Tile is perhaps the most beautiful element you can use in your bathroom. It combines the greatest features of beauty and utility. Bathroom tiles exist in a variety of shapes, sizes, patterns, colors, and materials; among them are ceramic, glass, and stone tiles.
Tiles are hypoallergenic and do not leak hazardous chemical compounds into the environment after being hardened in fires. Additionally, they are simple to maintain and are often very robust, withstanding even the worst weather conditions.
However, like with any transaction, purchasing tiles is a serious business. Prior to purchasing bathroom tiles, here are five things you should know:
Have a concept for your design.
The first thing you should have is a clear vision for your bathroom’s design. This vision will assist you in selecting the appropriate tile size, color, and material. For instance, if you want a jungle-themed bathroom, you may use green and brown tiles. Additionally, you may use mosaic tiles to create a creative pattern on a plain wall, creating the illusion that the area is a canvas.
If your bathroom is tiny and in a darker section of the home, you may brighten it up with reflective glazed tiles or glass mosaic. Additionally, you may use light-colored tiles to make the area seem larger and more open.
Whatever you select, the important thing is to be ready to experiment with various ideas, themes, and looks until you’re pleased with the results.
Understand the subject.
Ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone are all forms of tile. Natural stone tiles are available in a variety of varieties, including granite, marble, travertine, and sandstone. Ceramic is the most often utilized material since it is one of the least costly and easiest to deal with.
Porcelain tiles are well-known for their resistance to water damage, making them an excellent option for damp rooms like the bathroom. Natural stone tiles have stunning natural patterns and are incredibly durable, capable of lasting hundreds of years. They instantly elevate the elegance and design of a place.
Maintain a safe distance.
Bathrooms are inherently accident-prone environments, so it’s critical to choose tiles that are not only attractive but also safe to use. It is recommended to get unglazed tiles for the floor, since glazed tiles may be somewhat slippery. Porcelain and travertine tiles have a rougher texture, which makes them more slip-resistant. Additionally, they are resistant to foot activity and water damage. Click here to read about Different types of floor tiles and their strengths and prices.
Verify the size.
This is the section that the majority of people get incorrect and have to spend time and money correcting. Bear in mind that the majority of tile makers and dealers work in European (centimeter) measurements rather than American ones (inches). Therefore, ensure that your measurements are accurate to minimize tile-size misunderstanding
To be certain, get samples of the tiles you’re considering and arrange them on the floor or on the walls to get a sense of their overall appearance and to ensure that they’re the correct size.
It is advisable to use smaller tiles in smaller bathrooms and larger tiles in larger ones. This ensures that your design does not get too large for the space.
Maintain a budget
Tiling is not inexpensive, particularly if you choose genuine stone tiles. As a result, you’ll need to guarantee that you can afford the expense. It is advised that you purchase at least 5% extra tiles than you need in case of breakage during installation; thus, you should include this in your calculations.
To get the greatest discounts, shop about and compare prices from a variety of manufacturers and merchants. However, keep in mind that you should never compromise on quality—otherwise, you will pay the price in the long run.
To maintain the appearance of your tiles, all you need to do is give them a frequent washing with warm water to prevent dirt collection and wipe them off after each usage to minimize water damage. If you want to maximize the creative possibilities of your bathroom, tile is the way to go. It is adaptable, low-maintenance, and gorgeous.
Avoid the following errors while shopping for bathroom tiles.
Choosing bathroom tiles is a thrilling endeavor, but it is also a chore that requires rigorous preparation to do it right the first time.
Floor and wall coverings have the power to make or break a space and getting it wrong may be an expensive error to rectify.
To assist you in choosing tile selections and narrowing down the number of bathroom tile ideas and kitchen tile ideas available, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 most frequent tile purchase blunders to avoid, along with professional advice.
1. Not ordering enough quantity of bathroom tiles
You’ve spent hours doing calculations and ensuring you’ve bought the correct quantity of bathroom tiles, only to reach the conclusion of your bathroom or kitchen makeover and discover you’re missing a few bathroom tiles. Certainly, one of the most aggravating experiences in the world, made all the more so if you’ve engaged a professional to fit it!
Hamish Smith, Creative Director at Ca’ Pietra, explains: ‘A typical and often expensive error when purchasing bathroom tiles online is failing to account for waste and breakage, which is why we suggest ordering an additional 10% to account for these costs.
A minor fee for ensuring you get the correct quantity of bathroom tiles for your project. Please note that when installing bathroom tiles in a herringbone pattern, we suggest buying an additional 15% to account for all of the fussy cuts required. It’s also worth mentioning that various batches of bathroom tiles might vary in color, which emphasizes the importance of getting it right from the start and avoiding any shade mismatches in your design.’
2. Saving spare bathroom tiles is just as critical as ordering enough bathroom tiles. Once a project is complete, save any excess bathroom tiles in case you use them in the future. Click here to read about cleaning your dance floor.
‘Even if you have a whole box remaining, put them someplace secure rather than returning them to a retailer,’ explains Kamila Chalfin of Tile Giant. Bathroom tiles are produced in batches and new designs are introduced each year, so if you want an additional one in the future, you may have difficulty locating an identical match!’ Even if the style is still available, each batch is unique and may not precisely match the color. Bear in mind that if you drop anything heavy and fracture a tile in a few years, you may want to replace only one tile rather than the whole floor. This will be simple if you have a few extras in your basement or attic.’
Amanda Telford, Marketing Manager at CTD Tiles, concurs: ‘Having spares on hand will protect you for any future unforeseen repairs or replacements, preventing the need to retile the whole area.’