non-slip properties (e.g. tile that is treated with an abrasive material for safety) for baths. Certain tiles are designated to be either used indoors or outdoors; other tiles may be applied to either a indoor or outdoor setting. If you have a ramp for accessibility purposes in your house and want to tile that area to make it blend in with the rest of your home, be sure to look for non-slip tiles.

Different types of tile vary in terms of hardness, so there is a system of standardized tests to rate the tiles. These tests measure a tile’s strength (according to the Mohs scale), how well it can resist wear and tear, and how much water it soaks up.

FAQ

Should a shower be tiled floor to ceiling in a small bathroom?

Covering the interior of the shower with tiles extending all the way to the ceiling can expand its apparent size while adding a contemporary aesthetic to the bathroom.

What do you tile first, the walls or the floor?

Generally, it is recommended that when tiling both surfaces, you begin by tiling the walls, followed by the floor.

What colors make a bathroom look larger?

Lighter tints such as white, tan, and pale gray can give the appearance that the restroom is more extensive and not as confined.

Jonathan
Author: Jonathan