The bathroom is certainly the most frequently used room in the house, making it the most important one. How you choose to style it will determine the overall atmosphere. Tiles are the popular choice for a reason - they are practical, easy to clean, and hygienic. They offer a wide range of options in terms of colour, size, style, shape, finishes, and material. It's safe to say that bath ceramic tiles are among the most popular choices and here's why.
What to Consider When Buying?
The Basics
Ceramic tile is made from clay, water, and other materials that are fired at high temperatures. It offers resistance against stains, water, bacteria, and odours. Additionally, it is scratch and fire-resistant and comes in various shapes, colours, and styles. However, keep in mind that without radiant heat underneath, ceramic tile can feel cold on your feet and may not be comfortable to stand on for long periods. Also, be cautious as tiles can crack and grout can become stained over time.
The Right Size
Before heading and buying your desired tiles, you need to first consider your bathroom's dimensions. If it's a small space, getting larger tiles can create an open and spacious atmosphere, making the room appear larger than it actually is. Using big bath ceramic tiles with minimal grout lines can create the illusion of a more expansive area. However, if you have a larger bathroom, both big and small bathroom ceramic tiles can work well as long as you select the appropriate colours.
Proper Underlayment
It's important to install ceramic tile on a smooth, flat, rigid, and clean subfloor. Suitable surfaces include concrete slabs, cement-based backer boards, underlayment-grade plywood, and existing tiles in good condition. Specialty underlayments and membranes are also available to enhance the floor's lifespan, provide moisture resistance, reduce sound, and prevent cracking.
Floor vs Wall Tiles
Should you match the tiles on your bathroom floor with the ones on the walls? Even though this is a common choice among designers, it's not a must. The key is to choose tiles that complement each other and create a pleasant atmosphere in the room. When choosing yours, consider their texture and slipperiness. Floor tiles should have a slip-resistant surface to prevent accidents, while this is not necessary for wall tiles.
Keep in mind that floor tiles are more prone to dirt and stains compared to wall tiles. So, opt for tiles that are easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, since bathrooms have high humidity levels, make sure the tiles can withstand exposure to water. Porcelain and ceramic are great options for wall tiles. In the end, matching tiles can give your bathroom a cohesive look, but it's not a strict rule. Feel free to mix and match to create a unique style that suits your taste.
Benefits of Using Ceramic Bathroom Tiles
Durability
Homeowners should definitely consider the durability of ceramic tiles as their top priority. Unlike natural stone, ceramic tiles are incredibly strong and compact. These tiles are designed to withstand impacts and prevent cracking, which makes them highly resilient. They also have an impressive resistance to scratches.
Furthermore, ceramic tiles age beautifully, making them an ideal option for long-term improvements. When you choose ceramic tiles, you can be confident that you won't have to deal with replacing broken tiles in the future.
Kids and Pet Friendly
When choosing tiles, it's crucial to think about the people and lifestyles that will affect those tiles. Certain tiles are delicate and prone to scratches, while others are fragile and prone to cracking. However, ceramic tiles are neither. They are sturdy, solid, and easy to clean, making them perfect for households with children and pets. So, even if you choose luxurious tiles for your master bathroom, consider using ceramic tiles for the family bathroom to ensure they remain undamaged.
Eco-Friendly
Eco-conscious construction isn't only the right thing to do but it's also quite popular. It's satisfying to treat yourself to something nice while knowing that it doesn't harm the environment. Unlike natural stone tiles, ceramic tiles are made using a composite material that is later glazed.
This unique process allows for the creation of new ceramic tiles by recycling old ceramic objects. They are ground up and then reformed into a fresh shape. Rest assured that your bathroom tiles are not only stylish but also environmentally friendly, sustainable, and green.
Hypoallergenic
If you're searching for building materials that are hypoallergenic, ceramic tile is a fantastic option. Ceramic is non-porous, so there's no chance for mould to thrive or hide. Ceramic is completely allergy-friendly, and its surface is highly resistant to allergens settling or growing on the tile. This makes ceramic bathroom tile a perfect addition to any hypoallergenic home.
Easy Maintenance
Ceramic tile is a breeze to clean. It's highly resistant to stains, including stubborn ones like toothpaste and hair dye. Plus, the glaze on ceramic tiles is also stain-resistant. Cleaning ceramic is a piece of cake because it has a smooth, non-porous surface. You can easily sweep, mop, or scrub away any mess without worrying about grime sticking to it. It's the perfect choice for quick and hassle-free cleaning.
So Many Styles
You can choose from a wide variety of design options. Choose from different sizes, shapes, colours, and finishes to suit your preferences. You can find styles like wood-look, glossy white, metro brick, and encaustic-effect, among many others. With such a diverse range, it's effortless for homeowners to find bathroom tiles that beautifully match their existing colour scheme and design theme.
