Bathroom Tiling: Helpful Tips & Advice
Bathroom tiling can add life to and create a look for your bathroom. You can really benefit from adding tile or changing the tiling in your bathroom. Tile is great for the bathroom environment because it will repel the water and stand up to usage of this high traffic area. Tiling your bathroom starts with deciding upon what type of tile to use and then following simple guidelines for ensuring your bathroom tiling is done correctly.
Tile that is going to be used in the bathroom needs to be tile made specifically for the bathroom. Not all tiles on the market are made for the bathroom environment. High humidity, water and the extensive traffic that occur in a bathroom mean some tile material will simply not work in the bathroom.
Two materials that won’t work for bathroom tile are natural stone and laminate. These bathroom tiling materials are not made for the bathroom because they will either not stand up to the moisture or they can pose a safety risk. Natural stone absorbs humidity which can weaken it and cause cracking. If you use natural stone then expect to have to do regular maintenance to keep it looking good. Laminate should just be avoided as flooring material since it will become dangerous when it is wet.
The most popular choices are porcelain and ceramic. Ceramic tiles are rather durable, but you will be limited in design styles from which to choose. Porcelain can look amazing, but it also can be costly. You really should check into a variety of different types of tiles before making your final decision. Always ask questions when you are buying and selecting tile so you can be sure you are making the right choice.
Besides selecting the material of the tiles, you will also need to decide on the color and design, if any. This will greatly depend on your personal preference and the overall design of your bathroom. The choices and options are almost unlimited. There is something to suit any taste. Do be aware that if you decide to go with a printed design that less is better. Too much print can cause an overwhelming effect. Prints are best used to create a focal point instead of covering the whole bathroom.
Another thing to consider about bathroom tiling is the size of the tiles you will be using. Tile size really depends on where the tile will located. For the main bathroom floor, tiles can be larger in size. This is a common choice for bathroom floor tiles. In the shower, though, smaller tiles are more common. This is not as much of an aesthetic situation as it is a functional situation. Smaller tiles in the shower make assuring proper drainage much easier. If you are using tile as an accent then the shape will really depend on the intended use and your preferences.
Bathroom tiling is a popular option in bathroom décor. It is important that you choose your tile material and design carefully, though, to get a look that you can be proud of. Tile can be used in many different ways, so do not be afraid to get creative and add tile all around your bathroom.
