If you plan to remodel your bathroom floor and shower stall soon, you may choose natural stone as your tile of choice. However, natural stone may not be suitable for wet or heavily used rooms, including bathrooms. The tile you select for your bathroom should be resistant to moisture damage and other problems. Learn why natural stone may not be suitable for your bathroom remodeling plans and what type of tile you should choose in its place below.
What Tile Should You Select Over Natural Stone?
Many people choose granite, lime, and other natural stones for their beauty and elegance. Although natural stone possesses unique features, it isn't suitable for every place in your home, including your bathroom. Moisture, wear and tear, and other things can damage or discolor natural stone over time. The tile you choose for your bathroom remodeling plans should be stronger and more resistant to damage than regular stone.
You have many alternatives to natural stone, including glazed porcelain and glazed ceramic. Both types of tile come with features that make them ideal materials for bathrooms, including a protective glaze or coating. The glaze provides a seal-tight barrier against water, dirt, and other debris. The coating also protects the tile from everyday wear and tear, helping extend the life of the tile. If you don't plan to remodel your bathroom again in the future, glazed porcelain or ceramic tile may be the best option for you.
If you think glazed porcelain or glazed ceramic will work for you, contact a residential remodeling or flooring company for assistance.
What Preparations Should You Make Before the Installation?
The first thing a remodeling company will do is help you select a color for your tile. Porcelain and ceramic come in all types of colors and patterns, including green, grey, and white. The materials may also come in patterns and colors that mimic marble, natural stone, and wood. You want to select a color or pattern that reflects the overall look of your bathroom. After you select your tile, a remodeling company will prepare your bathroom for the installation of your tile.
During the installation process, a remodeling company will:
- strip or remove the old flooring and tile from your bathroom floor and shower stall
- prep and clean the bare floor and wall
- apply a protective membrane over the bare floor and wall
Each step of the installation process may take time to carry out. You may need to make arrangements to use the facilities elsewhere until the installation completes. However, most installations don't take long to complete.
After a company finishes the preparations above, they'll lay down your tile. If a company needs to do anything else to your bathroom during or after the installation, they'll inform you.
If you want to remodel your bathroom with tile soon, consult a residential bathroom remodel service.