Essential Knowledge: Distinguishing Between Bathroom Tiles for Your Floor and Wall Before Making a Purchase
In the world of interior design, selecting the perfect tiles for your bathroom can be a daunting task. However, understanding the key differences between bathroom wall tiles and floor tiles can make the process a breeze.
Claire Garner, the founder and director of Claire Garner Interior Design Studio, emphasizes the importance of considering durability, slip resistance, and suitability for different applications when choosing bathroom tiles.
The primary distinction between wall and floor tiles lies in their durability and slip resistance. Wall tiles are primarily decorative, installed on walls with attention to appearance and ease of cleaning. They are generally lighter, thinner, and less robust as they don’t need to withstand heavy wear. On the other hand, floor tiles are thicker, stronger, and more durable to withstand foot traffic, impacts, and wear over time. They need to handle heavier use safely.
Slip resistance is another crucial factor. Wall tiles' slip resistance is less critical since they aren’t walked on; finishes can be smoother and glossier for aesthetics. However, floor tiles must have higher slip resistance since floors can get wet, especially near showers and bathtubs. They often have textured or matt surfaces to prevent slipping. Tiles used for floors usually have specific slip-ratings to ensure safety.
When it comes to slip ratings, R13 tiles offer the best slip resistance and are suitable for wet environments like bathrooms and wet rooms.
María D. Arraez, the UK representative for Tile of Spain, highlights the importance of checking the specification of your bathroom tiles thoroughly before buying, as not all tiles will be suitable for both wall and floor applications.
In a smaller bathroom, it's suggested to lean into a bolder choice when selecting tile colours and patterns. Patterned tiles can create a striking focal point or a mural-like effect on bathroom walls. Bold colours, geometric patterns, and contrasting textures can define the aesthetic of a bathroom.
Encaustic tiles, with their matte, tactile surface finish, can be used on both bathroom floors and walls. Porcelain tiles are typically the safest bet for bathroom flooring due to their durability, low maintenance, and affordability. The higher the R rating of a bathroom floor tile, the better its slip resistance.
It's not easy to change the tiles once they're in, so it's important to triple-check the manufacturer's guidelines.
In addition, floor tiles must be easy to clean, maintain, and compatible with underfloor heating systems for comfort. Porcelain floor tiles are favored for their water resistance, hardness, and durability, making them suitable for both floors and wet areas like shower floors. Ceramic tiles are common for walls and floors but are typically less dense and durable than porcelain, limiting some floor applications.
Natural stone and cement tiles offer durability and grip on floors, but cement requires sealing for moisture resistance. Using floor tiles on walls is sometimes possible if the tiles are not excessively heavy, but using wall tiles on floors is usually not recommended due to durability and safety concerns.
In summary, the primary distinctions are floor tiles' enhanced durability and slip resistance to handle wet, heavy-use environments safely, whereas wall tiles prioritize lighter weight and aesthetic finishes suited to vertical applications. By considering these factors, you can create a beautiful and functional bathroom space.
- Claire Garner stresses the significance of durability, slip resistance, and suitability for different applications when choosing bathroom tiles, advocating prudent selection.
- Wall tiles are often lighter, thinner, and less robust, designed for decorative purposes and ease of cleaning on walls, while floor tiles are thicker, stronger, and more durable to withstand foot traffic and wear over time.
- Encaustic tiles, known for their matte, tactile surface finish, can be used on both bathroom floors and walls, offering versatility in interior design.
- Porcelain tiles, due to their durability, low maintenance, and affordability, are typically the best choice for bathroom flooring, with higher R ratings indicating better slip resistance.
- It's crucial to verify the specifications of bathroom tiles before purchasing, as not all tiles will be suitable for both wall and floor applications.
- In a smaller bathroom, it's suggested to opt for bolder tile colors and patterns to create a striking focal point or mural-like effect on bathroom walls, infusing personality into the living space.
