How to buy Bathroom tiles

Gone are the days when people used to buy tiles only for the flooring of dining and living areas. With the upgradation of technology, tiles are given extra strength, varied textures and come in a variety of sizes to fit everywhere, even on walls. Plus, as time has passed and urbanisation has led to bigger incomes and smaller households, it's no longer about what you can afford, but what makes your area look more beautiful.

Why are tiles relevant today?

Tiles are excellent materials for wall and floor decor because of their affordable price, durability, ability to be shaped and designed according to trends and convenience of use. Tiles, when used right can be a signature design of sorts which adds a unique character to your home.

Through centuries, tiles are considered to be the classic trend in home decor. Some advantages like the ease of installation and un-installation, re-use and customised designs make it a designers’ favourite. Another benefit about these tiles slab is that they are maintenance free and safer for kids and help in defining the aesthetics of your house.

Can I use any tile anywhere I like?

The market is flooded with a wide range of ceramic tiles and there are lots of choices too. One can choose from a variety of different flooring materials and designs for every corner and space of each room. Different shapes and design of tiles are available for decorating and highlighting a particular area with different themes.

These days due to the rise in internet and online store the buying of tiles for bathroom  and kitchens became easy. Additionally,bath and kitchen tiles have seen more innovation in terms of design, application and functionality. Thus before you buy tiles online you must be aware of a few things related to their type, size, longevity, finish and functionality, so that  this investment can prove to be an asset and not a burden.

Here are some things you should keep in mind while buying tiles online -

Dirt Resistance for hygiene: The hygienic nature of bathroom tiles is very essential, as these areas are more prone to germs and dirt. Porcelain and Ceramic tiles are the best because they do not retain dust or residues on the flooring surfaces. The stains can also be removed with gentle household detergents. Additionally, they also don’t require polishing to preserve their finish over time.

Slip/Skid Resistance:  The bathroom area is always wet because of its frequent use. Therefore try to use tiles which do not retain moisture on them. Keeping this factor in your mind you may buy tiles which provide more grip for lesser slips and skids. The slip resistance involves two factors – The environment of your tile floors and its exposure to leaks. The slip or skid resistance characteristic is very important for a home when you have young kids and old aged people. The greater your floor will be exposed to spills of water, the higher your need is for a slip-resistant floor tile. Unglazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are best because they have greater slip resistance than glazed tiles.

Stain Resistance: The stain resistance quality is very important for tiles with high performance to resist moisture. Glazed tiles and some unglazed tiles are better to resist all types of stains so that they can be cleaned easily.

Color Permanence:  If you are looking for longevity in bathroom tiles, then avoid trendy colours. For bathroom tiles it’s best to go with neutral and off white colors. The colour selection of tiles for bath area is an important aspect for home décor. The flat, clean colour of tiles is good for long term use because the colour wouldn’t fade out. However, any kind of stain or dirt may stand out and be noticed more than you’d like.  So choose wisely.