subject: Exploring the Options for Tiling in New Bathrooms [print this page] Exploring the Options for Tiling in New Bathrooms
Tiles are still popular for use in new bathrooms and are finding their way onto walls, in showers and across the floors of renovations across the UK. There are different sizes and materials used in the tiles of today and each present benefits and challenges to homeowners.
Tile Flooring
The most popular place for tiles across your home, tiled flooring is a wise choice for the bathroom. Although it is costly to install and even more so to replace this flooring will be extremely durable, easy to clean and long lasting in a bathroom application.
You can opt for large 30cm square natural stone tiles or look for ceramic tiles in a wide variety of colours and patterns. With this type of flooring you can use wood trim or simply install a thin strip of tiling up the side of the wall to provide a coordinated trim that holds the moisture in well. Remember that natural stone often needs to be sealed as it is porous and can stain more easily than other styles.
Tiled Walls
In the shower or anywhere in the bath, tiled walls are exceptionally easy to keep clean and will stand up to the heaviest levels of moisture. A thick coat of adhesive must be used and a moisture -rated drywall should be used behind the tiling for the most strength. Mortar within the tiled walls should be sealed and inspected frequently to be sure it is holding up. Unlike on the floor, gravity is against the tile on the wall so the condition needs to be monitored and any deterioration should be repaired right away.
Think about adding tiled borders to your walls to dress them up. Along with half walls of plain tiling, borders of patterned tiles or boldly shaped edge tiles can create a luxurious look in new bathrooms. Go for something that echoes a classic style or try a shape and colour with a more modern appeal. There are countless variations available and all can add visual interest and texture to the bathroom.
Mosaic Tiles
These small tiles that come together to form a beautifully textured surface and are hugely popular for new bathrooms. They can be used in the shower, on the wall or as a backsplash for the vanity and basin. Generally mosaic tiles come in sheets that are installed much like traditional tiles with grout and mortar. They are difficult to repair when damaged, but good quality mosaic tiles will last for years with no need to do anything except scrub them down once in awhile.
Impervious to moisture as most other tiles are, ceramic and porcelain mosaic tiles do not need to be sealed. The mortar spaces are smaller but there are more showing, so be sure to choose a neutral coloured mortar that will blend in well. There are plenty of options for tiling in new bathrooms - from the walls to the shower and floor. Take advantage of the strength and beauty this product delivers by incorporating it somewhere into your bathroom.
