The right tiles can be the most transformational part of a bathroom redesign, so it’s worth spending some time to make sure that you are really happy with your choice. Here are some tips to help you decide which option is right for you.
Colour and pattern
Bathroom trends come and go, but it’s a big decision that you are likely to have to live with for several years to come, so the most important thing is to choose a style that you are completely happy with. If you feel unsure about which colour or pattern to choose, you could always create a mood board and collect physical samples from the store.
Many bathroom retailers now have visualising technology which allows you to see what your completed bathroom looks like with a particular colour and style. For those who like to keep up with trends, bolder colours such as fern greens, inky blues and dusky pinks are popular at the moment.
However, don’t be afraid to go for a more neutral colour scheme if that is your preference. It is very easy to brighten up a bathroom with colourful towels and accessories to create some interest.
Material
The traditional material of choice for bathroom tiles is porcelain. It’s hard-wearing and water resistant, and is available in an endless variety of colours and patterns.It is also more affordable than most other materials, making it a great choice for any bathroom.
For a more high end statement bathroom, you may wish to choose natural stone or marble tiles. However, these take more maintenance to keep in good condition as they are naturally porous materials and will need coating with sealant every few months. They also tend to be heavier and more expensive than porcelain tiles.
More unusual choices include glass, slate, or pebble tiles. In general, you should match the material of the tile to your budget, the overall style of the bathroom, and how much time you want to spend maintaining the tiles.
Floor tiles
For the floor, slip-resistant tiles are ideal for bathrooms, because they are naturally areas where water is going to be spilled and splashed around. It’s a particularly important consideration if the users of the bathroom include older people who may be more unsteady on their feet, or people with restricted mobility.
If you are installing a wet room, which has an open shower area with no tray and the whole floor is designed to be waterproof and drainable, then anti-slip tiles are essential. Most floor tiles now have an ‘R’ rating, which stands for ramp test, and rather confusingly ranges from 9 (the lowest resistance) to 13 (the highest resistance).
Ratings R11 and above are considered suitable for wetrooms, and other areas that are prone to wet floors, including kitchens, utility rooms, and cloakrooms. R13 tiles are the highest grade anti-slip tile, and you may have noticed them in the areas around public swimming pools and changing rooms.
If you are interested in finding out more information about showers for elderly and disabled, please call us on 01491 411041 or visit our website.
28 March,2023
