When it comes to choosing suitable tiles for your wet room, you'll be faced with countless options in a variety of colours, patterns, styles and finishes. Whether you are looking for floor or wall tiles, it is important that you make the right choice for your space. As such, in this article, we will be taking you through everything you need to consider, what materials are best, how you should lay them and how to maintain them. If you are about to embark upon a wetroom renovation, keep reading!
What do you need to consider?
Unlike other areas of the home, when it comes to choosing wet room tiles, there are several factors to consider to ensure you have the best fit for your space.
Practicality
You may have found a gorgeous tile that would complement the space perfectly, but it is important to ask yourself, is it practical? If you are choosing tiles for your wet room floor, you will need to look for non-slip options. Many modern tile options now come with anti-slip finishes, meaning a wider variety of options to choose from. However, many homeowners also use smaller mosaic tiles as the increased grout lines add extra grip to the surface.
Hygienic
As with any wet room, hygiene is key, so it is important to consider how easy it will be to clean the tiles you have your eye on. The easiest tiles to keep clean are typically glass, polished porcelain and natural stone. By choosing any of these options, you can save on cleaning products and cleaning time.
Right size for room
As with any room, size matters, and it is no different when choosing your wetroom tiles. If you are looking for tiles for a smaller sized room, you may opt for smaller tiles. Larger tiles can often overwhelm a space, and although smaller tiles may take longer to install, they will help create a more modern and interesting design.
Colour
You probably already have some colour choices in mind, but you should also consider how often you will use your wetroom as well as who will be using it. If you won't spend a lot of time in this room, it may not be worth purchasing expensive tiles. Equally, if you are buying tiles for a family home, you may want to look at more fun and vibrant colours that appeal to all generations.
Which are the best materials?
When it comes to which tiles are most suitable for wet rooms, it depends on whether they will be used on the walls or floors. If you are looking for wet room floor choices, natural stone and porcelain are recommended. On the other hand, walls can also benefit from all of these options, as well as mosaics and ceramic tiles.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are an ideal and very popular option for wetrooms are they seamlessly follow the contours of the wet room tray to drain. They are also a very practical choice for the space as they are surrounded by more grout lines which provide added grip when walking around. Some homeowners choose to use mosaic tiles in the shower area alone for this reason. Plus, because mosaic tiles are generally supplied with net backing, they are incredibly quick and easy to lay.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is another great option for wet rooms primarily because they are so resilient and hard-wearing. Natural stone is built to withstand damp and moist conditions and so performs well in these spaces. The texture of these tiles also makes them a very practical choice for wetroom floors as it provides the necessary anti-slip properties.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are regularly used in wet room projects as they are much denser and far less porous than other tiles. They are durable, long-lasting, and, much like natural stone tiles, are incredibly slip-resistant.
How should you lay the tiles?
Laying any tiles starts with primer, and wetrooms are no different. Before installing your tiles, a primer must always be used to ensure no dirt, dust, or debris is present before applying the membrane. Once this is complete, a full bed of adhesive method should be applied instead of the dot and dab method. This system of adhesive risks water moving beneath the tile between the gaps in the adhesive, causing leaks. By using complete coverage, you can ensure no water will seep beneath the surface, and the tiles will remain even.
Maintaining your wet room tiles
Maintaining wet room tiles is relatively easy, and if done correctly, they will last a lifetime. The maintenance itself is very minimal and often only requires an everyday household cleaner, warm water and a soft cloth.
By cleaning your tiles little and often, you can help to avoid any mould or discolouration over time. Occasionally there will be build up around the edges of the tiles and within the grout. In this case, simply use a mould and mildew cleaner and a soft-bristle toothbrush. These areas can be hard to reach, but your tiles will stay looking shiny and new by keeping up with your cleaning.
If you are in the process of designing a wet room and want to know more about the best tiles for the job, why not take a look at our extensive ranges available from House of Mosaics. We have a wide variety of tiles in every style, colour and pattern you could want, perfect for use on both walls and floors. If you have any questions and queries, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team, who will be more than happy to help you add a touch of luxury to your home at enquiries@houseofmosaics.co.uk.
