There’s no doubt that creating a striking bathroom is one of the top priorities when you’re renovating your bathroom. But aside from appearances, practicality and durability are also important factors to consider. Staying within a budget also matters, especially if you’re going through a complete home renovation. Before you slap down bathroom tiles, and before thinking about why you chose them in the first place, take a look at these tips on how to choose the right tiles first.
Choose Vinyl Tiles as an Economical Option
Vinyl tiles are a popular choice for many homeowners because they’re easy to install and are affordable compared to their ceramic or porcelain counterparts. Even on a shoestring budget, you can still find vinyl tiles that are designed to look like high-end tiles—but remember, they certainly won’t be as tough and durable as real porcelain tiles. If budget, practicality and ease of installation are high on your priority list, then using vinyl tiles is an option you should definitely consider. They also score extra points as they’re soft and comfortable on the feet.
Ceramic Tile adds a Practical, Luxurious Touch
It’s hard to resist the slick appearance of these tiles. The National Kitchen and Bath Association conducted a survey which showed 83% of its respondents preferred ceramic tile for their bathroom flooring. Part of its popularity might be due to its high resistance to scratches and chips and the seemingly endless options of shapes and designs, all highly desirable for any homeowner or designer. One caveat, however, are the tile’s feel on cold, bare feet in the mornings or during the winter. This can quickly be remedied by placing floor mats by the shower or even installing a radiant heating mat underneath the tiles.
Use Hardwood Flooring in the Bathroom with Caution
Hardwood flooring is a classic as it can make any room look chic and warm, and that even includes the bathroom. Wood flooring in the bathroom is not for the faint-hearted. Wood flooring must be carefully sealed and installed, in addition to being coated and protected so that water doesn’t penetrate and cause damage. Moreover for maintenance, when there are splashes from the shower or tub, they need to be cleaned up right away to avoid long term damage. Many people choose hardwood flooring because it makes appearances throughout the home, and to keep the flow and continuity, it is often added to the bathroom as well.
Go for Stone Tiles if there’s No Such Thing as a Budget
Is budget no question? Introducing, stone tiles! These tiles are made from marble, limestone, granite and slate. While it does require more effort to maintain and preserve stone tile, it truly adds a lavish touch that anyone would appreciate. By splurging a bit with these tiles, you can think of the bathroom as a private oasis that you can enjoy for years to come.
It is also great to keep in mind that they’ll help in increasing the overall value of your home if there are plans to sell it. Stone tiles are highly attractive and convey a ‘je ne sais quoi’ quality that is desirable to interested buyers. So you might put more money in buying and installing these tiles, but it’s very likely you will get a great return on investment.
Final Tip: Avoid Carpets!
You’d be surprised how many people have carpets that cover their entire bathroom floor. Those in favour of this decor faux-pas argue that carpets are soft and warm on the feet. While true, it’s certainly not worth the headache of dealing with mold and mildew growth. For the sake of your health (and cleanliness of the bathroom), avoid carpet and simply use bath mats on top of tiles for a soft, cozy touch.
Keep some of these tips in mind when you’re making trips to your local tile stores. Style and appearance is important, but don’t forget to factor in practicality and endurance of these bathroom tiles. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also help in preserving them so you don’t have to worry about replacing them before their time. After all, choosing appealing tiles that are easy to maintain and can last for several years should be the goal for every home.
