The Bathroom Tile Design of Your Dreams Starts With Choosing the Right Material
Freshening up the look of your bathroom with a new shower curtain or a coat of paint is easy to do and easy to correct if you don’t like the look of the final product. If you are creating or changing your bathroom tile design, though, that is a much bigger commitment. You need to consider the cost, durability and upkeep of the tile material, as well as how well it suits your design. The key to getting a final product you love is educating yourself about the many materials available before making a purchase. Here are just a few of your options:
- Stone – This is a popular choice because of its durability and timeless look. Stone tile is easy to clean, never goes out of style and can be used in a variety of designs. Granite, slate, travertine and marble are examples of stone tile that are available in many natural shades to create an elegant aesthetic, but the beauty of these natural materials comes with a relatively high price tag.
- Ceramic – This bathroom tile material is man-made from clay shaped into tiles then heated at extreme temperatures until it hardens. Because it is available at a wide range of price points and in any shape or color you wish, many people choose ceramic for its variety. It can be more prone to cracking than natural materials, and maintenance of ceramic tile includes periodically resealing the surrounding grout.
- Linoleum – While in the past linoleum has been less popular in homes than in commercial spaces, it is growing in popularity as a residential bathroom flooring material. Made from natural substances like ground cork and linseed oil, some consider this a more durable and environmentally-conscious choice than synthetics like vinyl without the high cost of other naturally-based materials.
Your choice in bathroom tile is one you may be living with for some time, and the many options available can make the decision overwhelming. The time you spend learning about styles, colors and materials, however, will be well worth it when you see your design brought to life in your new or newly remodeled bathroom.