Bathrooms get wet. It’s their job. Every bathroom contractor knows that wet areas are no place for fiber surface floors. That’s why carpet isn’t used in bathrooms. Fibers plus water equals mold. That’s an equation for disaster. But tile plus water equals easy care. They are a match made in heaven. Tile provides a hard surface that doesn’t hold water. Mold dies a dry death without water. And when it comes to tile, you have so many options: natural stone, ceramic and porcelain are the most popular for the bathroom.
Carrara and Calcatta Tile
Italian Carrara marble has been revered for centuries. Michelangelo’s Pietà is carved from Carrara marble. Carrara and Calcatta tiles are natural stone options that are perfect for serene bathroom style.
Both are white with veins of black, gray, and gold. And, both of these materials are quarried in Italy. But, there are differences. The veins on Cararra are blurred and the white is not pure white. It’s still quite lovely, but it is less costly than Calcatta. When you compare Carrara and Calcatta the difference is obvious. Calcatta is very white and the vein lines are crisp and clear. It is a more costly marble.
Granite Tile
Like Carrara or Calcatta marble, granite is a hard-working, hard surface for the bathroom. It stands up to heat, humidity, and splashes of water. Granite is perfect for countertops, showers, shower benches, or floors. Did you know that granite is a great conductor of heat? Granite tiles installed over a heating mat make for toasty toesies on cool mornings.
Don’t think you need granite on every inch of the floor to enjoy the natural look of this stone. Here, granite accents make all the difference in this floor design.
And speaking of accents, notice how this granite tub surround plays well with the white of the soaking tub and the gray of the walls. Very soothing!
Porcelain Tile
When it comes to versatility, porcelain tile is the winner. Ceramic and porcelain are both made from clay and then fired. Porcelain clay is more refined and purer than plain ceramic clay. It’s also fired at a higher temperature. The result is tile with a low moisture absorption rate. It resists stains and water. The sky is the limit when it comes to sizes, shapes, colors, and styles. Just take a look at this bathroom.
Porcelain tile is used throughout. But, while the tiles are all in the same color palette, they are very different. Notice the different shapes. The hexagons on the floor contrast with the rectangles on the wall. This breaks up the space and successfully pairs large and small sized shapes for maximum eye appeal. Porcelain can even resemble wood.
This tile has all the warmth of the look of wood with all the durability of porcelain tile.
The Right Floor from the Right Bathroom Contractor
Get the right floor for your bathroom. Work with the right bathroom contractor. Inspired Remodels is the Orange County bathroom contractor that understand bathrooms are hard-working rooms. Jason and Joe Mueller design and then build functional and fabulous bathrooms using a variety of materials.
Dreams become reality when Inspired Remodels is on the job. Find out what tile works best with your sense of style and budget. Call (949) 716-1938 today. Need inspiration? Check out our bathroom remodel portfolio.