Tile plays a huge role in shaping the look and feel of a bathroom. With a seemingly limitless variety of tile types, from travertine to glass, it’s no surprise that homeowners turn to tile to create and accentuate their interior style of choice. Frugal homeowners hoping to renovate their bathrooms or house flippers hoping to make an attractive return on their investment will find these 7 different types of tile in particular can really transform a dull bathroom into a relaxing haven – without an enormous price tag. Get ready to take some notes for your upcoming bathroom tile renovation!
1. Wood Effect
(Approx. $3 – $8 per foot)
Installing real wood in a bathroom (or any place prone to moisture or risk of standing water) is not something we recommend. Fortunately, for those trying to achieve a rustic look, there is a feasible and smart alternative. Faux wood tile can consist of ceramic or porcelain, but we bet you’d never be able to tell. Its resemblance to real wood is so uncanny in both look and texture, making it a great choice for ‘shabby chic’ bathroom designs. Durable and low maintenance, faux wood is a cost effective replacement for the real thing. That’s a great deal for people willing to roll up their sleeves and DIY!
2. Shower Power
(Approx. $5-$25 per foot)
We won’t lie: glass tile can be expensive. However, savvy home renovators can still achieve the same modern, clean look by installing colorful glass tile just in the shower. Not only will this save money, but the reflective property of the glass will accentuate smaller showers and make them look larger. By limiting glass tile to the shower and using a neutral stone or porcelain tile for the rest of the bathroom, you’ll end up with a beautiful and unique look – and your wallet will thank you.
3. Spa Look
(Approx. $2 – $10 per foot)
Channel the relaxing feeling of walking into a spa with travertine tile. Made of calcium carbonate deposited by water over eons, travertine is a go-to tile when home renovators want to create a natural look in their bathrooms. Synonymous with luxury, this type of tile can transform a room into a haven, and it’s also a smart investment. A word to the wise: Because travertine tile is porous, it’s important to use a sealer (such as MAPEI’s UltraCare™ Penetrating Plus Stone, Tile & Grout Sealer) to prevent liquids from staining the tile.
4. Coastal
(Approx. $5 – $15+ per foot)
Pebble tile adds a layer of tranquility to a bathroom, reminiscent of a cozy beach. DIYers will find pebble tile installation easier than it may appear at first glance, as it is typically sold in 12×12 foot sections with the pebble mosaics adhered to a mesh backing. This dramatically simplifies an otherwise tedious process of applying each stone to the bathroom floor or wall. Pebble stone can be easily installed in a bathroom to create a zen ambience. Because grout joints between pebbles can be wide, use a higher end grout (such as MAPEI’s Ultracolor Plus FA). Don’t forget to apply sealer and light-colored grout (such as MAPEI’s Warm Gray) to finish off your project.
5. Industrial
(Approx. $15 – $30 per foot)
Because metal tile can be more expensive, we recommend that frugal renovators use it specifically as a backsplash for the sink area or on a single wall within the bathroom. Not only does it add a flashy metallic look, but it complements an industrial interior design (think exposed brick and ductwork/piping) beautifully. Metal tile is very durable, easy to clean and comes in many different shapes and sizes, making it easy to customize to your own taste. To prevent scratching, an unsanded grout (such as Keracolor U) should be used.
6. Southwestern
(Approx. $4 – $15 per foot)
Made from clay, quarry tile in orange or red tones evokes a feeling of a desert oasis characteristic of the American Southwest or a Mexican hacienda. Quarry tile is extremely durable and low-maintenance which makes it the perfect fit for a bathroom. Keep in mind that because quarry tile is porous, a good sealer will be required after you install to prevent future damage.
7. Color Contrast
(Approx. $2 – $5 per foot)
Finally, no look exemplifies the idea of ‘simple yet stylish’ than colorful walls coupled with white subway tile. This pairing looks exceptionally nice in bathrooms and gives a nod to both modern-day designs and classic 1920s style. A bold jewel tone such as turquoise or royal purple on an accent wall or ceiling is a great complement to simple white tile throughout the bathroom and creates interest for the eye. To create even more interest in the bathroom, use a dark-colored, unsanded grout in a color such as MAPEI’s Slate to emphasize the space between the tiles and create additional contrast. DIY-ers can’t go wrong with this classic look.