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How To Pick The Best Bathroom Tile

There are many bathroom tile options to choose from. There is no one-size-fits-all tile for every bathroom, so whether you are seeking a hip and trendy-looking tile, or a durable non-slip tile...

There are many bathroom tile options to choose from. There is no one-size-fits-all tile for every bathroom, so whether you are seeking a hip and trendy-looking  tile, or a durable non-slip tile for an aging family member’s bathroom, there are many factors to take into account. If you are seeking for the best bathroom tiles and bathtub tiles, be sure to take the following factors into account.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Tile

When selecting tile for your bathroom, it is important to take a few things into account. For many people the best bathroom tiles are aesthetically pleasing, low-price tile without taking safety and durability into account. Be sure to consider the following factors when selecting your tile:

Density of Tile

Most tiles are not 100 percent waterproof. However, as long as your bathtub is not subjected to freezing temperatures, a highly water-resistant tile will be just fine. Rather than dwelling on how waterproof a tile is, be sure to consider a tile’s density, and avoid tiles that are “low density” or “non-vitreous”.

A low density or non-vitreous porcelain tile will crack if too much moisture is absorbed. Instead, opt for a tile that is more water resistant ceramic tile that is vitreous (high density) or even semi-vitreous (medium density). This type of tile typically lasts much longer as it does not absorb as much water.

Slip Resistance

Anyone can slip and fall on a wet bathroom floor. Finding a tile option that is highly slip resistant can help reduce the risk of falling in the bathroom. Checking a tile slip resistance rating and purchasing tile that will reduce risk of falling can help prevent accidents on your tile.

Tile Size

Finally, make sure the tiles are small enough to accomodate the showers slope pan going down to the drain. This doesn’t matter much for bathtubs, but the extra work and cost of having the tiles installed can be a deciding factor for some people on whether they want a bathtub with a shower or just a shower.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wall Tile

For bathroom walls, most tile will get the job done for you as long as it is water resistant. Beyond water resistance, this is often where design and difficulty to clean become large deciding factors.

Opting for Low-Maintenance Tile

Ceramic tile is easy to clean, whether it is on the walls around the bathtub, on the shower floor, or the bathroom floor itself. You’ll want to sweep or vacuum it a few times a week. Sand, dirt, and grit can scratch and dull the tile surface. While this could take years to penetrate the surface of most sealed tiles, it can really downplay the appearance you worked so hard to create.

The real trick to having your tile floor, walls, and shower floor looking spotless is clean grout. Grout is more porous than the tiles it holds in place and soaks more dirt up because of this. Soap, mildew, and mold all get soaked up into the grout and eventually give it a darker color. Opting for a darker colored grout may be a good option because if its a darker color to begin with the grout will be harder to discolor. It’s just like making sure you don’t wear white when going to eat spaghetti. Sealing the grout in your home can also keep it cleaner for longer.

Exploring Tile Design Options

Is there a certain tile pattern or color that you must have? Pick that out first, and design everything else around it. The same as designing the decor in any other room; you pick your centerpiece and design around it, complimenting it. Here, the centerpiece is your favorite tile.

Next, limit how many colors and styles of tile you use designing your bathroom. Too many designs will quickly become cluttered. If there is a single color or design you want to use that is really unique, you want to make sure you have that established first. It’s much easier to design around a unique pattern than it is to force a unique pattern into an established design.

To keep up with the best bathroom tiles, latest tips, tricks, and best practices from Seattle Bathtub Guy, stay in touch on social media. To learn more about our bathtub refinishing services, contact us today!