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Bathroom Tile
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A bathroom’s
wall covering is subject to the same moisture
and heat as its flooring, which is why products
like wall paper are usually not a good idea.
By far the most popular and practical bathroom
wall covering is ceramic, stone, glass or
metal tile. If you decide to use tile for
the walls, you can achieve a nice effect by
using the same color tile for the floor and
walls, selecting tiles in the same color family,
or pairing stone and metal or glass and ceramic.
Tile For Bathroom
Walls & Floors
Tile—for flooring and walls—is by far the
most popular and practical design technique
for today’s modern bathrooms and kitchens
because it doesn’t buckle or warp from constant
moisture and is remarkably easy to clean.
From the artistry of handcrafted ceramic to
the natural beauty of stone, there’s a tile
for every design imaginable. You can even
select leather tiles, or for those who are
looking to green their homes, recycled tiles.
Consider combining stone and metal tiles or
glass and ceramic for a look at once unique
and functional. |
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Ceramic
and Porcelain Tiles
Most bathrooms are tiled with ceramic. Some
colors, textures and styles can only be manufactured
using ceramic tile technology. The most popular
type is the glazed ceramic tile. This has
a ceramic base with a very shiny coat of glaze
on top. One of the most popular styles is
the subway tile. This 3” x 6” or 4” x 8” tile
usually is installed in a brick pattern. The
biggest advantage of ceramic tile design is
that it's maintenance free. It is not porous,
can be easily cleaned and comes in a variety
of colors and styles. The disadvantage is
that wear and tear may crack or chip the top
glaze. This will create a visible mark because
the base is a different color than the glaze
coat.
Extremely durable, porcelain is made of the
same material from top to bottom. Even if
the top chips or scratches, the mark is not
visible. Porcelain tiles that imitate real
stone are very popular. Since tiles vary slightly
in shade and texture, it is difficult to tell
porcelain from real stone. In addition, porcelain
is priced very competitively. Durability,
attractive appearance and great pricing make
porcelain one of the most widely used tiles
today. |
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Glass
Tiles
This has become a big trend in recent years.
At one time, it was extremely expensive but
now is much more affordable. Glass tile can
be used as a border or used to create beautiful
mosaics in a great variety of colors and custom
blends. The beauty of glass tile is unique
because the glass reflects the light, which
highlights every tile. Installing glass tile
requires a higher level of expertise and some
special materials but if you like the look,
it's worth it. |
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Jerusalem
Stone Tiles
Of all natural stone tiles, this is the most
popular option. It comes it a variety of gray,
cream and beige tones. Jerusalem Gold tile
may be mixed with other stone, metal or glass
tiles as borders or accents. Jerusalem Gold
mosaics are the best-selling natural stone
tiles in the New York market. Despite the
fact that Jerusalem stone is porous and relatively
expensive, it is a very appealing option. |
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Stone
Tiles
Nothing says sophistication and luxury like
natural stone tiles. Materials like limestone,
marble, granite, travertine and slate all
make a distinct impact on your overall design.
Marble’s unique veins make it a sophisticated
and beautiful tile for luxury bathrooms and
kitchens. Stone tiles come from different
regions and quarries have different colors
and veining so that the stone tile you install
in your home—whether its Brazilian Granite
or Italian Marble—are entirely unique. Some
stone, like marble, is porous and therefore
prone to staining. Because of this propensity
for staining, it requires more maintenance
than other stones like granite and must be
polished every few years or so. |
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Metal
Tiles
Metal tiles, when combined with ceramic, stone
or glass, add a unique and stunning look to
your bathroom or kitchen design. These pieces
are usually more expensive than other types
of tiles, and so are used as accent pieces
in combination with other less expensive tiles. |
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Marble
Tiles
With its veins and texture, marble is unparalleled
by any other stone. The popularity of marble,
however, has decreased significantly over
the years. The disadvantage is that marble
is porous and can stain. It also requires
more maintenance than any other tile and must
be polished every few years. |
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Recycled
Leather Tiles
Recycled leather tiles offer an interesting
texture and a look of sumptuousness. Because
they don’t stand up well to moisture, they’re
fine for kitchens but best used in a half
bath or bathroom without a tub or shower.
But they do offer an unusual feel that will
add a layer of beauty and sophistication to
any home. And because they’re recycled, you
can rest assured that you’ve chosen a green
product for your home. |
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Concrete
Tiles
Concrete tile is just about impervious to
damage, resistant to steam and moisture, and
offers an industrial look perfect for urban
design. And because concrete is such a versatile
material, concrete tiles come in an endless
variety of textures and shapes. Pairing a
smooth concrete floor tile with a textured
concrete wall tile—or even a poured concrete
countertop can add drama and contrast to your
bathroom or kitchen. |
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Click here to go back to the bathroom
design, remodeling and renovation section |
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