Are you giving your bathroom a makeover but feeling overwhelmed about picking the right tiles? Perhaps you're wondering which tiles would be best to withstand moisture and spills. Or maybe you're looking for tiles that match the stylish look of your home.
At D&B Tile, we specialize in helping homeowners make the right decision when it comes to bathroom tiles in Sunrise, Florida. In fact, we often recommend porcelain tiles for their exceptional durability, water resistance, and aesthetic versatility.
Today, we'll discuss some factors that make porcelain tiles a fantastic choice for your bathroom project. We'll also touch on alternative options like ceramic, stone, glass, wood stone, and mosaic tiles. Let's begin the journey of finding the perfect bathroom tiles!
Why Are Porcelain Tiles Convenient for Your Bathroom?
Low Absorption Rate
One important thing to consider when choosing bathroom tiles is how much water they absorb. Areas like the shower, the floor near the sink, and the walls surrounding the bathtub are prone to splashes and moisture. Therefore, you want tiles that can withstand these wet conditions without getting damaged or causing water-related issues.
Porcelain tiles have a very low absorption rate, which means they don't soak up much water. This is due to their unique manufacturing process. When porcelain tiles are made, they undergo a special firing process at temperatures of up to 1,400 degrees Celsius. This high-temperature firing makes the tiles dense and non-porous, which reduces their ability to absorb water.
Because of their low absorption rate, porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for areas in your bathroom where water is frequently present. Let’s say you have a spacious shower with a beautiful tile surround. Porcelain tiles won't absorb excess moisture, preventing water damage and minimizing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
When used in bathrooms and with the proper shower installation system, porcelain tiles also create a water-resistant barrier, protecting the underlying structure from potential water damage.
Stain Resistance
Aside from being water resistant, porcelain tiles are known for their impressive stain resistance. Substances have a hard time seeping into the tile because porcelain is dense and non-porous, creating a protective barrier against stains. As a result, you can use a damp cloth or mop and the stains will come off.
If you have kids, porcelain tiles might be the perfect choice for your new bathroom. With young children, accidental spills and messes are bound to happen, especially in the bathroom where toothpaste, soap, and bath toys are involved. Whether it's toothpaste smudges, shampoo spills, or slime mishaps, you can wipe away the mess without worrying about stubborn marks or stains.
If you're looking for a quality product to clean your tiles, we offer Omni Cleaner products for everyday use. Omni is highly concentrated, so you only need to mix 1 to 2 ounces with 1 gallon of water to get results. It also contains proprietary surfactants to lift contaminants and remove bacteria, stains, and more.
Variety of Designs and Aesthetics
Porcelain tiles offer an incredible range of design options, making them a versatile choice for creating different styles and looks in your bathroom.
If you're looking for a sleek and modern look, you can choose tiles with a glossy, matte, or polished finish. These tiles can give your bathroom a contemporary feel with their clean lines and minimalist appeal. You can choose from different solid colors or opt for subtle patterns and textures. For instance, large-format porcelain tiles with a polished finish create a more sophisticated bathroom.
If you prefer a more traditional vibe, you can pick porcelain tiles that emulate the appearance of natural stone, such as marble or travertine. These tiles capture the timeless elegance of stone while offering the benefits of porcelain, such as durability and easier maintenance.
Porcelain tiles can also replicate the warmth and charm of wood flooring. With wood-look porcelain tiles, you can enjoy the natural appeal of wood without worrying about water damage or the need for regular sealing.
Impact Resistance
Bathrooms are high-traffic areas prone to accidental drops and impacts, so you must choose tiles that can handle such issues. Porcelain tiles are known for their high impact resistance, as their dense and durable composition makes them resistant to chipping and cracking. Even if something heavy falls on the floor, porcelain tiles can withstand the impact and keep looking good.
The impact resistance of porcelain tiles comes in handy in busy households or homes with young children, where bathroom floors and walls experience more wear and tear than usual.
