Ceramic Tiles for Bathrooms: How to Choose and design them.
This is the classification recognized by the ANSI for the design of ceramic wall and floor bathroom tiles sold in the USA. This system classified tiles as:
Standard grade bathroom floor.
Second grade bath floor
Wall tiles or decorating wall tiles.
Wall and floor Bathroom Tiles
Both bathroom wall and floor tiles come in many different Designs, colours, shapes, sizes and materials.
You can even paint onto tiles for your bathroom. this gives a lovely personal touch.
 Most ceramic bathroom tiles sold in the States are standard grade and they meet the minimum requirement recognized by ANSI.
Second grade ceramic bathroom tiles are very similar to standard grade ones but the difference is in some imperfection which you can find on their glazes or sizes and consequently they are a little distant from their specification.
Second grade floor and wall tiles are usually less expensive than a standard grade.
Wall tiles are tiles very thin: the body and glaze are so week that you can use those just as decorative without any functional use.
There is also a grading system again in the US called PEI wear rating system that gives costumers a more useful approach to choosing tiles.
The system divides ceramic tiles in five groups:
Group 1: tiles for residential bathrooms floors
Group 2: tiles for residential use but for areas where there is very low traffic like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Group 3: tiles suitable for both; residential and light commercial use.
Group 4: tiles appropriate for light commercial use like lobbies restaurant and hotels.
Group 5: tiles suitable for serious performance traffic and damp areas like sidewalks and malls
Wall and Floor Tiles for Your bathroom
 The bathroom is one room in the house that screams out for tile. Thanks to today’s technology and the availability of an extensive variety of colors and types, you can tile your bathroom from top to bottom. Tiles can define the walls, the floors, counters and even the toilet seat. The only restriction is your imagination. One of the most popular bathroom tiles is the mosaic. Mosaic tiles, available as glass, unglazed porcelain and stainless steel, provide a wide range of different and unusual looks for your bathroom.
The manufacturers also provide you with an eclectic choice in color, size, shape and texture. To simplify your job, you may buy mosaic tiles specifically molded pieces to slide into those nooks and crannies without you having to break a single tile.
Glass bathroom tiles are another option. They come in reflective or iridescent effects. Hand-decorated tiles are another popular possibility. These bathroom tiles provide a different sensibility. Resin tiles, plastic panels and even steel sheets are all recent innovations in bathroom tiles. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Research the material to find what your bathroom really needs to be functional, sanitary and attractive.
If, for example, you are selecting shower tiles, choose ones that can be effortlessly cleaned. Avoid shower tiles that to easily pit and show finger prints. Shower tiles must also be impervious to water and bacteria.
Once you have made your choice, what can you do with your bathroom tiles? This is an easy question. You can tile everything. You can give your bathroom a unified monochromic look or you can combine various colored tiles to create a multi-hued room. The colors can be complementary or opposing.
Wall tiling is now fashionable. Use the tiles to create a wall mosaic. The varied designs and the additional possibilities through color create a vast opportunity for you to craft a unique statement, look or theme. Let your imagination roam.
Tiles not only form the floor and walls, you can utilize them as borders. Try placing tiles on the wall to break up a design or clearly designate areas. Adding tile as borders provides variety. You can mix solids with patterns and combine different textural surfaces. It is a way of unifying and separating at the same time.
You might want to avoid plain white and dare to be different by using colors. If, however, you wish to stray from the traditional concept of a bathroom and bathroom tiles, try varying the shape. Dump the square tiles. Go for rectangular shapes and even odd-shaped tiles. Arrange them vertically, combining them to fill out the room. Present the rectangular or off-size shapes amidst the regular square pieces to create an offbeat or intricate pattern.
Remember, however, bathroom tiles serve a purpose. It is home designer suicide if you select them solely on their appearance or design qualities. Bathroom tiles must be able to withstand the temperature vacillations and profusion of water found in the average bathroom.. Choose the product carefully. Read the consumer reviews. Ask your friends opinions and do comparison-shopping. Remember - if the bath overflows or the toilet malfunctions, you do not want to have to replace your new, fashionable tile
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