Bathroom tiles have been around for thousands of years. In modern times, bathroom tiles have been developed from the previous ones. Many bathroom tiles come in different styles and look and some even offer enhanced functionality that can be of help to you.
It is important to consider the type of tile that you want before choosing one over another. In this article we are going to go over popular types of bathroom tiles, to help you make an informed decision
Different Types of Bathroom Tiles
1. Ceramic Tiles:
These tiles are very durable and can withstand high heat. They have a glossy finish and do not have a large footprint. These tiles are usually installed on the floor but can also be used as shower walls.
Ceramic bathroom tiles come in different colors including black, white, gray, brown, and others. These colors do not fade away so they can be used for a long period of time. They are made from hardened clay and fired in a kiln making them resistant to cracking.
2. Glass Tiles:
Glass tiles can be used to create stylish patterns on the walls and floors of the bathroom. They are very attractive and can cover a large area given their size. They usually come in green, blue, and transparent colors and offer a very good background for creating designs using other colors.
They come with different finishes that include matte, polished or sandblasted for an elegant look that is also resistant to scratches and fading away.
3. Marble Tiles:
As the name suggests Marble tiles are mainly made from marble. They are very beautiful and sturdy, making them an ideal choice for bathrooms. They are available in different colors including gold, red, white, pink, and black. The great thing about marble tiles is that they can be cut to fit your bathroom.
Marble has a glossy finish and is easy to clean and maintain given the porous nature of the material. These tiles are luxurious and polished using polishing techniques to bring out their natural beauty. The different colors of marble tiles are resistant to scratches and cracking.
4. Porcelain Tiles:
These tiles are made either by hand or machine depending on the manufacturer. They are very smooth and glossy that making them ideal for creating designs on the floors of the bathroom.
Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and highly water-resistant. They are usually used on the floor of the bathroom but can also be used as wall tiles with a polished finish. Porcelain tiles are resistant to scratches, watermarks, blasts, and cracks.
5. Slate Tiles:
These tiles are made from slate rocks which are compressed with heat and water to produce them into blocks of various sizes.
These compressed blocks are cut using special tools which enable the production of various types of slate tiles. They come in various colors and finishes and can be used as floor tiles or wall tiles. They are very durable and offer a unique look that can be complemented with matching accessories.
6. Terracotta Tiles:
Terracotta tiles are made from mud and baked in the sun. They are brown in color but can be painted to produce specific designs. They are very durable and easy to maintain since they are naturally resistant to scratches, cracks, and fading. They come in different styles to meet the needs of various bathrooms including flat, textured, back-slip, and others.
7. Vinyl Tiles:
Vinyl tiles are made with vinyl chloride monomer and acrylic resin. They are waterproof, colorfast, and easy to clean. They come in different colors depending on the manufacturer and can be used on the floors of the bathroom or as wall tiles. They are very durable so they can last for long periods of time.
8. River Rock Tiles:
River rocks are formed into different shapes and sizes depending on the manufacturer. These tiles are usually difficult to clean but they do not break or crack easily. They can be used as flooring or wall tiles and come in various colors including brown, black, white, gray, and others.
What makes these types of tiles desirable is the natural feel and look of natural stones. Tiles are available in different sizes to meet the needs of different bathrooms. It is important to consider the size of your bathroom before choosing the type of bathroom tile that you want.
9. Granite Tiles:
Granite is a type of stone that has been used in the production of tiles since the time they were used for building. The natural features of granite have been exploited to produce a wide range of different shapes and sizes which can be used in a variety of designs.
These tiles are resistant to scratches, cracks, and other damages making them ideal for commercial use. They come in dark brown, gray, yellowish-white, buffed finish and polished finishes depending on the manufacturer.
How to choose the right tiles for your bathroom
1. Consider the size of your bathroom:
Before choosing a type of bathroom tile it is important to consider the size of your bathroom. It is recommended that you choose a large-sized tile for small bathrooms and a small size for large bathrooms. This will allow you to create a spacious look in small bathrooms and a compact look for large ones. If you have a medium-sized bathroom then you can choose tiles that are neither too small nor too big.
2. Consider the materials used to manufacture the tiles:
Before choosing a type of bathroom tile it is important to consider the materials used to manufacture it. It is recommended that you choose tiles that are made from natural materials. They are more affordable and durable than tiles made from man-made materials.
You can also create patterns using different colors on these tiles. For example, if you have a small bathroom then you can use large tiles which may make it appear spacious or if you have a small one then large tiles may make it appear empty and cramped. You can also choose tiles that are made from manmade materials if you have enough money.
3. Consider the cleaning materials used on the tiles:
Before choosing a type of bathroom tile it is important to consider how you will clean them. It is recommended that you choose tiles that are easy to clean by either brushing or wiping the dirt off with the use of a cloth. This will enable you to save time and money on cleaning materials since they are convenient and affordable.
4. The Style, look and feel:
Before choosing a type of bathroom tile it is important to consider the style, look and feel. It is recommended that you choose tiles that are versatile in appearance since they will complement the design of your bathroom. You can choose tiles that are flat or textured depending on how you want the appearance of your bathroom to be.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, tiles are one of the most popular choices when it comes to decorating bathrooms. They have been in use for many years and have been improved over the years to produce better quality products that come in different sizes, shapes, and colors.
You can choose from a variety of bathroom tiles available in the market today depending on your preferences and the size of your bathroom.
As the resident shower expert at ShowerJournal.com, Wayne Lee loves to share the helpful tips and tricks he’s picked up over the years during his job as a handyman.
