How to Choose Tile for Your Bathroom Renovation

Bathrooms in a home are a place that can be either a sanctuary or an eyesore.

Bathrooms in a home are a place that can be either a sanctuary or an eyesore.  We have all seen incredibly beautiful, timeless bathrooms and we have all also seen outdated bathrooms that went a little too crazy with a trend from a certain era and now that bathroom is doomed to always look dated.  Certain styles are timeless, they can be modern, traditional, rustic or transitional but something about them makes them timeless.  Others that commit a little too heavily to trends may look cool or stylish for a while but within 5-10 years you may regret the decision.  Additionally, certain materials choices when it come to flooring may look beautiful on a showroom floor and stunning when installed but after some practical use and wear and tear you realize they are not particularly durable or ideal for a bathroom.  Choosing materials carefully for your bathroom renovation is very important so that you can ensure your bathroom renovation for years to come and that your investment continues to pay for itself over time.

Choosing tile for your bathroom floors is a very important decision because the bathroom naturally sees a lot of activity and it’s a moist environment where water can and often does get splashed on the floor.  While some tile is ideal for bathrooms because it is low maintenance and durable, other tile that looks nice may be less durable and more susceptible to damage.  One of the most commonly used tile in bathrooms is porcelain tile.  It is so popular for two main reasons – it is incredibly durable and tends to be relatively budget friendly.  The amount of porcelain tiles today is astonishing, there is truly a size, style, texture, color and finish for any home aesthetic.  Porcelain tile tends to be slightly more expensive than ceramic tile but it is also more durable.  It is more resistant to chips, cracks and stains.  Make no mistake, there are many stylish and durable ceramic tile options, but when it comes down to brass tacks, porcelain is overall more durable and tends to have a longer lifespan.  Another popular kind of bathroom floor tile is natural stone.  Natural stone, such as marble, travertine, limestone and more, is incredibly beautiful, timeless and unique.  No two stones are the same.  Natural stone, unlike porcelain or ceramic, must be sealed to protect its beauty from staining and damage.  Not only must it be sealed but sealing must be repeated periodically (for example, once per year) to ensure that the natural stones which are very porous do not become permanently damaged.  Other drawbacks are that some natural stones are more susceptible to damage like chips or cracks.  While these things are drawbacks that does not mean that natural stone should not be used.  It just means that it should be used with the knowledge that it requires a bit more upkeep than something like porcelain or ceramic.  In addition to these tile options, there are other flooring options as well.  These tile options are some of the most popular because of their durability and resistance to damage from water.  For more information and expert advice, consult your contractor or handyman who can lend their expertise and knowledge so that you can make an informed decision that you will love for years to come when choosing tile for your bathroom renovation.