Go the Mile for Tiles: 7 Bathroom Tiles to Add During Bathroom Renovation

Olivia Cirocco
 | September 14, 2021

One of the most renovated areas in the house is the bathroom. People upgrade it because they want for different reasons. To increase storage space, make necessary changes, prevent damages, or to upgrade the bathroom’s overall look. And to do so, installing bathroom tiles is a good benchmark.

The cost of renovating your bathroom also varies according to the changes you want to see. If you’re doing partial renovations, say in Australia, it can cost you around $5,000 to $10,000. The average full bathroom renovation will cost $20,000 to $27,000. For a mid-range bathroom, prepare $25,000 to $35,000. Luxurious bathrooms will cost you more than $35,000.

Putting this all into consideration, you need to be careful when you’re planning for a bathroom renovation. You need to check what fixtures need updating, and what functional additions will be useful for your bathroom such as new tiles.

When it comes to adding new tiles, you also need careful consideration. You need to choose the best type which will complement the rest of your bathroom. Read on to get useful ideas for the types of tile you can add when you’re renovating your bathroom floor.

CERAMIC

When it comes to bathroom floors, most people go for ceramic tiles. It’s waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about water damage. It’s also stylish, making it easy for you to blend it with your bathroom decor or design. You can decide on your choice from a variety of designs which will suit your taste.

However, ceramic can feel cold for your feet. You might get the urge to run across it during the cold season, but you’re in danger of slipping and falling to the floor. You can get smaller tiles because it has more grout which can help reduce the slippery characteristic of ceramic.

TERRACOTTA

Terracotta is a ceramic tile, but it has unique characteristics such as its low density, and it’s also non-vitreous. It’s most suitable for dry areas, but an excellent sealant can help make it a good candidate for bathroom tiles.

If you want to place the terracotta tiles in a unique pattern, ask for help from experts in renovations Melbourne has so you’ll know what the possible designs that will work for your bathroom are. Try asking the designer if it’s possible to place the tiles in a herringbone pattern, and try pairing blush-colored tiles with brass finish.

VINYL

This type is also a popular option for bathroom floors. The large size of these sheets helps give your bathroom floor a seamless look. It’s also low-maintenance, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time on cleaning it. Vinyl is also water-resistant, so it’s safe to use in the bathroom. This type won’t feel cold like ceramic so that it might be more comfortable for you.

However, the manufacturing of vinyl involves Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) which is harmful to your health. It’s also not biodegradable, making it a threat to the environment once you throw it out. Further, it’s prone to yellowing and chemical stains after years of use.

STONE

Natural stone tiles come in various materials. Depending on your choice, these different natural stone tiles can offer a lot of benefits to your bathroom. However, remember that stone requires regular maintenance, so you might have to clean it more often. It also costs more than the other types. Hence, you need to set a bigger budget.

  • Marble

If you prefer a classic and elegant look for your bathroom floor, this type is a perfect choice. You can choose designs which will give your bathroom a sophisticated ambiance. It’s also highly durable, so even if it’s expensive, you can expect it to last for a long time.

Marble comes in colors like blue, white, black, and grey rose. The polished marble comes in gloss and high gloss. For honed marble, satin, and smooth with gloss or no gloss is available. Regarding size, you can get it in tile, slab, or mosaic.

  • Granite

Granite is also a durable material for tiles, given that you clean it regularly. It’s non-porous and anti-microbial, so you’re assured of a cleaner floor. It comes on a lot of designs, so you won’t have any difficulty in choosing one which will suit your preference. However, granite can be slippery, so you have to be extra careful when you’re using the bathroom.

  • Limestone

This type gives off a timeless look with its honed surface and creamy hues. It adds warmth and a soft touch to your bathroom. It’s a durable material, but it’s also beautiful at the same time. You need to seal it because limestone is a porous material. Don’t use citrus-based cleaning solvents when cleaning it.

  • Travertine

This type can add a classic look to your bathroom due to its golden and reddish tones. You can get it in tumbled (highly textured with minimal shine) and honed (smooth like marble surface) finish. When using travertine, seal it properly and fill the holes with grout.

WOOD

Wood might seem like an impractical choice for your bathroom. However, careful sealing and regular maintenance can preserve the excellent quality of this flooring. You can go for engineered wood which comes with a plywood base.

GLASS

If you want a dramatic atmosphere for your bathroom, this tile is the one for you. It’s ideal for modern bathrooms because it comes in a lot of designs, colors, and patterns. You can even get multi-colored glass for decorative purposes such as a mosaic.  Proper maintenance will keep your glass tiles shining for a long time.

METAL

Most people prefer metal tiles on the wall,  but you can also use it for your bathroom floor. Its sleek aesthetic will give your bathroom a futuristic but elegant look. Metal tiles can come from solid metal or a resin base. You can choose from bronze, copper, or stainless steel finish. You can even get titanium-plated tiles for long-lasting durability.

TAKEAWAY

Before renovating, you need to assess what needs to change in your bathroom, and what fixtures need to be replaced or cleaned. When it comes to tiles, you need to choose the type which will complement your bathroom design but don’t sacrifice functionality for aesthetics.

Olivia Cirocco

Olivia Cirocco

Design Manager

As a Bachelor of Interior Architecture graduate of The University of South Australia, Olivia has gained extensive experience in the field. In addition to developing critical analysis skills, Olivia learned how to implement creative, environmentally and socially sustainable settings. Using these techniques she has since enjoyed specialising as a bathroom and kitchen designer.

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