Alternatives for Shower Tiles
- Beginner
Alternatives to shower tiles lend uniqueness and style to your bathroom design. The material should be resistant to water damages and withstand fluctuations in temperature. Ceramic, glass, and stone tiles are some of the alternatives that will contribute to the distinct appearance of your shower space.
Ceramic Tiles
Many people choose ceramic tiles because of their elegant look, durability, and moisture resistance. Humidity and hot water don’t damage the surface of ceramic tiles. You can choose among a diverse selection of tiles, with multiple options for sizes, shapes, patterns, and glazes. The 2 main types to consider are glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles. Glazed tiles are slippery when wet; consider installing unglazed tiles in your shower area. Handmade tiles are a stylish contribution to your bathroom, but you need to have a professional install them.
Mosaic Glass Tiles
Mosaic glass tiles are among the most attractive alternatives to shower tiles because of their resistance to staining and moisture. They will last considerably longer than other types of tiles, with no signs of fading or discoloration. Mosaic tiles come in different styles and colors. You can select either a combination of colors or one solid color. If your bathroom fixtures are silver, stainless steel, or chrome, it is best to select cool colors. Gold, copper, and brass fixtures match well with warm colors. Porcelain and covered plastic molding go well with neutral colors. If a glossy look is what you want, select Venetian mosaic tiles. In general, this type of tile is durable and easy to maintain.
Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles are a beautiful addition to your bathroom, but like with most natural materials, they are less uniform in pattern and coloration. Keep in mind that the surface of some tiles, such as marble, granite, and travertine, is quite slippery when wet. Stone tiles are a definite asset for visual appeal. Stones may be cut into diverse sizes and shapes, with each tile looking unique because of its different natural coloration. You can choose among various types of stone.
Travertine tiles are quite attractive, but they are not as durable as tiles made from other natural stones. Quartzite is perfect for showers because of its durability and water resistance. Cultured marble tiles are a good pick because of their solidness and resistance to water damage. Apart from being waterproof, cultured marble keeps its shine for many years with minimal maintenance. They are easy to install if the wall surfaces are flat and square.
Chips, scratches, and minor blemishes can be repaired by re-buffing the surface with a gel-coat compound. For more serious damages, however, it is best to use the services of a professional. Broken pieces and cracks are close to impossible to repair and a new finish cannot be applied once the product has left the factory.
