Finishing material

Stone and tile
Easy to care for, long-lasting, and available in a mind-boggling array of materials and colors, tile is perfect for a bathroom.

Because it's an investment lo tile a bathroom, you'll wan! to consider your options carefully. If you're the kind of person who likes to follow trends, you might want to go with a neutral tile choice and add color and variation through towels and accessories that can be more easily and frequently changed. If. however, you want lo make more of a statement, a whole bathroom done in a vivid tile color or a bold mosaic pattern can be stunning.

Size: While the most popular tile remains the 4 /," |1 1 4 cm square wall tile, the current trend is toward larger sizes, especially 12 * 12" [30.5 x 30 5 cm). Large tiles make a room seem larger and have less grout to keep clean. For floors, they are available in honed, slip-resistant finishes At the other end of the spectrum. 3/<" [1 9 cm| mosaic tiles are an appealing choice as the small, repeated squares create a geometric presence. The extra grout lines also increase grip on floors

Ceramic: Most ceramic tiles are glazed and come in glossy, matte, and slip-resistant surfaces. Many manufacturers offer relief patterns for borders that coordinate with tiles and make an attractive feature along a wall or counter edge.

Stone: Available in slab and tile form, slate, marble, granite, limestone, and travertine add a rich natural beauty lo the bathroom. Some stones such as limestone are warm, while others such as granite are cool to the touch. If you're working with a smaller budget but want to have some stone in your bathroom, consider limiting it to thresholds and windowsills or using it on a single surface such as a vanity or tub decking. Also, there are many tiles on the market that mimic the looK of stone and arc much less expensive Keep in mind that slabs are heavy, so they need proper support on floors and walls.

Mosaic: Mosaic tiles are available in glass and clay versions The clay ones are pigmented so that the color goes all the way through the tile. They can be used on almost any surface and are waterproof, stain proof, and extremely sturdy. Mosaic tiles usually come in 12 x 12" 130 5 x 30 5 cm] sheets and can be customized to your design specifications or purchased in ready-made color combinations by manufacturers such as Bisazza

Quarry: A deep red unglazed tile used mostly for interior floors, quarry tiles are highly porous— probably nol an ideal choice for a bathroom, though they can be sealed.
Shapes: Rectangular, hexagonal, diamond, square, circular— tiles are available in many shapes. Most lines also have trim tiles designed for borders, corners, and accents. These embellishments will add a finished, professional look to your installation



Grout: Grouts are available in many colors and can be used in their own right as an accent color or to create a harmonious blend.