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Porcelain tile can be used anywhere you want an excellent performing, good-looking surface. It works great in kitchens as countertops or wall coverings and is also a good choice for showers and bathroom walls.
Which tiles are best for bathroom walls?
The Best Options for Bathroom Floor Tile
- Vinyl Tiles. Vinyl is the most popular bathroom flooring material, because of its low cost and high degree of practicality.
- Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles.
- Glass Tiles.
- Stone Tiles.
- Plastic Laminate Tiles.
- Linoleum Floor Tiles.
- Cork Tiles.
Which is better for shower walls porcelain or ceramic tile?
No, neither porcelain nor ceramic is inherently better than the other for bathrooms and showers. Simply check the tile’s recommended applications to see if it will work for your intended use. If you prefer your toes toasty warm, either ceramic or porcelain are great options because both are rated for in-floor heating.
What are the pros and cons of porcelain tile?
The Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tile
- Install Yourself? Yes.
- Best Uses: All-purpose; also commercial installations.
- Pros: Toughness, variety of design.
- Cons: Requires modified setting material to anchor it to substrate.
- Price Range: $3–$6.
Can you install porcelain tile on drywall?
The bottom line is that drywall (and this includes moisture resistant drywall) should never be used behind tile in wet areas (showers and tub-shower combinations). This is especially important in a shower located on an outside wall, but also helps even if the shower is on an inside wall.
How can I tell if my tile is ceramic or porcelain?
Appearance. The easiest and fastest way to tell a ceramic tile from a porcelain tile is to take a look at its edge. A ceramic tile, whether for floor or wall use, has a glaze on top of the surface, giving it its color and finish. Porcelain tiles may be glazed but are frequently not.
Why are some porcelain tiles so cheap?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay materials and fired at high temperatures. It’s more difficult to reach those higher temperatures (which create a denser, more durable product), so the higher the temperature, the more it adds to the cost.
Should shower tiles match floor tiles?
Your bathroom floor tile doesn’t have to match the tile you use in your shower. Many homeowners prefer to mix things up a bit and choose unique tile for each.
Should floor tiles be darker than walls?
The tiles on the bathroom floor and wall do not have to match, as typically, the floor is darker than the walls. Whether you install dark tiles or lighter-colored tiles, they should always look sparkling and be free of debris, as darker tiles are quicker to show stains and dirt.
What can damage porcelain tile?
Regular use of corrosive chemicals can erode the surface of the tile, and increase its water absorption rate. Corrosive chemicals will also erode the grout, which will loosen the tiles and allow water to get beneath the tiles creating dampness. For everyday cleaning of porcelain tiles, just use warm water and a mop.
What is the most popular tile for bathrooms?
The bathroom tile go-to, subway tiles are are by far the most popular bathroom tile. Subway tiles can be used both on walls and floors to give a seamless look. Easy to install and budget friendly, subway tiles in contrasting colors can be used to create colorful horizontal lines and other patterns.
Should bathroom floor and wall tiles match?
Floor tiles and wall tiles can match, but certainly do not have to. Most importantly, floor and wall tiles should create a cohesive look by either combining monochromatic colors, coordinating patterns with colors, or pairing complementary solid colors together for an aesthetically pleasing result.
Do porcelain tiles crack easily?
Hard, dense, and solid, porcelain is resistant to most heavy stresses and can even be used in commercial environments. Be aware, though, that the hardness of porcelain can make it slightly more brittle than standard tiles, which means they can be more susceptible to cracking.
What size tile looks best in a small bathroom?
While some bathrooms can look great with large and small tiles, your best bet to enlarge a small bathroom is to opt for a medium-sized tile, no larger than 1′ x 1′. The best way to decide what size tile will work in your space is to bring home samples prior to tile installation in Flint, MI.
What is the best grade of porcelain tile?
Grade 1 tiles are the weakest, with the best application as wall tiles. Grade 2 tiles are best used in areas where there is light traffic, such as residential bathrooms. Grade 3 tiles can withstand slightly heavier traffic, and is the most common choice for residential applications.
Can porcelain tiles be used on bathroom walls?
This means they’re perfectly fine for bathrooms, kitchens and floors around the home, but might not be suitable for busy commercial spaces such as bars and restaurants. On the other hand, porcelain tiles are extremely dense and hard-wearing.
Does porcelain tile need to be sealed?
The surface of most ceramic and porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, although some require a light application of a penetrating sealer to fill the micro pores on the surface of the tile. However, the grout joint between the tiles is usually very porous and generally made of a cement-based material.
How far up the bathroom wall should I tile?
The classic design feature is usually between 34 and 54″ high, with 36″ being the average height. A classic offset or straight set pattern in a standard field size tile works best for this wall height. For a truly classic look, finish the top with a decorative trim or a bullnosed edge.
How do I know what tiles will match my bathroom?
- Contact the manufacturer. If your tile is fairly new, you can try contacting the manufacturer to see if the tile is still available.
- Search online or in a phonebook. If the tiles were laid a long time ago, it may be hard to find a match.
- Mix and match new and existing tile.
- Visit architectural salvage stores.
