Selecting the right shower tile is a crucial decision that goes beyond just choosing a color or pattern that matches your decor. To create a safe and functional shower space, you should consider several other factors:
- Texture Variation: While smooth, glossy tiles may be an ideal choice for the walls and seats of a shower, textured tiles are essential for the shower floor. The bathroom floor can become slippery when wet, and textured tiles provide traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Opt for mosaic or small pebble tiles with uneven surfaces for enhanced safety.
- Dealing with Curves: Edges and curves can pose challenges for a tile surface. When installing tiles on curved surfaces, like the walls surrounding a shower niche or a curved shower bench, smaller tiles are your best choice. Smaller tiles are more flexible and allow for greater control when cutting and installing. This ensures that the tiles conform smoothly to the curvature of the shower, resulting in a neater and more cohesive appearance.
- Maintenance Considerations: The size of your shower tiles can significantly impact maintenance. Larger tiles, like 12×24 inches or larger, are easier to clean due to fewer grout lines. This makes them a practical choice for the walls and shower benches. Additionally, large tiles minimize the number of seams, creating a more hygienic environment by reducing the space available for mold and mildew to accumulate. However, it’s essential to remember that smaller tiles may be necessary for areas with more intricate designs or curved surfaces, as mentioned earlier.
By taking these factors into account, you can make informed decisions about your shower tile selection. Prioritizing safety with textured floor tiles, ensuring a smooth installation with smaller tiles for curved areas, and considering maintenance needs with the size of the tiles all contribute to creating a functional and visually pleasing shower space.
For more information on selecting bathroom tile, please contact us at Conestoga Tile. You can also visit one of our showrooms in Columbia, MD; Sterling, VA; or Harrisburg, PA.