Choosing the Right Tile for Your Bathroom

Selecting a tile can be overwhelming for a first timer. Initially, we tend to look at the aesthetic of a tile and over look the overall functionality.

Below you can explore the five essential tips when searching for the perfect tile for your space

DURABILITY  

A tile’s durability helps when determining if the tile is suitable for the area in which you plan to place it.

• Class 1 – No foot traffic (Wall applications only)
• Class 2 – Light traffic (Wall applications)
• Class 3 – Light to moderate traffic (Residential – normal foot traffic. Ideal for countertops and walls)
• Class 4 – Moderate to heavy traffic. (All residential use, medium commercial or light institutional use)
• Class 5 – Heavy to extra heavy traffic (All residential use, heavy commercial and institutional foot traffic)

SIZE 

Tiles come in a range of sizes; from 3/8” mosaics to 24” x 48” slab tiles, and everything in between. The range of tile sizes allows for the creation of patterns within your space. Choosing the perfect size is dependent on where exactly you plan on installing the tile. A popular wall size is 8” x 10”, where a popular floor tile is 13”x13”.

Something to keep in mind: large tiles make a space appear… larger.

COLOR

When selecting the color of your tiles there is three essential categories of colors for you to consider:

LIGHT

DARK

NEUTRAL

If you’re looking to create a larger space, choose lighter colors. Trying to add warmth and comfort?

Choose darker colors. If you enjoy interchanging accessory colors in rooms, choose neutral colors

TEXTURE

The texture of a tile guides you in determining the grip of the tile; which can assist you in picking and choosing where or where not to place the tile based on moisture, wear and tear.

T E X T U R E D / M A T T E F I N I S H T I L E S = L E S S S L I P E R Y
G L O S S Y / P O L I S H E D T I L E S = S L I P P E R Y

Although glossy and polished looking tiles can get slippery, they are still a very common tile to install in areas with high moisture for the aesthetic purposes. (i.e. entryways or bathrooms)

STYLE

Tiles come in a multitude of styles and combines the above points to establish your selection of the perfect tile. (Durability, size, color and texture)

Styles come and go, but some remain a classic in the design world. See below for a list of styles to keep an eye open for:
– Rustic / Stone (Fits in with all kinds of decor)
– Marbleized (Perfect for a formal aura)
– Neutral Subway Tiles (Classic)
– Glass, & Metal (New styles)