While there are many tile options for a bathroom, knowing the pros and cons for each will help you pick the best bathroom tiles.
The bathroom has become the most desired room in the home for a remodeling project. Bathroom redesigns now make up 81% of home renovation projects.
With a new bathroom design comes tons of choices for finishes and materials. Flooring is one element that works to enhance style, while still being practical.
The right material adds aesthetic to your bathroom space. It also stands up to the bathroom’s high moisture and humidity levels.
So, which tile flooring option is ideal for your home and lifestyle? Here’s our list of the best bathroom tiles for boosting style and function in your home.
1. Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles
Porcelain and ceramic continue to be a top choice in bathroom flooring. This option offers a timeless and elegant style while being water-resistant. Yet, you want to ensure you’re selecting a tile that gets graded for floor use.
These materials fall at the higher end of the price spectrum. Prices can go up to $35 per square foot for certain tiles. You can expect to pay more for porcelain bathroom tile as it’s more durable.
These tiles feature different patterns and sizes to create a unique flooring design. Choose from large or small tile sizes and gloss or matte finishes. You can also create contrast with colored grouting.
Herringbone patterns and small penny-sized circles are trending in tile. You can even go with terracotta, mosaics, or Morrocan tiles for something different.
Porcelain and ceramic are a harder and colder flooring option. So, be sure to use bath mats for added comfort. You can even install radiant heating beneath the floors.
2. Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl can be the best bathroom tile if you’re looking for an affordable and durable option. It’s hard to break or crack this type of flooring but easy to clean and maintain.
Vinyl can mimic the look of real wood, stone, or ceramic. Yet, there is less variety when it comes to tile sizes and layouts.
Another benefit of vinyl is that it is comfortable to walk on. These are also some of the best bathroom tiles for installing yourself. Yet, we always recommend using professional plumbers when doing a full bathroom remodel.
3. Stone Tiles
These bathroom tiles create an elegant and unique look with tons of character. Stone tile options include slate, marble, granite, and limestone.
An all-white marble bathroom screams luxury. Yet, it comes with a price as natural stone is expensive. Stone floors will likely put you out of range of the average bathroom remodel cost of $10,341.
You’ll want to avoid polished marble as this could cause slipping if the floor gets wet. Slate floors work better for avoiding slips as they are more textured.
Limestone is a less durable and porous stone. Although it’s beautiful, it can get scratched due to its softness.
Stone tiles offer different textures and grout options to enhance style. You can match the grout to tile colors or use a different color to add contrast.
This flooring is harder to maintain than ceramic and porcelain. You’ll likely need to get it re-sealed after time. Routine cleaning is also important for stone tiles as they can stain.
Be careful which cleaning products you use with stone floors. Harsher chemicals can cause damage to natural stone.
4. Linoleum Tiles
Linoleum bathroom tile options offer a low-cost and easy to install flooring choice. They are also simple to maintain and clean.
Linoleum even keeps bacteria growth at bay. It’s a great option as it naturally keeps dirt and dust off your floors. Yet, linoleum can be susceptible to scratches and may begin to look worn over time.
5. Laminate Tiles
Laminate tiles get made from plastic. This makes them an affordable choice that is also easy to keep clean.
Yet, laminate can sometimes let moisture in, causing damage to the tiles. Proper caulking can help prevent this. Be sure to pay close attention to space around the toilet and tub.
Laminate may work better in smaller spaces, like the powder room. A lighter color tile can create the illusion of a larger space.
6. Eco-Friendly Tiles
Cork is making its way into many bathroom designs. It’s a sustainable material that doesn’t deplete natural resources.
These eco-friendly options are becoming more important for younger homebuyers. Some will even pay more for homes that value greener living.
Cork is available in different colors to complement the style and design of the bathroom. Cork also features anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
It’s inexpensive, yet not as durable as other options. Flooring will need to get sealed to ensure moisture does not penetrate the tiles.
Cork is comfortable to walk on and safer for slips as it provides more cushion. The material can even help reduce noise levels in the bathroom.
7. Glass Tiles
Glass can be the best tiles for bathroom designs that are smaller. This is due to the material’s reflective properties. Glass tiles are a beautiful option that can make a smaller bathroom seem larger.
Glass is also great for stopping mold growth and is stain-resistant. It’s easy to clean and maintain with the right products. Yet, tiles can get scratched or become broken with excessive force.
These tiles are a higher price due to the material and installation methods. Yet, it’s best to leave a glass tile installation to a professional.
Glass can be more difficult to cut and place than ceramic. You also may be able to notice the adhesive beneath the tile if it’s more of a translucent shade.
Glass offers different tints, shades, and characteristics for a unique design. You can also choose from different layout patterns and color palettes, like mosaics. Recycled glass can be a greener option for bathroom flooring as well.
The Best Bathroom Tiles for Your Home Design Project
Choosing the best bathroom tiles comes down to budget, maintenance, and bathroom size. You want an option that provides style while still being functional for the bathroom. Each of these options offers an ideal flooring choice for the home.
Looking for other ways to enhance your bathroom renovation project? Check out the bathroom section of our blog for more design and decor tips.
