Bathroom floor tiles are cool in warm climates but in places where it can be really cold, they can be quite unpopular. However, now there are warming systems available so the problem of cold tiles can now be solved.
Different Types
Floor tiles are graded from 1 to 5. Bathroom tiles are normally grade 1 or 2; with 2 meaning it costs less than the top quality grade 1. Wall tiles are grade 3. Although a bit more expensive, it is advisable to use only impervious and vitreous tiles for the bathrooms.
As they are easy to clean, safe underfoot (no slip), highly durable, and highly resistant to damp, the ceramic floor tiles are the most popular choice. They are readily available almost all the time, and with a wide array of color and size selections that you can choose from.
On the other hand, vinyl tiles are easier to shape and size to fit, as well as it has non-slip surface and highly resistant to water. The only drawback is they can be prone to growth and development of mold and bacteria.
Porcelain floor tiles are also stain and water resistant, as well as easy to maintain.
Wood laminates may be durable and decorative but it is not highly recommended for bathrooms. Even though they are laminates, there is wood underneath it and therefore not water resistant. They easily absorb moisture like real wood, and when they do, they warp.
Stone tiles like marble and slate are well treated through pressure and heat. Water resistant and therefore mold and mildew are controlled, whereas allergens and pathogens are prevented from growing on its surface.
Granite tiles is easy to care for as well and highly durable. However for bathroom floors, granite must be honed properly in order that it prevents from being slippery. They come in big slabs although they can be had in 4×4 inch tiles as well, they can be a bit costlier.
Floor tile design
Using borders and different colors can make your bathroom floor interesting. Depends on the theme you have decided, you can use contrasting colors at random or even solidly uniform and laid out in a unique design to give it a bit of twist.
Different patterns can also be employed so as to make it more attractive. Using colored grout with one color tile is another option as well that can take away the plainness.
You may use bold and bright colors against plain backgrounds.
At the end of the day, it is your bathroom so play around with ideas, mix and match with complementing shapes or colors. If your bathroom is small, you could use light colors to make it look bigger than it is.
There are many pictures of all kinds of tiles online from various manufacturers and retailers, and you can even get recommendations as to what type you may use for your own bathroom.
Affordability
Since they are of the higher grade, floor tiles are a little more expensive. However, you can shop around at various major stores online with prices usually listed. Log all your preferences and you can go to your nearest home improvement center or if the website of that manufacturer was where you found your choice, you can check with them too if there is a dealer nearest you. It is still advisable to check the item personally especially that colors may be a little different from what is online than in the store.
If you intend to do the tiling of your bathroom floor yourself, then that is a good idea as it would take out a huge chunk off your budget and could save you a lot. Here is one video that can help you go through the step by step procedure. You must know what you are doing before you venture into it. Watch this video for added information.
In a nutshell, in order to keep costs down, ceramic is the best choice.
Sizes available are from 1×1 square inch to 21×21 square inch tile of any type of material.