It is made from a mixture of clays, feldspar, and kaolin, which are molded into the desired shape and then glazed for a smooth, waterproof surface. Porcelain tiles are ideal for bathroom use because they are highly resistant to moisture* and staining, making them a popular choice.
Porcelain tile is recommended for bathrooms, including floors, tub and shower surrounds and countertops. Porcelain is recommended for kitchens, but glazed ceramic tile is a budget-friendly option. Glazed ceramic tiles are a good choice for a kitchen backsplash.
To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.
Like we mentioned before, ceramic flooring is extremely hard. While this makes it easier to clean and maintain, it can also make it uncomfortable to stand on. This material, unlike resilient floors, can't be softened using padded underlayments, which means it might not be a suitable choice for some.
While porcelain tiles may have a higher upfront cost, their durability and longevity can provide better long-term value. Porcelain tiles can last 75–100 years with proper maintenance, while ceramic tiles may need replacement sooner, especially in high-traffic areas of your home.
In terms of withstanding moisture and humidity, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl roll, and porcelain or ceramic tile are the best bathroom flooring options. Each of these flooring options is water-resistant and able to withstand humidity and temperature changes in a bathroom.
Avoid glazed ceramic tiles in this spot, as they tend to be slippery. Also, remember that non-vitreous tiles are not suitable for the shower floor. Only impervious or vitreous tiles should be used in the shower area, as they are relatively more waterproof.
Porcelain tile are a different material than ceramic tiles. They don't need to be sealed as they are a much harder surface. And from our water test, there doesn't seem to be any absorption of water at the surface of the tile. It seems you may have a grout problem.
Vinyl is the easiest flooring to install in a bathroom. It is budget-friendly, durable and low maintenance. It comes in a variety of colors and designs. Ceramic tiles are budget-friendly and easy to install.
The golden rule when installing tiles is install on a concrete floor where possible and always ensure it's level by applying a levelling compound beforehand – watch this video to find out exactly how.
Guideline for Bathroom Floor Tile Sizes
The size of your bathroom floor tiles can be quite subjective. From 4-inch to 12-inch - it's ideal that you choose a size that may not look very small or busy and at the same time, is easy to cut and lay. Generally, the 12-inch by 12-inch or 24-inch by 24-inch works the best!
High-Traffic Areas: Polished porcelain tiles are durable and easy to clean, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, and kitchens. Wet Areas: Matte finish tiles provide better slip resistance, making them a safer option for bathrooms, entryways, and outdoor spaces.
Ceramic tile with matte finish is an affordable option that works well for keeping dirt out of sight. This finish will also make your tile much less slippery when wet.
Cost. Porcelain tile tends to be priced higher than ceramic tile due to its relatively superior durability and water resistance as well as requiring a more energy-intensive manufacturing process. Installation. Their density and hardness make them more challenging to cut and install.
We highly suggest using either a mosaic porcelain ceramic that has a lot of grout lines for traction or choosing a textured large format tile that will provide grip when you're standing. Now you have the design down take your time with the installation or hire a certified tile installer.
Tiles in marble, limestone or terrazzo will never go out of style. These are the materials we consider to be the most classic and timeless. The issue is that they can be hard to keep clean but now thanks to all the advancement in tile technology we can get the look using porcelain tiles instead of the real deal.
You can perform a simple water absorption test by placing a few drops of water on the back of the tile. If the water is absorbed quickly, it's likely ceramic. If it beads up or takes a while to absorb, it's probably porcelain.
Patterned bathroom tiles are a wonderful way to incorporate colour and design into a bathroom scheme, with patterned bathroom flooring being particularly popular in 2024. These tiles come in a range of styles, from vintage-inspired floral motifs and bold geometric shapes to classic Moroccan style tiles.
Byrne says: “A joint-free floor will be the most hygienic and easiest to clean. For example, terrazzo or cushion-backed vinyl.” “Storage will keep the endless bottles of lotions and potions every bathroom seems to harbor out of sight, making surfaces quicker to clean,” Byrne says.
Use Light Coloured Tiles Throughout
Utilising light shades of bathroom wall tiles and bathroom floor tiles will reflect light and will visually open up space. The opposite can be said of darker tones, which will absorb the light and make your bathroom feel considerably smaller.