Probably the most popular bathroom flooring material going is of course the ceramic tile floor. A ceramic tile bathroom floor is durable, versatile and affordable, making it an excellent choice for any sized bathroom. From large plank tiles, square tiles to small and mosaic tiles, ceramic tiles provide home owners with endless bathroom flooring options.
The Cost of Ceramic Tile flooring
Depending on the size of your bathroom space the cost is truly up to you! These floor tiles are available in many sizes, shapes, thickness, colors, textures, and strengths all at various qualities, strengths and prices. You can spend anywhere between $1.00 sq ft to $20.00 +. Of course you do get what you pay for. If you are only installing a small bathroom floor consider using a more expensive tile. Smaller space, less expense but when installing a floor in a very large bathroom you may want to reconsider and find a more affordable choice.
Ceramic Tile flooring Color and Design
Ceramic tile presents endless flooring design opportunities to home owners today. You can litterally find almost any type of shape, size, color and texture in ceramic floor tiles, you just need to do your research.
When choosing a particular color for ceramic tile keep in mind that you likely have to seal the tiles with a glaze. As ceramic tiles are porous they require a glaze or sealant. Sometimes these glazes can have an affect on the original color of the tile. It is important to know this before you go ahead and seal your brand new tile floor!
A natural glaze application is a glaze that you can use which will help to keep your tile from changing its original hue.
Ceramic tile flooring Durability
All ceramic tiles are graded by a strength grading system. They are rated as I being the weakest to V being strongest.
It is recommended that a grade III or higher glazed ceramic tile be used when installing a bathroom floor. This grade of ceramic tile will hold up to most other flooring materials and should last a long time with proper installation and maintenance.
Scratch resistance – Glazed ceramic tiles rank highly for being extremely scratch resistant. Like all flooring, try and avoid dragging any heavy objects and when using free standing hanging racks and such, be sure to use protective pads between the feet and tile.
Strength - These tile floors can be extremely strong however you do need to try and handle with care. Very heavy objects over time could pressure crack them and of course you always run the risk of cracking one when dropping heavy objects on them as well.
Fire resistance – Ceramic tiles are fire resistant and do not emit toxic fumes.
Water resistance – Although ceramic tiles are extremely water resistant it is recommended that pooling water be wiped away quickly as it can damage the tile over time.
Ceramic Tile floor installation Tips
It is always better to hire a tiling professional, however installing ceramic tile flooring can be a great DIY project. If you keep the tile pattern simple enough, anyone can install a great looking ceramic tile floor. Of course there are a few things to consider before you get started.
1.Do not forget about your grout! When choosing a tile color for your new tile bathroom floor remember to also choose the appropriate grout color.
2. Another flooring tile to consider installing is handmade floor tile. Each handmade tile is unique and can add an interesting design to your space. However beware when installing these tiles as a floor tile as each tile will look a slight bit different than the next. If you are looking for clean lines and a consistent pattern, this would not be the right choice for you!
Ceramic tiles, the environment and your health
As ceramic tiles are non-conductive, they are another excellent choice for bathroom floors. Ceramic is also very easy to clean and maintain.
Ceramic tiles can be a green product for your flooring renovation however they do have some downsides. Ceramic tiles are created from natural ingredients and are not harmful to landfills however they do require excessive energy in order to bake them properly. A better eco product for your bathroom flooring would be to use recycled ceramic tile flooring
Thesexybathroom.com opinion
Ceramic tiles are the easiest way to get sexy in your bathroom. Do your shopping and you can find some gorgeous tiles that don’t have to cost a small fortune. Remember that your design layout and grout color can also help to create a sexier look for your space. You’re options for layout are limitless, play with different sizes, shapes and colors and watch your floor transform from dull to delicious! With their ease of cleaning and relatively low maintenance, ceramic tiles are a great option if you have a busy bathroom. Be sure to clean spills and try and not let water pool to long to prevent long term damage. Buy extra tiles as well as they do tend to chip. Overall, ceramic tiles are a great choice in your bathroom!
