Bathroom tile has a harder job than tile in most rooms. It has to handle water every day, stay safe underfoot when it is wet, and still look right years from now. Choosing it well comes down to a few questions, and it is easier to answer them before you start shopping.
Start With How the Room Is Used
Think about the size of the room, how many people use it and what it is for. A family bathroom needs tile that is easy to clean and stands up to daily traffic. A primary bath may be where you want a statement tile. A powder room sees little water, so it can carry a tile that would not suit a shower. The overall style you want, whether modern, traditional or somewhere in between, should guide the shortlist too.
What Bathroom Tile Has to Do
Water resistance comes first. Porcelain absorbs very little water, which is why it is common on bathroom floors and shower walls. The tile also has to be durable enough for daily wear without chipping. On the floor, slip resistance matters: a textured or matte finish grips better when wet than a polished one. Finally, think about upkeep. Some tile and grout combinations stay clean with a quick wipe, and some need sealing and more regular care.
Porcelain, Ceramic, Natural Stone and Mosaic
Porcelain is dense, water resistant and made in looks that copy stone and wood. Ceramic costs less and comes in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes, and it works well on walls and in rooms that see less water. Natural stone such as marble, travertine and slate gives every tile its own look, but it needs sealing and more care. Mosaic tile, the small pieces sold on sheets, is useful on shower floors because the many grout lines add grip and let the tile follow the slope to the drain.
Wall Tile and Floor Tile Are Not the Same
Floor tile is made to carry foot traffic and to stay slip resistant when wet. Many wall tiles are thinner, with a glaze that is not meant to be walked on, so a tile that looks right on the wall may not be rated for the floor. Most floor tile can go on a wall, but the reverse is often not true. Check the manufacturer's rating before you buy, or send us the product details and we will check it for you.
Layout and Grout Change the Look
The same tile can look very different laid in a herringbone, a stacked grid or offset rows, and grout color can make the pattern stand out or disappear. See the layouts and grout options on our tile installation page.
If you already have a tile in mind, send us the product details or a photo and we will tell you how it will work in your bathroom. Call (404) 927-2441 or schedule a free consultation. Planning the whole room? See our bathroom remodeling services.
