Shower Floor Tile
Showers with traditional center drains require smaller tile (3” or smaller). Many times, smaller tile is on a sheet which makes it mosaic tile. The smaller tile allows for the appropriate slope for proper drainage and better grip in a wet area. Appropriate mosaic materials would be natural stone, porcelain/ceramic, and some glass. If using a linear drain, tiles can be larger and subject to the conditions of the job.
Sometimes the shower floor drives the design of the bathroom. Sometimes the shower floor is an opportunity to do something more interesting. Shower floor tile can often be the more expensive and more interesting component of the bathroom design, so we encourage clients to pick something they love early in the selection process.
Bathroom Floor Tile
Your bathroom floor could be mosaic like the shower floor, but more practically for cost and maintenance reasons (less grout), people opt for larger tile. A reason for making it mosaic is to adhere to the original architectural design of the house. For example, in a turn of the century house you could use a classic hexagon mosaic for the floor tile.
In all other situations, a larger tile would be best suited for a bathroom floor. A 12” x 24” is the most typical size tile used, currently. We primarily use porcelain or natural stone tile. What separates the two is budget and willingness to maintain the tile, with natural stone being more expensive and higher maintenance.
Before tiles go to market, they are tested for their slip resistance and are measured by a unit called coefficient of friction. Any concerns over slip resistance can be addressed by accessing that number.
Tile is the perfect finish for under floor heat systems. It conducts heat efficiently. Under floor heat is an inexpensive upgrade that can give your bathroom a spa-like feel.
Bathroom Wall Tile
Some tile is made for wall use only, because if it were walked on the finish would show wear over time. Any tile suitable for floor is also suitable for wall applications. Many times the wall tile is the same as the bathroom floor, whether it be natural stone, porcelain/ceramic. Glass tile may also be used for any wall application
Shower walls
Tile is considered an upgrade from molded plastic shower surrounds. Practical shower wall tile could be large tile, similar to the bathroom floor to minimize grout lines. For certain ascetics, you could choose a smaller tile, like a 3”x6” subway (or even mosaic).
Vanity splash
Approximately 4-10” from counter up to mirror or cabinet. It serves a practical purpose of protecting drywall from water. It can serve a decorative purpose, as well. A vanity backsplash could really be any type of tile. It sometimes can echo the theme or accent color used elsewhere.
Tub splash & Tub rise
Tub splash surrounds the tub and is typically at least 12” above the tub deck to protect the wall. It is another opportunity to have decorative tile.
The tub rise is another vertical surface that can be tiled.
Feature wall/Wainscot Height
There are two common versions of drywall tile in bathrooms. One is more of a retro style where the tile goes up the wall to wainscot height all around the room. A newer style tiling a feature wall which is perhaps the vanity and toilet wall. Any type of tile can be used for this application, because it is not a wet application. This is often an area where you can also have some fun.
Niche back
The best examples of the usefulness of a niche is in the shower walls. It reduces clutter, organizes your products and adds a custom layer to your design. Small niche could be 12”x24”. When the tile is a 12”x24” tile and it will be installed vertically, we like to support that design by recommending a niche that is 12” wide and a height that is divisible by 24”. Something we are seeing more of these days is a long horizontal niche. We recommend that you make your niche as big as you can since you’re already cutting into the wall. Your niche could have decorative tile, if the products placed in it are minimal and color coordinated or your nice could be tucked away so that it does not detract from the design. With larger niches, you can put in 2 or even 3 shelves. Niches are best placed on inside walls and not on the wall that has the plumbing.
Bathroom Tile Designs
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer who demands nothing short of the very best, or a contractor working on a luxury build, providing you with access to tile that’s a step ahead of the conventional is what we do best here at Concept II Tile in Rochester, NY. We specialize exclusively in high-end, premium and luxury tile, and proudly offer one of Western NY’s most diverse collections of stone, porcelain, glass, cement and ceramic tile products.
There’s no limit to what you can create with superior tile when remodeling your Rochester bathroom. From the most simple glass accents to the most complex flooring design, Concept II Tile has a collection that’s unmatched anywhere in the Western NY region. Stop in to see our entire collection or discuss your project in greater detail.
See Rochester NY’s Best Collection of Premium Bathroom Tile
The right tile can transform even the most basic bathroom into a masterpiece of design and comfort. Visit our Rochester NY tile store to see our complete inventory of premium bathroom tile up close and in stunning detail, or get expert advice from our staff of design specialists. We’ll be happy to show you todays’ newest and most popular tile options, or answer any questions you may have about an upcoming project.
Concept II Tile is located at 349 W Commercial St in Rochester, NY in the Piano Works Mall.
Stop by today or call us at 585-248-3511 to learn more.