Shop The Look: Zephyr 10x11 Hexagon Mosaic Porcelain Tile
Selecting the best tile for your bathroom floor isn’t just about aesthetics–it’s also important to consider factors like water resistance, traction, and durability. Today, we’re discussing various tile material options and the non-negotiable qualities you need in a bathroom floor.
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this blog post for a special discount code!
Tile Material Options
The main tile materials to choose from are porcelain, ceramic, glass, natural stone, and luxury vinyl. Let’s discuss their pros and cons.
Porcelain/Ceramic
Porcelain and ceramic tile are both popular choices for bathroom floors. As porcelain is a type of ceramic, these materials are very similar and essentially have the same benefits and drawbacks, with porcelain being slightly more durable.
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Both porcelain and ceramic tend to be affordable, long-lasting, low-maintenance, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant. There’s no shortage of aesthetic choices with these materials, either. You can find them in nearly any shape, size, color, pattern, and texture. Porcelain, in particular, can even replicate the look of other (more expensive) materials, such as natural stone and hardwood.
As far as drawbacks go, these materials can be hard and cold underfoot, so rugs or radiant floor heating may be beneficial.
Glass
Glass tile is truly beautiful and has a luminous, brightening effect on any room it’s in. It’s most often seen on bathroom walls rather than floors, but some glass tiles are floor-rated. When shopping for glass floor tile, you’ll want to ensure that it’s strong enough to stand up to foot traffic.
We recommend choosing small mosaics, as the numerous grout lines will provide necessary traction, or you could opt for textured glass. In general, it’s best to avoid large, smooth glass tiles, as they will become a slipping hazard when used for a bathroom floor.
Aside from its light, bright beauty, glass tile is waterproof, stain-resistant, and mold- and mildew-resistant. While glass tile is easy to clean, the grout in between tiles may need additional upkeep. Glass tile also tends to be more expensive than options like ceramic, porcelain, and luxury vinyl tile.
Shop The Look: Vella Gray 24x48 Porcelain Tile
Natural Stone
Natural stone has a timeless, luxurious look that makes for gorgeous bathrooms. When selecting natural stone tile for your bathroom floor, it’s best to choose a material with some texture, such as slate, travertine, or limestone. Options like granite and marble are visually stunning, but they tend to be very slippery when wet.
When it comes to the cons of natural stone, there are a few things to consider. Natural stone tends to be one of the pricier options, and it typically requires professional installation, particularly in bathrooms, where there’s a need for waterproofing.
There are also more demanding maintenance requirements for natural stone, such as using specific cleaning products and resealing the tile on a regular basis. Stone is naturally porous, so sealing (and resealing) is crucial to prevent water damage, as well as mold and mildew growth.
Shop The Look: Aquatic Penta Azul Glass 12.25x12.x25 Mosaic Tile
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is another good option for bathroom floor tile. It imitates the look of hardwood or natural stone at a lower price, and it’s simple to install. It’s comfortable underfoot and comes at a budget-friendly price. Luxury vinyl is also durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance. While it can be damaged by heavy furniture like couches, that usually isn’t a concern in bathrooms.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Floor Tile
As bathroom floor tile is likely to get wet, it’s vital to consider factors like durability, water resistance, and traction in addition to appearance. We’ll explore the most important considerations for bathroom floor tile below.
Cost
Your budget typically acts as a guide for all renovation projects. The least expensive options are luxury vinyl tile (LVT), ceramic, and porcelain, whereas glass and natural stone tile are more expensive.
Durability
Bathrooms are considered high-traffic areas due to the number of times people use them each day. Therefore, it’s wise to opt for flooring that can stand up to significant foot traffic and is meant to last long-term.
Shop The Look: Highland Bristol 15x15 Glass Mosaic Tile
Appearance
Of course, aesthetics are another crucial part of any home improvement project. Consider your existing interior design choices and color palette when looking for new flooring. Think about what kind of style you’d like the bathroom to embody. Whether it’s classic, trendy, neutral, or bright, there are tile options to match.
Water Resistance
Choosing tile that’s resistant to water (or sealing natural stone to enhance its water resistance) is especially important if your bathroom has a shower or bathtub. The last thing you want is for mold and mildew to grow or for your new tile to sustain water damage that hurts its appearance and longevity.
Traction
Traction is also vital for bathroom floors, as stepping out of the bath or shower and slipping on the floor can lead to injury. It may be worth looking at textured tiles or small mosaic tiles that have many grout lines. A half-bath without a tub or shower may not require as much traction, however.
Shop The Look: Obsidian Port Noir 12x24 Porcelain Tile
Maintenance Requirements
Any time you’re choosing a tile material, it’s wise to take time to research its maintenance requirements. Options like ceramic, porcelain, and luxury vinyl tend to be easy to maintain. Glass mosaics may require additional upkeep, and natural stone tile is widely viewed as the most high-maintenance option due to its need for regular resealing.
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Shop for Bathroom Tile at Tilezz.com
Tilezz.com has a wide range of bathroom tile options in various materials, sizes, shapes, colors, patterns, and textures–there’s truly something for everyone. Plus, we’ve made it our mission to simplify online tile shopping. That’s why we offer fast delivery, insured shipments, and easy returns.
You can take a look at all of our products here, or visit our blog for DIY installation guides and interior design inspiration. Follow us on Pinterest for more Tilezz.com content!
Discount Code
Choosing between multiple bathroom floor tiles? Buying samples can help you decide which is the best option for your space. Use code XJF6RNZY5BJJ to get 30% off when you purchase four or more samples.
Please note that this code does not apply to full-size tiles and can only be used with samples.
Suggested Reading
How Often Should You Reseal Natural Stone Tile?
Hardwood Vs. Wood-Look Porcelain Vs. LVT: Which Is Best For Your Home?