When designing or refurbishing a bathroom, shower room or other wet room, surface finish is a critical condition.
Tiles are typically selected as the go-to solution for bathrooms, but not all options offer the same benefits. The top three tile choices are porcelain, ceramic and natural stone, but the first two options are considered the best materials for use in rooms with water use.
Here, we look at their benefits in turn and raise some key questions you should ask when selecting tile material for a bathroom.
Porcelain
Resistant to scratches, stains and moisture, porcelain is renowned for its hardwearing and durable nature that lets it last for many years. With a low water absorption rate, it is a match for wet rooms and replicated natural materials like marble and wood convincingly.
Ceramic
Extremely lightweight, ceramic tiles are often used on bathroom walls. A more cost-effective option compared to porcelain, they are also simpler to cut making for fast installations. Designed for durability and water resistance, ceramic is ideal for bathrooms.
Natural stone
Bathroom designers seeking a luxe look and feel sometimes opt for tiles made from natural stone such as limestone or marble. While these options can create an original and high-end aesthetic, they do have certain drawbacks. In terms of cost, they are more expensive than other materials, but they also take longer to install as they are heavier and require more careful handling and fitting. Once installed, they are also a more demanding floor choice as they need more frequent maintenance and attentive cleaning techniques to avoid issues like etching and staining that can ruin their appearance and impact longevity.
Key factors to consider for tile safety and performance
When choosing tiles for bathrooms, always consider slip-resistant products to promote safety. Wet environments can encourage fungus to grow, so picking a material that is resistant to mould and moisture is advised. It’s worth noting that the easier maintenance tiling is, the longer it is likely to last, and that choosing a durable product is always the best practice.
At Digital Ceramics, we offer custom porcelain tile printing and the same service for ceramic tiles. Regardless of the size, style or colour of tile you seek for your bathroom project, you can rely on us for high-quality products that are both mould- and slip-resistant. Touch base with our team today to learn more.