Choosing the best bathroom floor tile material | A buyer's guide to bathroom floor tiles
Choosing the best bathroom floor tile material | A buyer's guide to bathroom floor tiles
When choosing the perfect bathroom floor tiles, it's important to consider many factors. This will ensure the tiles complement the overall look of your bathroom and stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and style. The choice of material is not just about colour or budget; it is also important to reflect your home's character.
In this guide, we will delve into the world of popular bathroom floor tile materials, providing you with comparisons to help you weigh up the differences. From sleek and modern to traditionally rustic, we cover the full spectrum of tiles to help you make an informed decision.
Click on the link to jump to that section:
What are the advantages of using porcelain bathroom floor tiles?
Porcelain tiles have become the cornerstone of bathroom flooring – and for good reason. Their increasing popularity is a testament to their versatility and resilience, making them an ideal bathroom candidate.
Find out more about the best porcelain floor tiles with our expert guide here.
Why porcelain for bathroom floors?
Porcelain is perfect for various rooms, particularly when used as bathroom flooring. Some of porcelain's benefits include:
Available in various effects: Porcelain floor tiles offer myriad effects from wood to metal. Whether you yearn for the classic marble look or the rustic charm of stone tiles, porcelain delivers not only a perfect replica of the natural material but also a host of practical benefits, such as ease of maintenance. Compare the different bathroom floor tile effects here.
Highly durable: Porcelain stands up to the daily wear and tear with ease, resisting scratches, spills and stains.
Ease of upkeep: Maintenance is an attractive appeal of porcelain tiles – a simple sweep and mop are often all that's required to keep them looking pristine.
Great patterns: You can choose from one style, several different patterns and colours, or even add an accent tile.
When choosing a bathroom tile, one must consider an appropriate slip rating. A tile too smooth is a slip hazard, while a surface that's too rough becomes a haven for grime. Striking a happy medium is key to ensuring safety and ease of cleaning.
For a tile that offers the perfect balance of beauty and functionality, we recommend the Bert & May collection. Designed exclusively for Fired Earth, the Bolonia range features intricate designs recreated with contemporary colours; perfect to accent a bathroom or a wet room floor.
Browse the entire range of Bert & May Bolonia porcelain tiles here.
Should you choose terracotta bathroom floor tiles?
Terracotta has been used in homes for centuries and is, in fact, the founding tile of Fired Earth. When the company began more than 40 years ago, terracotta tiles formed the very first range. Traditional and beautiful, terracotta is perfect for many areas of the home, including bathrooms, as long as it is treated properly.
Why terracotta for bathroom floors?
Benefits of terracotta tiles for bathroom floors include:
Available in various shapes: With terracotta, there is no one-size-fits-all. From rectangles to hexagons, these tiles can be adapted to any design vision.
Moisture-resistant when sealed: Seal them properly; these tiles will repel water effectively.
Mediterranean style: They invoke the warmth of Mediterranean interiors, giving you a year-round holiday feel in the bathroom.
Durable by nature: Like fine wine, terracotta tiles only get better with age, and their durability makes them a wise investment. However, it's important to note that terracotta
may not be the natural choice for British bathrooms and may not be the best choice for wet room set-ups, where a porcelain lookalike might be a better option.
Since the 1980s, Fired Earth has been at the forefront of the terracotta trend, introducing these tiles when they were a rarity in the UK. Our range, including popular terracotta replicas, is a testament to our love of this material and is beneficial for bathroom flooring.
Browse the entire range of terracotta floor tiles here.
Choosing marble bathroom floor tiles
Marble is a classic choice that never dates as a bathroom floor tile. Available in various colours and formats and veining that range from subtle to stunning, it offers both traditional elegance and modern simplicity.
Why marble for bathroom floors?
Benefits of marble bathroom flooring include:
Aesthetics: Each marble tile is a unique piece of art, with patterns that could never be replicated and which lend an air of exclusivity to your bathroom.
Durability: Marble has been the choice for floors for centuries. Its longevity is unparalleled when properly cared for.
Luxuriously cool: Although marble's coolness can delight hot days, it pairs splendidly with underfloor heating for a touch of warmth when needed.
Despite its many virtues, unless treated, marble's smooth surface can become slippery, especially when wet. Opting for marble effect tiles that provide better grip might be the answer for busy bathrooms. When considering marble, consider the balance between its opulent appeal and functional practicality.
With smooth matt tile finishes, this collection of marble tiles is perfect for adding an eye-catching feature to your bathroom floor. Available in various green shades, these larger format tiles can create a seamless look, offering both practicality and a stunning finish.
Browse our entire range of Seaspray marble tiles here.
Choosing limestone bathroom floor tiles
Limestone – with its gentle earth tones and fossilised inclusions – tells a story. Each stone tile bears the mark of history and brings a profound natural beauty to your floor.
However, it's important to remember that limestone requires a bit more care. It must be cleaned with pH-neutral cleaning solutions, and acidic solutions must never be used. The beauty of limestone is best preserved with a mindful approach to maintenance.
Why limestone for bathroom floors?
Benefits of limestone floor tiles for bathrooms include:
Natural colourways: Limestone's neutral palette harmoniously blends with any colour scheme, making it a versatile choice for any bathroom design.
Comfort underfoot: It's not just about looks – limestone also has a tactile feel that is both grounding and luxurious.
Exclusive features: The presence of fossils and other natural variations make limestone tiles a conversation starter.
These limestone tiles are perfect for adding a sense of calm and a spa-like feel to a bathroom. Available in a variety of shapes, limestone bathroom tiles work well to offer stylish spaces that are easy to maintain.
Browse the entire limestone bathroom range here.
Comparing the different bathroom floor tile materials
Choosing the right material for your bathroom floor balances aesthetics, function and maintenance. Below is a comparison table to guide you through the key features, advantages and disadvantages of each material.
Each material offers unique benefits. Porcelain is a workhorse that comes in various styles, while terracotta warms with its earthy tones. Marble exudes luxury, while limestone provides a wealth of history.
In the table below, we compare some of the most popular bathroom floor tile materials:
To help choose a material for your bathroom floor, our experts are here to help! Fired Earth offers a bespoke design service to help you achieve your dream more easily. We will help visualise your dream bathroom and offer sound advice on which material and colour scheme will work best.
Book your design appointment here.
Why choose Fired Earth?
For more than 40 years, Fired Earth has been at the forefront of tiles, offering a variety of tile materials, shapes and colours for all areas of the home. Whether you are looking for floor or wall tiles, our extensive collections offer:
Bespoke Design Service: Tailored designs that fit your vision and your home.
Authenticity: Each tile in our range is designed to look great and perform perfectly.
Handcrafted tiles: Made with care, each piece is a testament to the artisan's skill.
Collaborations with well-known designers: Our collection offers many gorgeous tiles for all styles of homes.
If you're interested in finding out more about bathroom floor tile materials, speak to our experts today!
Simply, visit one of our many showrooms in the UK or contact the Fired Earth team online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flooring is best for a small bathroom?
In a small bathroom, consider tiles that can make the space look larger, such as light-coloured porcelain or marble tiles with a glossy finish to reflect more light.