A sound bathroom tile design should create a surface that is eye-catching, water proof and safe to walk on. Ceramic tiles, rubber, vinyl or linoleum flooring are examples of bathroom design materials that should be available practically anywhere. These types of flooring are easy cleanable, water proof and safe to walk on when wet. If you want to use natural stone or terra-cotta tiles – make sure you buy the non-slip types.

When considering which bathroom material to choose – each type of tile will have distinctive properties that may-or- may-not provide characteristics that are suitable for your bathroom design. The following describes the different material types of bathroom tiles, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each:

Ceramic Tile Design:
Ceramic tiles can range from reasonably cheap to expensive and is typically used in most traditional bathroom designs. Tiles are generally made from clay, shale or porcelain and are fired at very high temperatures in order for it to harden. The higher the temperature at which the tile is fired, the harder and less porous the tile would be.

Vinyl and Laminate Tile Design:
These types of tiles can be found in an assortment of colours, textures and patterns. Some tiles even imitate stone, ceramics and wood surfaces. These tiles are not very expensive, but they are water proof, easy to clean and install and is quite durable.

If you are using a colourless ceramic tile for your bathroom, consider using a different colour grout, for instance a blue grout will give your bathroom a striking look. Grout is the medium used to fill the spaces between tiles.

Stone Tile Designs (Granite, Marble, Limestone, Slate and Brick):
These types of tiles are attractive, very strong, durable, low maintenance and will last for a long time. Nevertheless, they are also very expensive, slippery and absorb stains easily.

Mosaic Tile Design:
This wonderful, yet ancient tile design can be made of tiles, stone, porcelain and coloured glass, and can create a spectacular floor pattern design. These tiles are small (2-to-5 cm square) and quite expensive. Add a small section of this tile design for visual interest to your countertop or floor.

Linoleum Tile Design:
These tiles are made from natural and renewable materials like ground cork, lime stone, linseed oil and jute. This type of bathroom flooring is making quite a comeback with new graphic designs, and it is far more durable than vinyl tiles.

Whether you be restoring an old bathroom or inventing a brand new one, being active in the design stage helps ensure that your bathroom turns out the way you want it. The right choice of tile designs, colours, patterns and sizes you can create an attractive and functional room that you will enjoy daily.