10 Tips for Getting The Right Bathroom Tile

Tiles are the obvious choice when you are decorating the bathroom; but knowing which ones to use can be sometimes be difficult. A bathroom can be more difficult than other rooms, as there is so much to consider. They obviously need to be waterproof, but, at the same time you have to think about the grip and how safe they are when they are wet. Although there is a lot to think about, here are just 10 tips on choosing the best bathroom tile for you.

Make sure you know how you want the finished product to look like before you begin. Think about what you want from your bathroom, and ensure that you have spoken with your electrician and plumber if you are planning any large changes to ensure that your plan is possible.

This may seem quite obvious, but is not always thought of when people are choosing which tiles they would like in their bathrooms. Depending on your design, if you have incorporated any curves, you will find that smaller tiles will fit this much better than large tiles.

There is no point choosing a tile, only to find that it is incredibly uncomfortable underfoot, or to lean against. Before you commit to any tiles, consider its texture. Whilst it may be important to have a tile that will provide grip for certain areas, it still needs to be comfortable, and this should all be decided prior to tiling anything

Most tile providers will provide samples for their customers, and it is important to get these to appreciate the size of the tile that you are considering. Check the sizing carefully as well – look to see if it is being measured in inches or centimetres, to solve any confusion later on. Bear in mind that you will have grout between the tiles, so does the sizing account for this or do you have to? Careful prepping beforehand will result in you having the best bathroom you can.

It is very important for any tile that is being considered for bathroom use should be protected from water, and many tiles, particularly natural stone should be cured in order to make it waterproof. Cure your tiles in between each step, but ensure that they are properly dry before you move on, to enhance your tiles.

Small coloured glass can be a lot easier to work with than larger clear tiles. This is because clear tiles can show any moisture that gets trapped behind them, which is guaranteed to ruin the look of your shower very quickly. Smaller glass tiles will not only reduce the chance of this happening, but will also disguise it should it happen.

Don’t think that feature walls should be reserved for living rooms only. They can work anywhere in the home and are incredibly effective in the bathroom. Avoid the temptation of using paint to create this, simply pick a second tile choice that will work with the main one, and create a feature wall using this second choice.

Some materials, such as marble require specialist care when cleaning. Ensure that you have thoroughly researched this area before you commit to a tile, to avoid fitting them only to find it is a mission to clean them. Some require a simple wipe down with a cloth, which may make them better suited for bathroom, unless you are prepared to dedicate the time to keep your tiles looking their best.

Tiling around windows and doors can be challenging, but it is important to ensure that these areas are done properly and carefully to ensure the life of your tiles and your bathroom. Consider the positioning of your shower taking the windows into consideration, and place them in a way where water is not likely to get behind the tile and into the window framing.

If you are completely refurbishing your bathroom, it is so important to get a plumber to decide on the positioning of the drain. It requires a lot more planning than just placing it in the middle and once it is in, there is very little room for adjustment. Ensure that your shower is also flood tested.