When it comes to bathroom renovations, you have a lot of choices to make: which sink and style of faucet to install, how to paint the walls, which toilet works best for your home, and what type of tile to use for the floors and shower. With all of these decisions on your plate, the entire renovation process can feel overwhelming.
As stone floor restoration professionals, our team at Restore-A-Floor knows all about tiles.
And we’ve compiled a short guide to help you decide and pick the perfect floor solution. If you already have tile that you love, we can clean, polish and restore any tile surface with remarkable results.
Now, tile is not just about aesthetics. It’s also about safety as well as durability. As the bathroom is the most moisture-prone room in the house, homeowners need tile that is both slip-resistant and built to last.
We will walk you through the best types of tile for bathroom floors and showers, popular tile patterns, and maintenance tips including how tile restoration services will keep your bathroom looking great for years.
Why Choose Tile for Bathrooms?
The beauty of tile in bathrooms is in both it’s form and it’s function. Tile is naturally water-resistant, meaning that moisture will not pass through the tile and cause the subfloor beneath to mold. Also, many tile types are slip-resistant. You can step out of your shower without worrying about slipping and falling.
In the “form” category, tile comes in countless colors, textures, and types, granting homeowners endless design possibilities. No matter if your style is large-format porcelain, the warmth of natural stone, or a patterned mosaic, there is an option and pattern for every aesthetic and budget. Here are a few of the more popular patterns used in bathrooms:
• Herringbone – Herringbone is a timeless pattern laid in a zigzagging style with rectangular tiles.
• Basketweave – Often found in classic or historic bathrooms, the basketweave pattern typically promotes a more vintage aesthetic.
• Hexagon – This geometric pattern is most popular with bathroom floors in minimalist or modern designs.
• Chevron – Chevron is similar to herringbone but with a cleaner, continuous zigzag line.
• Subway – The subway pattern is clean and simple, typically using rectangular tiles for a classic brick pattern.
• Diagonal – Also known as the diamond pattern, diagonal tiles are laid at a 45-degree angle to make bathrooms appear larger than they are.
Your Tile Options
Now that we know why tile is a great option for bathroom floors and showers, let’s discuss which types of tiles are best for this particular space.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles typically come as large squares and are one of the most popular choices for bathroom floors and showers. This is due to their high water resistance and design versatility. These tiles have a low water absorption percentage, which makes them great for hindering mold growth and enhancing hygiene. In addition, porcelain tiles come in a variety of shades and styles to suit any bathroom aesthetic, including natural stone and wood appearances.
Popular Pattern Options
• Herringbone
• Straight Lay Grid
• Chevron
Ceramic Tile
While being slightly less durable than porcelain, ceramic tile is another popular choice for bathroom renovations. With good water-resistance and slip-resistance, ceramic is easy to clean and maintain. This type of tile is best suited for bathrooms with low traffic and comes in an endless array of colors and finishes to suit every homeowner’s unique style.
Best Pattern Options
• Subway
• Diagonal
• Basketweave
Natural Stone
Natural stone includes materials such as marble, travertine, or granite and is a great option for giving bathrooms a high-end, luxurious feel similar to a spa. Due to its durability, slip-resistance, and timelessness, natural stone is one of the more popular choices for bathroom floors and showers. However, these tiles do require more maintenance than porcelain or ceramic.
Stone is naturally porous, meaning it will require regular sealing and maintenance to prevent stains and water damage.
Best Pattern Options
• Versailles
• Brick
• Large-Format Offset
Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tile is characterized by its small size, which provides excellent slip-resistance and endless design flexibility. Consisting of small pieces of glass, ceramic, or stone, mosaic tile is great for creating intricate designs and detail work while also fitting into tight, curved, or irregularly shaped areas.
Best Pattern Options
• Hexagon
• Penny Round
• Linear
Proper Care for Longevity
Once you have the tile type and pattern picked and installed, it’s important to remember that the work is not finished. Proper care is key to keeping bathrooms hygienic and looking great for the long haul. Remember to regularly sweep to remove any abrasive debris that could scratch the grout or tile, clean with a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid using any acidic cleaners such as ammonia.
Prolong Your Tile’s Life with Professional Restoration in Brighton
If you do notice the grout becoming discolored, mold that keeps coming back, or scratched surfaces, Restore-A-Floor will clean and restore your floors and surfaces with ease.
We will deep clean, reseal, polish, and repair damaged tiles to keep your bathroom looking immaculate. We have been bringing life back to stone and tile floors, walls and counters throughout the Brighton area for more than 20 years!