Whether used as a floor or wall material, tile has become a staple in the bathroom. The right tile for your bathroom renovation can transform the room with dramatic impact and beauty. And when you pair it with other materials like wood and stone, the results can be even more stunning.
But it’s important to understand the different types of tile available before you decide which one is best for your bathroom. To make the process easier, we’ve rounded up the various tile options and their advantages and disadvantages for your bathroom remodel project.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic is an affordable option that can bring a lot of style to your space. It’s also durable, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas like the bathroom. Ceramic tiles are often glazed to protect the surface, which also makes them easy to clean.
Porcelain tile
Another great option for bathroom flooring, porcelain is a manmade material that’s comparable to natural stone in terms of durability and style. It’s also a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes due to its ability to stand up to heat and moisture. Like ceramic, porcelain is also a good choice for high-traffic areas in the home.
Stone-look porcelain tile
Stone-look porcelain tiles offer the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost. They’re made using finely ground cement and sand with a pigment layer that creates the color and pattern. Many of these tiles are textured to add a non-slip surface, which is a must for bathroom floors and countertops.
Marble tile
Marble is a luxurious choice for bathroom remodeling that adds a rich, warm feel to the space. This sedimentary rock is available in a variety of colors and has a timeless appeal that lasts for decades. Marble tiles can be slippery, however, so radiant in-floor heating and slip-minimizing finishes are a good idea. It’s also more susceptible to staining than other types of tile and needs to be resealed regularly.
Slate tile
Another beautiful and durable material, slate is an igneous rock that’s typically darker in tone. This dark tile can be a dramatic choice for the floors of your bathroom, creating a stunning focal point with its unique markings and textures. It’s a great choice for tiling an entire room, or you can use it as an accent piece in a shower.
While it can be more expensive than other types of tile, slate is a long-lasting and eco-friendly option for your bathroom remodel. It’s also a great alternative to wallpaper, which is difficult to remove and can be damaged by water or mold.