Have you ever wondered why people choose tiles in their bathroom home remodels more than any other type of material?
The reason is because of the many benefits of tiles in bathrooms that you can't get with other types of flooring. Tiles are a timeless and wise choice for bathrooms. They are excellent for flooring, countertops, and even walls in a hot, sudsy, bathroom environment.
Here are seven reasons you should know about when you are trying to decide whether tiles are a good choice or not for your bathroom design.
#1 Moisture Resistance Is Paramount
The bathrooms of today not only have to put up with moisture everywhere, but also we now have harsh cleansers, modern shampoos, and soaps that can damage flooring, countertops, and walls.
Ceramic tiles are non-porous and can withstand this type of harsh environment beautifully. Stone tiles can also be used in wet environments, but should be sealed to keep harsh chemicals from pitting or damaging the surface. If properly maintained, you won't feel like you're tempting fate stepping out of this bath tub onto a tile floor!
Soho Pleasant Strips Mosaic - Request Details & Quote
#2 Easier to Maintain in Wet Environments
The water itself isn't the problem. It's the mold and mildew that comes with it that can make other types of materials harder to maintain than tiles in a bathroom. Laminates, especially, can end up ruined when water soaks underneath them dislodging the glue and making them buckle and warp. This provides hidden areas where mold can grow, making for a very unhygienic space. You especially don't want to see mold and mildew in a white-toned bathroom as it is very easy to spot! However, if you use tiles, as in this design, it's far easier to keep tiles looking crisp and clean.
Thassos Basketweave and Strips Mosaics - Request Details & Quote
#3 It's a Perfect Match for Radiant Heating
Tiles will retain the heat more than other materials, when you combine it with radiant heating. Stone, in particular, can end up being cool in the summer and warm in the winter, when using radiant heating technology. Tiles, in general, conduct heat much better than laminate or wood flooring. In addition, other types of materials will crack and become damaged over time due to expanding and contracting with the heat cycle. You don't have that problem with ceramic and stone tiles, making them ideally suited for radiant heating. Wouldn't it be a nice surprise to step out of the tub onto this marble tile and feel the warmth of radiant heating on your feet?
Calacatta Bathroom Floor - Request Details & Quote
#4 Durable and Long-Lasting Choice
When you choose tiles for your bathroom, you are making a durable and long-lasting choice. Tiles are a very hard material, thus, very long-lasting. If maintained properly, you can expect ceramic tile to last 75 years or more and stone tile to last over 100 years, according to the National Association of Home Builders. You would probably have to re-do the grout before you would have to do anything to the tiles. In comparison, laminates will only last from 5 to 10 years in optimal conditionals, and only 2 years if they are in high-traffic areas like bathrooms. Why keep buying throw rugs when you can have a practically forever rug made of tiles on your bathroom floor?
Custom Trellis Mosaic - Request Details & Quote
#5 You Won't Have Off-Gassing
Off-gassing is a term used to describe the process that certain synthetic materials undergo. Materials like plastics and laminates give off Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that end up polluting indoor air over time. They are especially problematic with people who have allergies and chemical sensitivities. For healthy individuals, it's still something you don't want to be breathing. Ceramic and stone tiles are made of natural, not synthetic materials, so they do not off-gas. When you want a healthy indoor environment, it is best to avoid laminates and other synthetics to keep your indoor air quality as pure as possible. Even the glues used in some types of flooring installations can off-gas too. This earthy, environmentally-friendly, design is in natural tones and will not be subject to off-gassing because it is made of tiles!
Univo Arbor Mosaic - Request Details & Quote
#6 You Have Limitless Design Possibilities
You may think that tiles are restricted to geometric and straight-edge designs because they have to be cut by a stonemason. However, modern tile designs offer intricate curves created using waterjet technology. This new tool allows you to create any design you want and have it cut to precision every time. You get to customize your design, even using intricate curves, circles, and different stone materials, as in this design.
Univo Garcenia Ornamental Mosaic Pattern on Floor - Request Details & Quote
#7 High Cost-Effectiveness
It's true that tiles, whether ceramic or stone, cost more than other types of building materials. However, the benefits of durability and moisture-resistance make them last far longer, and in better shape. Thus, while you pay more upfront, you actually pay less over time, since you are not replacing them as often as laminate, wood, or vinyl. Plus, they can even be like having a work of art in your home.
Univo Bloss Japanese Cherry Blossom Mosaic - Request Details & Quote
Tiles Are Clear Winners in the Bathroom
Tiles can withstand a hot, sudsy, environment and clean up easily afterwards. They pair well with radiant heating systems by conducting heat efficiently. They are durable and long-lasting and won't off-gas VOCs into your home. They are highly cost-effective when you consider that their lifespan is 7.5 to 10 times more than laminates, depending on whether you use ceramic or stone tiles. You are not limited to just straight-edge designs and they come in a wide variety of colors and textures, to make any design possible. It's because there are so many benefits of tiles in bathrooms that they are a clear winner when it comes to bathroom remodeling projects.
What do you think? Have I convinced you that tiles are the way to go for your next bathroom remodeling project? If so, please share this article with your friends on social media.
Need help with tile selections and designs for your new bathroom remodel? We can help you. Artsaics tiles are available through your favorite designer...Interior Design Details. Book your free Discovery Call today to talk about your project.
About the Author
Nelson Londono founded Artsaics in 1998 after learning the ins and outs of designing custom artistic tiles and stone mosaics. The New York-based surfacing company specializes in producing stunning artistic tiles & stone designs with fine natural stone from around the world. Nelson and his team's passion lies in working with their hands, heads and hearts to make each and every space a unique reflection of self expression.