How to Choose The Best Tile For Your Bathroom Remodel
When it comes to remodeling your bathroom in Knoxville, choosing the right tile isn’t just about picking something that looks good, it’s also about finding materials that can handle East Tennessee’s humidity. Bathrooms naturally deal with a lot of moisture, and Knoxville’s warm, damp summers don’t do them any favors. Here’s what we’ve learned over the years of remodeling bathrooms, and the best tips on picking bathroom tile that’ll look amazing and stand the test of time.
Porcelain & Ceramic are your best friends
If you’re not sure where to start, go with porcelain or ceramic tile. Both are water-resistant, super durable, and easy to clean. Porcelain is slightly denser and a bit more moisture-resistant than ceramic, but both are solid choices for humid bathrooms. They’re also available in tons of styles, including wood-look or natural stone-look tiles, so you can get that high-end feel without the maintenance headaches.
Avoid Natural Stones
Unless you’re ready to baby it, natural stone like marble or slate looks stunning, but it’s not always practical in Knoxville’s moisture-heavy climate. Stone is porous, meaning it can absorb water, leading to mold, mildew, and stains over time. If your heart is set on stone, make sure it’s sealed properly and resealed regularly, or consider using it in lower-moisture areas like accent walls instead of the shower floor.
Slip-Resistant Tile
In a humid climate, surfaces can stay slick longer, so it’s smart to look for tile with some texture or a slip-resistant rating, especially for floors. Matte finishes or small mosaic tiles with more grout lines offer better grip and reduce the chance of slipping when the bathroom gets steamy.
Avoid Natural Stones
You should schedule regular cleaning and maintenance for your bathroom tiles. High humidity = more chances of mold, especially in grout lines. Darker grout can hide stains better, and larger tiles mean fewer grout lines overall. Also, consider using epoxy grout, it’s more resistant to moisture and staining than traditional cement-based grout.
Style and Color for Bathroom Tiles
Light-colored tiles can help small or dark bathrooms feel brighter and more open, especially if you’re not working with a lot of natural light. Soft grays, warm beiges, and classic whites all pair nicely with Knoxville’s southern charm and create a clean, timeless look.
When picking bathroom tile, it’s important to think about the level of humidity you’re dealing with. With the right materials and a little planning, you can have a beautiful, long lasting bathroom. If you’re ready to start your remodel and want help choosing the perfect tile, reach out to RIO Creations today!