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The bathroom is the most popular room in the house to find a variety of tile. Unlike carpet, paint, and wood, tile offers hygienic, water resistant finishes in a variety of colors and shapes. Bathrooms can accommodate all types of tiles – ceramic, porcelain, travertine or slate. Ultimately, personal preference will largely determine which tile is right for you, however there are a few factors to consider when narrowing down your choices.
Tiles fall into one of four general categories:
The size of your tile comes down to personal preference. Many designers advise against using large tiles in small bathrooms in an effort to make the room appear larger. However, if larger tiles can be applied with few cuts, a larger tile can have a dramatic effect in a small space.
Small tiles can look great in smaller bathrooms, but they result in more grout lines. Not only is the result sometimes unappealing, the grout is sometimes difficult to maintain.
When selecting a tile size, take note of the spacing between your washbasin, toilet, windows, etc. If the spacing is very compact, small tiles may be the better option, as they will ‘flow’ better than larger tiles and require fewer cuts.
There are two things to keep in mind when selecting your desired color palate.
Don’t forget to consider using the same color wall tiles as floor tiles to make your bathroom appear more spacious. Using a similar colored grout also allows the tiles to be affixed closer together, giving the illusion of more space.
Tile not only offers a fresh appearance but an easy-wipe surface which lends itself to household cleaners designed to kill germs. Although most tiles are water resistant, many are not totally waterproof.
Natural stone tiles require special surface finishes not only to protect them from staining and water damage but also to protect the wall or floor beneath the tile. These finishes are often categorized as polished, honed, or brushed.
Whatever finish you choose, it will require occasional maintenance in order to keep it looking great.
Even for ceramic tiles, it is important to waterproof the tiling and grout in order to protect the surface and keep it looking as wonderful as the day you installed it.
The best way to know how many tiles you will need for a bathroom is to hire a professional installer. Not only does this prevent you from ordering too many extra tiles, it allows you to utilize an experienced professional’s steady hand to ensure a high quality end result.
Harkraft Building Products of Minneapolis brings over 40 years of experience and design sense in home storage solutions. Our certified installation representatives will work with you to make your new spaces come to life with detailed measurements and design suggestions. And with a Lifetime Guarantee on storage products and labor, and prices 25-50% less than big box stores, why wait?