Tuesday, June 30, 2015

All about that tile


MFD and I are considering getting our bathroom done in the current months and there's a big wide world of tile out there that I don't know much about. This is a sponsored post by Jesse Hughes on a topic of recent interest to me - tile.
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What is the difference between a wall tile and a floor tile?
You may be thinking that a tile is a tile, right? Actually that’s not quite true, there are tiles that are suitable for use on a bathroom floor, and tiles that are suitable for use on bathroom walls.
We’re going to take a look at what separates a wall tile from a floor tile; information that you need to consider when you’re researching bathroom tiling ideas.

The difference in the finish
Whereas bathroom wall tiles can often be slick and shiny, this isn’t the case with bathroom floor tiles. If floor tiles had a shiny surface they would be dangerous to walk on, especially when wet. In fact, many bathroom floor tiles are specifically designed with a non-slip surface. Wall tiles with a textured surface are often used to fit with an overall design theme, whereas textured tiles are not suitable for use on the floor, as they are uneven underfoot.

The difference in thickness
Tiles used on a bathroom wall can be relatively thin, since they don’t need to withstand much wear and tear. Floor tiles need to be thicker and tougher, since they see a lot of foot traffic. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are all given a PEI rating which is an indication of their hardness and durability.

Wall tiles generally have a PEI rating between 1 and 3, which means they have limited to moderate hardness and durability. Floor tiles have a PEI rating of between 3 and 5, which means they have moderate to extra hardness and durability.

The difference in size
Smaller and more delicate tiles can be used on a wall to create an intricate pattern. The tendency is to use larger tiles for bathroom floors, as they help to create a sturdier and more even surface.
It’s possible to manufacture a wall tile, with much softer clay than is used in a floor tile, since no one will be walking on it. If you are looking to purchase ceramic or porcelain tiles for your bathroom, you should pay attention to the PEI rating in order to ensure you get tiles that will last for the longest time possible.

If your bathroom gets a lot of use then it’s a good idea to opt for the highest PEI level in your floor tiles. You also need to think carefully about the PEI rating of your bathroom wall tiles. These tiles can be used on window ledges, and in storage areas, as well as on the walls.

Depending on how much wear and tear these areas are going to encounter you may need to think about investing in tiles with a higher PEI rating, in order to ensure that when your bathroom is re-tiled, the result is long lasting. 

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What about you - have you re-done your bathroom and been lost in the world of tile? Have you ever done tiling work yourself? Tell me your secrets. 


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13 comments:

  1. I want to re-do the tile in my Kitchen but haven't thought about my bathroom but I bet the same rules apply. Now to pick colors! Ha!

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  2. Tile has given me THE MOST ANGST about remodeling... My cousin did her own, and she said NEVER AGAIN. It turned out beautiful though!

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  3. I love the LOOK of tile on the walls, especially subway tile and tiny glass mosaic looking tile.

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  4. Perk of having a father in law in construction. I give him my ramblings about what I want and he says this is what you need haha. We have a good system going on : )

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  5. I adore my tile bathrooms. The half wall all the way around,the shower, and the tile floors. So easy to maintain and always looks nice. Only downside is the necessity to re-grout some of it. I love the tile in my kitchen and foyer, too!!
    Love, Your Momma

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  6. Tiling work scares the shit out of me haha! There are just so many choices.

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  7. I just want someone to come over and redo everything for me. haha!

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  8. I would love to re-do our master bath. I really love tile in the bathroom since it's so easy to clean. Lately I've really been loving those tiles that look like wood flooring. I've seen them in such beautiful colors on HGTV and I would love to put them in our house. One day!

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  9. this is the exact mind****ery that I'm excited for and dreading whenever home ownership comes! At the very least, the final products always look bomb.

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  10. i have been thinking about fixing up one of our bathrooms, i had no idea it was so complicated haha. i don't know if we need to redo the floor or just the wall. probably just the wall. either way, i think i'll make KC and his brother do it haha.

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  11. I would love to redo our shower and add some tile around the shell of the bathtub, and I'm totally lost too on where to start. Can't wait to see what you guys go with!

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  12. very informative post! I learned about the PEI rating.

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  13. I learned way too much about tiles when they re-did some tiles in my apt. Its way more complicated than I thought...

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