Kitchen And Bath Ideas

Understanding The Different Choices In Bathroom Floor Tile

While most bathrooms in a home are considered functional spaces and it's common to cut costs in these areas, the master bath is a homeowners personal sanctuary. Much more care is taken in the design and products used in this room. Bathroom floor tile is the major concern here, with most of the floor space being covered in this material, plus some walls and back-splash areas as well. There are several common mistakes made when choosing floor tile and some things that you need to keep in mind.

Because the bathroom floor tile is the major design element of your bathroom, its aesthetics are extremely important. Tile feels cold to the touch, so you will want to choose a color pattern and design that puts off a feeling of warmth. Pale earth tones are a good choice, as are textures that are mottled or marbled. While it can be common to use stark whites, blacks or colors, these aren't the ideal choice for a bathroom. These bold choices take away from the relaxing environment of your bathroom, so avoid this common mistake in design. If you do use them, however, be sure to take advantage of some of the newest technology and install radiant heat underneath. In fact, this is ideal for the bathroom no matter what your design selections are.

Whenever you install tile in your bathroom, proper attention to detail is crucial. This is the room in your home that is exposed to the most water on a regular basis. That means that your grout needs to be applied and cured properly to avoid future damage to the material. In shower or tub areas, porcelain and ceramic are the most common selections. Softer tile material, such as cork, works best in high traffic areas. It is likely not the best choice for around the toilet, as it is not quite as easy to clean as a harder material. However, it stays warmer and is more comfortable on the feet. You can also certainly use vinyl. Though less durable, it is much more affordable and is easy to clean. If you do use several materials in the same room, be sure to carefully plan the layout so that the finished floor looks cohesive.

Floor tiles are available in all kinds of sizes and shapes. Most bathroom floor tiles are either square or rectangle, making for easy application. However, other shapes are available if you want a different look. You can also buy larger than average tiles, making the installation quicker. However, you must have a very level floor to use these or they will not adhere properly. Either way, keeping a few simple things in mind can help you make better choices about your flooring project.