Allergen Resistance
Moisture in bathrooms creates an ideal environment for mold growth, which is often a concern for homeowners. Fortunately, porcelain tiles offer excellent resistance to mold and mildew due to their low porosity. Porcelain tiles have a dense structure that doesn’t absorb water easily, preventing moisture from lingering on the surface. This makes it difficult for mold and bacteria to take hold and grow, which keeps your bathroom cleaner and healthier.
In addition to preventing mold growth, the low porosity of porcelain tiles also minimizes the presence of allergens in your bathroom. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander settle on surfaces and contribute to allergies. Porcelain's non-porous surface doesn’t create conditions for these allergens to stick or accumulate, reducing potential allergy triggers.
Moreover, unlike tiles made of vinyl, porcelain does not release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals emitted from certain materials that impact indoor air quality and can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. By choosing porcelain tiles, you're choosing a safer option for your health, especially if you or your family members have allergies or sensitivities.
Cost
When it comes to cost, porcelain tiles are typically pricier in the short-term when compared to other materials. However, they’re actually a cost-effective choice in the long run. Porcelain tiles are strong and resilient because they have a lower absorption rate, meaning they are less likely to get damaged or wear out quickly. That means you won't have to spend as much on repairs or replacements down the line.
Other Options for Your Bathroom Tiles
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are a good option for bathrooms, especially if you're looking for something more budget-friendly. They offer a wide variety of designs and colors, so you can find a style that suits your taste.
However, you need to keep in mind that ceramic tiles aren’t as durable or water-resistant as porcelain tiles because they are made from a different type of clay and fired at lower temperatures. Therefore, they have a higher chance of getting damaged and absorbing water over time.
If saving money is your priority, ceramic tiles can still be a reasonable choice. Just be aware that you may need to take extra care to prevent water damage and be prepared for potential repairs or replacements down the line.
Metal
Metal tiles can bring a distinct and contemporary touch to your bathroom, creating a unique and stylish atmosphere. Their sleek and reflective surfaces add a touch of sophistication and modernity to any design. For example, if you're aiming for a bathroom with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, metal tiles can contribute to the overall sleek and polished look.
That said, metal tiles require specific care to keep them looking their best. Unlike porcelain tiles, metal tiles are more susceptible to scratches and tarnishing. Therefore, you need to be extra cautious to avoid abrasive materials or rough handling that could damage the surface.
To preserve the appearance and longevity of metal tiles, you can apply a clear protective coating, such as a metal sealant. This protective coating forms a barrier that shields the tiles from moisture, stains, tarnishing, and oxidation and helps maintain the metallic finish over time.
Glass
Glass tiles can bring beauty and visual impact to your bathroom, especially when used as accents or in mosaic patterns. They have a unique quality of reflecting and refracting light, creating a captivating and dazzling effect. If you have a plain white bathroom, incorporating glass tiles in vibrant colors or with a shimmering finish can instantly add a pop of visual interest and create a focal point.
Like porcelain tiles, glass tiles are non-porous, which makes them highly resistant to water damage and staining. In a wet environment like a bathroom, where water splashes and steam are common, glass tiles remain unaffected and maintain their beauty over time.
However, glass tiles have a smooth surface that makes them more likely to have scratches and cracks compared to other types of tiles. Extreme temperature changes can also pose a risk to glass tiles, as they may expand or contract and get cracks or breakage.
Lastly, the smooth surface of these tiles makes them more slippery when wet. This can be a potential safety concern, especially in areas where water splashes, such as shower floors. If you decide on glass tiles, you need to adopt slip resistance measures to prevent accidents.
Are You Interested in Quality Bathroom Tiles in Sunrise, Florida?
At D&B Tile, we are passionate about helping people find the perfect tiles for their homes. We’re a company that has been around for generations, and we work with some of the best tile suppliers in the world to redefine kitchen, bathrooms, and more.
Do you have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to speak with a tile expert about possible tile options for your bathroom? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to speaking with you!