Choosing Between Tile Types for your Bathroom Renovation
Choosing Between Tile Types for your Bathroom Renovation
The renovation of a bathroom is one of the easier and most rewarding design opportunities a homeowner will have, and is a common renovation project for the experts at Heilman Renovations. There are many styles of bathroom and they can be effortlessly mixed and matched through the numerous choices available to the consumer in terms of design and materials. One of the key elements of a bathroom renovation is the tiling. This may just be in terms of floor tiling, but some opt to include smaller tiles of the same pattern or material for accents along the wall.
However the tiles are used, there are different types that offer different pros and cons. This article will break down the key points from a few of the leading choices in bathroom tiling. Some are expensive, and some look fantastic, but they all come with their own set of charms and drawbacks.
Ceramic Tiles
For home improvement projects on a slightly bigger budget, ceramic tiles really add a little elegance at a relatively cheaper cost (although by tile standards, ceramic is one of the pricier options). Ceramic tiles can come in a range of artificial styles that look natural simply because they are so rustic and authentic to the eye and to the touch. For example, stone accented tiles are an easy and convincing look to pull off when dealing with ceramics. However, there are certain drawbacks when it comes to ceramic tiling. If the floor space is quite large, it can get expensive compared to cheaper vinyl tiling. Also, ceramics get cold much easier - this is usually a welcome relief in the summer, but less desirable in the winter.
Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl tiling is the go-to material for a standard bathroom renovation; it manages to tick a number of boxes at the lowest possible cost. It's simple to install, easy on the budget, and looks sleek and professional. It's easy to see why so many do opt for vinyl, particularly when taking into account that it is also very durable. However, the drawback of vinyl comes in the form of its own aesthetic limitation. Vinyl simply doesn't pop in quite the same way ceramic or genuine wood does, and if the bathroom floor space is relatively small, some find that the extra pennies per square foot is worth it for the extra luxury and elegance.
Plastic Tiles
Plastic may seem like a bit of a vague term for tiling, but in this area it nearly always refers to the laminate variety, and it smooth to the touch and easy on the eye. This type of tiling is very workmanlike, although it is possible to find it in enticing patterns or shades. The appeal of plastic tiling comes in two main ways - first, it's incredibly easy to clean and to keep looking new and fresh. Second, it's one of the cheapest tiling options per square foot, sometimes as little as half the price of other choices. However, it doesn't always insulate well from water, which could become a common concern in the bathroom setting.
Stone Tiles
For that rustic villa look, stone is a great choice. Stone also offers the most variety, as it can come in many different shapes, sizes and designs. It can be symmetrical, disjointed, dark, light - the choices are endless and nearly always look very good. The downside is that this can get expensive, and does require a certain degree of maintenance. Stone is susceptible to scratches and the sealing can become cracked - all these things require little touch ups over time, although many homeowners who do opt for stone tiling feel that it's worth it for the unique look and feel.