Are you planning to revamp your bathroom? Then it’s probably best to understand the type of flooring you want for this special space. Your bathroom is different from the rest of your home and so requires flooring that addresses its needs.
Ceramic, stone and porcelain tiles are all popular choices, but which should you choose?
Here, we offer some advice so you will be able to decide which product is best for your home. Just make sure to understand the material you are planning to install for best results.
Let’s get started.
Floor Tiles or Wall Tiles: First, Understand What You Need
Do you require new bathroom flooring? What about your bathroom walls?
Before you begin shopping for your bathroom, understand the area of installation. This is a major consideration as there is a huge difference between wall and floor tiles. In short, what works on the floor of your shower may work for your walls but not necessarily vice versa.
Best Type of Tiles for Bathrooms and Showers
There are plenty of tile options for what is usually the wettest room in any home. Let’s have a look at what they are:
1.Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tiles are a staple in bathrooms and shower stalls all over the world. They are a water-resistant and durable option for both bathroom floors and walls. On the downside, as flooring, they are slick, which is a risk in the wetter areas of your home, like your bathroom stall.
To improve traction, it is best to choose smaller ceramic tiles with texture. Mosaic tiles are a great option here. They also come in a wide variety of colours and designs, if you want a unique look.
2.Porcelain Tile Flooring
Porcelain tiles are a stylish, durable, and favourite flooring option among homeowners. Porcelain tiles are fired at a higher temperature than ceramic ones, making them stronger and more waterproof.
Like ceramic, they are available in different finishes, textures, and colours. In terms of design, you can find everything from faux hardwood to marble. For someone looking to revamp their bathroom, this is definitely a top choice. They are also easy to clean.
On the downside, they are difficult to install on your own and are more expensive than ceramic tiles.
3.Luxury Vinyl Tile
Do you want a completely waterproof bathroom flooring option that is affordable, stylish, and low maintenance? Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) undoubtedly ticks all those boxes.
Luxury vinyl flooring is popular for its realistic mimicking of other materials, like hardwood and marble. It is also a reasonably-priced flooring option for homeowners who want to fix their bathroom quickly.
But is it really worth installing in your shower? It is, if you are careful. LVT is waterproof after all but must be installed well and be crack-free to prevent water from migrating behind the tiles and causing problems in the future. It can also be coated with waterproofing agents.
This option is also worth considering in half bathrooms, powder rooms, and guest bathrooms.
4.Stone Tiles
If you are torn between ceramic and porcelain tiles, natural stone tiles are also quite popular for bathroom floors and walls. They are opulent and durable but not cheap.
Stone tiles are not low maintenance and can stain. But, when looked after well, they last a lifetime. But don’t try to put them in yourself; they are heavy and require professional installation. If you have always wanted to include natural stone in your bath space, stone tile flooring is a great choice.
Which material is best for your bathroom and shower? This is a personal decision that should be guided by your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Bathroom renovations yield high ROI and are definitely worth the investment of time, energy and money. Still not sure which is best for your bathroom? Consult flooring experts at a reputable renovation store in your area to make the best choice for your home.