Bathroom tiles come in various materials, shapes, and colors, but not all are suitable for wet spots. When installing bathroom tiles, vitreousness—the tile’s capacity to absorb water—is an important consideration. Terra-cotta and other non-vitreous tiles absorb moisture and are only suitable for accent areas. Conversely, vitreous tile performs better in locations where splashing is likely to occur, which makes it a better option for shower walls and other bathroom spaces.
The way a tile is finished also matters since glazed tiles are water-resistant while unglazed tiles are not. To avoid slipping, bathroom tiles should generally have a high coefficient of friction. Use this overview of 6 types of bathroom tile for every budget and aesthetic to choose from – including maintenance tips, cleaning product recommendations, and bathroom tile ideas – to help you choose the best material for your space.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are made of a mixture of clays pressed into shape and fired in a kiln. These are the most popular tiles coming in an array of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes, so the tile design ideas are nearly endless. What separates these two apart is that Ceramic is affordable, easy to install, ideal for walls, while Porcelain tile is usually heavier and harder to cut, which is used for shower floors. Ceramic tile costs $6.86 – $8.70 per square foot, while Porcelain tile costs anywhere from $3-$40 per square foot.
Natural Stone Tile
Natural Stone is typically rough and imperfect, which includes marble, granite, slate, limestone, or travertine. However, these materials are not typically impervious to water, which requires a waterproof member to withstand moisture in a bathroom and should be resealed at least once a year to protect the surface from water. The average cost for natural stone is $8 – $45 per sq ft.
Glass Tile
Glass tile puts forward an elegant, reflective surface, highly water resistant. Glass tiles are often used in mosaics or focal points and are mainly used for walls. However, you might spend more time scrubbing the grout line,s and the cost per square foot can vary in price from $4-$50 uninstalled or up to 160 per square foot for a more intricate shape or design
Cement Tile
Cement-bodied tile, a cured sand and mortar mix, is a non-vitreous tile with excellent durability. Cement Tile can be used on floors and walls with a variety of colorful graphic pattern,s plus once sealed, it can be cleaned with non-acidic cleaning products. The average price to install Cement tile can range from $14 to $27 per square foot.
Decorative Bathroom Tile
The most popular decorative tiles can be made of a range of materials and embossed or decorated with images or patterns, such as leaves, birds, or stripes. Decorative Tiles can be collected in a mural or mosaic as a border or used for an accent. The average cost per square foot prices vary widely depending on the material and style the homeowner chooses.
Are you prepared to refurbish your bathroom today? Contact McMurray Builders and we can assist you in selecting the ideal bathroom tiles for your dream bathroom.
