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The pros & cons of Matt tiles & Gloss tiles

Install the best floor tiles for bathroom safety. By nature, bathrooms are high-moisture areas with wet surfaces that predispose users to chances of sliding and falling. Anti-slip tiles, therefore, are the perfect solution, providing an additional grip that ensures the room becomes safer for use. This guide will help you make informed decisions regarding the selection of materials and proper installation of anti-slip floor tiles for your bathroom.

Why to Opt for Anti-Slip Tiles in the Bathroom Floors?

Anti-slip or slip-resistant tiles have been designed for safety purposes, especially for bathrooms, since they greatly limit the chances of falling or slipping. A special appliance or textured surface is typically applied to the tile to enhance grip, even when it's wet. This can be used both in houses and in commercial settings, especially if these homes have small children or family members who are disabled.

Advantages of Anti-Slip Floor Tiles:

- Improved Safety: Anti-slip tiles reduce the chance of slipping in moist places.

- