Bathroom Tiles

Wall and floor tiles are features of several different rooms in the house but are most commonly installed in bathrooms. Indeed, bathroom tiles are essential for the quite obvious reason that the bathroom is a typically moist, humid and wet corner of the home. Where bathroom tiles are not fitted, it is common for even the most water-resistant of paints to crack and split over time as moisture permeates its defences and does irreparable damage from within. Moreover, an excessive or prolonged build-up of moisture in the bathroom can cause far more serious problems than peeling paint, as mould spores and mildew can grow in walls to pose a significant health risk. Thus, bathroom tiles are usually employed for their exceptional properties of water-resistance and high durability.

Bathroom tiles may comprise a number of different materials, such as limestone, travertine, ceramic, porcelain, marble, slate and granite – each of which offers its own unique benefits. Of course, certain bathroom tile materials are generally unsuitable for use in homes that accommodate young children or the elderly, as marble and porcelain, for instance, however, aesthetically pleasing they may be, can also constitute a slip hazard where they comprise a polished finish. Indeed, it is normally sensible to choose materials that feature a honed, matt finish as these usually offer more in the way of friction and grip. Nevertheless, all types of bathroom tiles can provide a beautiful decorative edge in addition to a gloriously cool and smooth touch or feel. Furthermore, materials such as limestone offer a level of sophistication and luxury that simply cannot be attained by lesser materials.

When buying bathroom tiles, it is important to balance considerations of practicality and aesthetic appeal with affordability. Travertine tiles, for example, are visually pleasing products that offer superb grip and a pleasant feel. Moreover, in terms of cost, travertine tiles are significantly cheaper than limestone bathroom tiles. However, limestone bathroom tiles are typically more beautiful, elegant and luxurious than their travertine cousins, which is why they are the tile of choice for those who place opulence ahead of affordability. Nevertheless, both travertine and limestone tiles are perfect for use on bathroom walls and floors, so choosing between such products is usually a matter of personal taste and financial limitations.

Bathroom floor tiles can be purchased in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, although it is uncommon for top quality tiles to be sold that are not of a square or rectangular design. Furthermore, some materials such as limestone are typically sold in light, pale colours – usually beige – whilst other materials may be available in a range of different colours. For example, porcelain tiles comprise colours ranging from white to black (and everything in between). Thus, choosing the material of bathroom floor tiles will often be determined by the available colours and styles. Likewise, practical limitations may affect the choice of shapes and styles, as square cut tiles are typically the easiest to install and intricate shapes can often be difficult to maintain during the installation process.

When it comes to choosing the type and style of bathroom tiles for walls and ceilings, there is usually a much greater selection available. This is partly because the material finish of bathroom wall tiles is more heavily affected by aesthetic choice than practical considerations of safety. Thus, gloss and matt finish ceramic, porcelain and even glass tiles are popular choices for bathroom walls. Furthermore, bathroom wall tiles may comprise large plain square shapes or small mosaic patterns that offer much greater detail. Typically, medium sized square tile layouts are the easiest and quickest to install.

Buying bathroom tiles for the walls and floor is essential in order to maintain a healthy and safe environment. It is entirely possible and beneficial to fix tiles throughout the bathroom so as to leave no gap of wall or ceiling, although such a task is best left to professional fitters. In fact, one of the most common mistakes made by those who purchase bathroom tiles is that they fail to consult professional advice before undertaking the task of installing them.

Generally speaking, shop staff members are trained to answer numerous questions on bathroom tiles, so it is important that customers utilise their expert knowledge wherever possible – indeed, a sales assistant will very often be able to advise on the most suitable product for a given job. Furthermore, it is sensible to hire the services of a professional tile fitter in order to ensure that the end result meets initial expectations. Moreover, the work will be covered by a guarantee of some form or another (if not by contract, legislation provides that work must be of a good standard, etc.).

Nevertheless, many customers choose to save money on their bathroom tile projects by undertaking all the installation work themselves. Although going it alone is generally inadvisable, it is perfectly possible to achieve a professional job by following a number of simple steps. First, care must be taken to ensure that the bathroom is thoroughly prepared before undertaking a tiling project. This means that all surfaces must be scrubbed down, disinfected, stripped, dusted and smoothed. Furthermore, the preparation for installing bathroom tiles on the walls and ceiling is markedly different from that of preparing the floor. Indeed, once walls have been stripped down, it is usually necessary to fix a PVC membrane and narrow wooden frame around the walls before affixing a fully water resistant backing board. This provides maximum protection from exposure to moisture and sprayed water, whilst providing a secure, level and stable platform on which the wall tiles can be easily fixed.

Finally, it is necessary to expect the odd broken, cracked or chipped tile every so often, which is why buying slightly more tiles than necessary is usually sensible. Furthermore, the appropriate cutting and shaping tools must be employed in addition to spirit levels, square-edge levels, tape measures, pencils, suction cups, wall and floor scrapers, mixing equipment and grouting tools. It is also advisable to dry fit tiles and mark their positions with a pencil before permanently fitting them into place as this will avoid some common and extremely frustrating mistakes. Moreover, as the tiles will be fitted in an environment that will very often be wet or moist, an appropriate sealant must be used in order to shore up any gaps around the edges that may otherwise expose vulnerable surfaces.

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