Home Improvement: Ideal Tiling Materials for Shower Space
The shower space is prone to accelerated damage due to moisture retention, mould growth, and poor cleaning practices. Therefore, you should consider performing a shower refurbishment project if your shower is in poor condition. Ideally, you should install tiles on the walls and floor. These materials are fabricated to provide durable service, water-resistance and minimal maintenance. Here are the main options for tiling to consider selecting for your shower space improvement project.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are manufactured using clay minerals that are mined from the ground. The raw materials are usually pulverised, mixed with water and then shaped into the tiling units. The prepared tiles are dried and fired under intense temperatures in an oven or kiln. This material is durable and can resist damage under high mechanical pressure. Ceramic can be decorated before firing for improved aesthetics. Unfortunately, plain tiles will absorb water significantly, so you should choose glazed tiles for the shower. These have a glass layer on top to prevent moisture penetration.
Porcelain
The porcelain tile is a variant of the ceramic tiles, so it is manufactured using the same basic materials. However, the porcelain type is made from finer clay minerals and the temperature is higher during the firing process. Therefore, porcelain is denser and will absorb less water when installed in the shower. The lower porosity means that the surface will also be less prone to staining. You can choose glazed or unglazed tiles for your project. The former are more slip resistant while the latter have improved moisture resistance. On the other hand, porcelain tiles are costly to purchase and harder to handle during installation due to their weight.
Glass
As implied, glass tiles are essentially pieces of hard-wearing glass material that are formed into consistent shapes. This type of tile is favourable for shower improvement projects because of the interesting visual appeal presented. If you dislike the clean contemporary look, you can choose decorative tiles from an assortment of mosaics and colours. The material is non-porous and easy to clean, so it is a good choice for the moist bathroom environment. Additionally, glass tiles are translucent and reflective, so they will make your shower space seem bigger. Regrettably, glass tiles are expensive, so it may be difficult to purchase pieces for the entire shower. The slippery nature of glass can be a limiting factor; choose matte finishes or non-slip sealant.
You should also consider other tiling material options like natural stone and metal before selecting the perfect product for your shower. For more information, talk to a professional like The Shower Doctor.