Bathroom Tiles and Countertop Options

Michelle, principal of Studio M, shares pros and cons, with images of  various tiles and countertop options.>>

If you are currently building a home, or just renovating your bathroom, I am sure you can get overwhelmed by the choices of materials available for tile and countertops.  Let me introduce you to a few of my favorites!

Porcelain tile

• is harder and denser than many other ceramic tiles, which makes porcelain a better choice when choosing a tile option for the majority of your flooring and shower walls.
• is also scratch and moisture resistant which makes it easier to clean and maintain.
• Many porcelain tiles also have rectified edges, meaning they can be installed with minimal grout joints (the thickness of a credit card.) 
• Some porcelain tiles have the color all the way though the tile, so if you do happen to chip the tile, it is not very noticeable!

Ceramic tiles

• are great for accents as shown in the beautiful iridescent tub surround and linear shower accents. These iridescent ceramics are also very easy to clean and due to their moisture resistance, are great choices to use in wet areas.

Concrete

• is a great alternative to natural stones like marble or granite when it comes to the countertops and tub deck.
• is completely customizable.  In this bathroom, we ground up vintage brown liquor bottles, which were mixed in the concrete mix.   You can choose the shape, finish, texture, and color of concrete.
• it can also be less expensive than natural stone.

Travertine stone

• is also a great material to use in a bathroom due to its subtle colorations and natural veining as seen above in the tub deck and tub wall.
• it can also be found at a very good price point.  However, because travertine is part of the marble family, it may etch if it comes in contact with acidic liquids. This is something to be aware of, but with the proper sealer, it works just fine!

Avonite

• Because it is a molded material it is non-porous and therefore does not support the growth of bacteria. Avonite’s pattern also allows for flexibility and a depth of color that is not found in most other materials. Shown in the photos above in a vibrant sea glass blue.

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Some of the most popular counter materials currently include marble, granite, and Silestone. We use all of these quite frequently. Marble has beautiful veining patterns and has a very classic look, yet is a very porous stone so it may stain or etch easily. Granite, on the other hand, holds up to heat very well and comes in many different looks and colors. Silestone is a very popular countertop material because it is so durable, is anti-microbial, provides a clean look, and is easily maintained.

As you can see there are quite a few options!  The most important advice is to always learn the pros and cons of each material.  Also pick the one most appropriate for your budget and look.  And here’s to your new bathroom!!

Studio M, author of this feature, is a Interior Design firm in Tampa, Florida. Michelle would love to talk to you about designing a commercial or residential space expressly for you.

You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.