Choosing bathroom tiles is not as easy as it might seem. You don’t just have to choose the right design, but also the right material and finish to ensure long-lasting durability and performance. Ordinary glossy-finish tiles are not a good fit for the bathroom floors as they can be very slippery. But many people do not even consider this fact and end up making the wrong choice. If you are planning to purchase bathroom tiles, this detailed guide from H&R Johnson will help you choose the right ones:
Different Types of Bathroom Tiles
Bathroom tiles are made of different materials, which impact their overall quality and durability. Here’s a list of different types of bathroom tiles and their suitability:
1. Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are the most basic and widely used tiles in bathrooms. These tiles are strong, durable, easily accessible, and easy to install. However, ordinary ceramic tiles are prone to wear and tear in high-moisture conditions. Hence, they are not suitable for bathroom floors. You can install ordinary (non-vitrified) ceramic tiles on bathroom walls. But for long-lasting performance, avoid using them on the floor.
2. Anti-Skid Vitrified Tiles
Anti-skid vitrified tiles are a special kind of tile that is designed to resist slips and falls. These tiles are suitable for bathroom floors. Check out Maxgrip anti-skid tiles from Endura by Johnson that consist of anti-skid tiles with R values ranging from R10 to R12, making them suitable for various spaces, including residential and commercial bathrooms.
3. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles, also referred to as glazed-vitrified tiles, are a special kind of vitrified tiles with an added layer of glaze over them. This layer of glaze makes them very less porous (nearly zero porosity), so their water absorption rate is extremely low. Also, these tiles are mechanically very strong and have the ability to retain their original shine and appearance for years to come. All these features make porcelain tiles a great fit for bathrooms. You can use them on bathroom floors as well as walls.
4. Natural Stone or Glass Tiles
Apart from the different kinds of ceramic tiles listed above, there are bathroom tiles made of other materials as well. Tiles made of natural stones like marble, granite, etc, are also very popular for their aesthetic appeal. But they could be very hard to maintain, and expensive as well. Similar is the case of glass tiles, which look beautiful but are very costly in terms of their maintenance. So, for bathrooms that are regularly used, it is best to go for ceramic, vitrified, or porcelain tiles.
At H&R Johnson, you can find bathroom tiles that resemble the look of natural marble and stone. These bathroom tile designs allow you to achieve your desired aesthetics while also avoiding all the limitations of these materials.
Tile Size Guide for Bathrooms
Bathroom tiles come in a variety of sizes, and you are free to choose any of them as per your preferences. Here are some common tile sizes and tips to choose the right size for your bathroom:
Small-Sized Tiles: Small-sized tiles include sizes like 10x10 cm, 20x20 cm, 30x30 cm, etc. 10x10 cm tiles can be very small for the bathroom floors, but you can consider them for the walls. H&R Johnson’s Heritage collection has 10.8x10.8 cm plain ceramic tiles that are suitable for the bathroom walls. You can also find 10x30 cm subway tiles under this collection. If you want small-sized bathroom floor tiles, you can consider 30x30 cm anti-skid tiles from Endura Maxgrip.
Medium-Sized Tiles: Medium-sized tiles include tiles like 30x45 cm, 30x60 cm, 60x60 cm, 60x120 cm, etc. The 30x45 cm and 30x60 cm ceramic tiles from H&R Johnson are perfect for bathroom walls. You can find plenty of options under this collection. Moreover, the anti-skid tiles from Endura by Johnson are also available in a 60x60 cm size, so if you want to go for medium-sized floor tiles, you can consider installing them for maximum safety.
Large-Sized Tiles: Large-format tiles are a preferred choice for most people because they are in trend now. Large tiles make your spaces look bigger and more airy. If not for the entire bathroom, you can consider large-sized bathroom tiles for the backsplash wall. Large tile slabs in sizes like 80x160 cm, 80x240 cm, 120x240 cm, etc, from Porselano by Johnson are perfect for creating premium bathroom backsplashes.
Which Finish to Choose in Bathroom Tiles?
Now that you have understood how to choose the right material and size of bathroom tiles, let’s proceed further to choosing the right finish:
For the Floors: Bathroom floors need extra safety. Installing glossy or polished finish tiles can be very risky, as these finishes are slippery when wet. So, it’s always better to choose matt tiles or rough finishes for the bathroom floor. For maximum safety and minimum risk of slipping, you can install anti-skid floor tiles from Endura by Johnson.
For The Walls: For bathroom walls, you can choose any finish that suits your design preferences. If you want a warm look, go for matte finish wall tiles. However, if you want to give your bathroom a premium, shiny, and bright look, glossy finish wall tiles will be the best. For the accent wall or backsplash, you can choose textured tiles from the Expressions series of Porselano by Johnson.
Concluding Thoughts
There are a lot of things that you need to understand to choose the perfect bathroom tiles. However, once you identify your needs and your bathroom’s style, filtering out the right options becomes easier. Start by choosing the right material, then decide on the size, and then choose a design accordingly. Just keep in mind that bathroom floor tiles should always have a non-glossy finish.
At H&R Johnson, you can find any and every type of bathroom tiles for floors, walls, and backsplashes. Explore our entire range to find the perfect fit for your space!