When you are choosing the best porcelain tiles for a bathroom floor, there are some key things you might want to think about to make sure your floor is safe but styish.
Bathrooms have high moisture content so selecting a floor finish with good slip resistance is crucial. Ideally aiming for a natural finish with an R10 rating minimum. This will reduce the chance of slipping when the floor is wet.
A bathmat is also essential to place outside the bath or shower. This will prevent any slipping when stepping out with wet feet.
The UK recommended slip resistance for a wet area is +36 PTV.
So if you are in a commercial environment or you are looking for more safety, opt for tiles with a slip resistance of +36 or above. There are some tiles options that achieve this and are still aesthetically appealing.
A finish that is naturally slip resistant is a brushed or structured finish. A brushed finish has a semi-polished look as you look across the tile but is still natural in areas too.
Or a structured tile, has an undulating finish or as it is called structured finish. This gives extra grip to it.
If you do choose to go with a lower slip resistant floor its important to dry your feet before stepping onto it, using bathmats etc. as you will be more at risk of slipping.
Another considerations when choosing a bathroom tile is the quality of the tile.
If you want to go for mitered look in the bathroom it is key you choose either a colour body or a full bodied porcelain tile.
Colour bodied is where the tile has the same colour all the way through so when you cut through the tile it doesn't look dissimilar to the surface of the tile.
Full bodied, the print of the tile goes all the way through the tile surface, similar to natural stone so when you mitre/cut into the tile it has that continuation of any veins, stones/patterns. This is particularly important if you are doing recesses or anywhere the edge of the tile is exposed.
Alternatively in these situations you can choose to use a trim to hide the edge of the tile.
Our latest range of tiles that are full bodied are Contempo.
Take your time making a great decision on tiles and you will create an even greater finished bathroom. Small details make up the quality of the finished look in any project so make sure you choose well.
If you need help when choosing and you aren't sure of the best option, feel free to give us a call.
What is the best porcelain tiles for a bathroom floor?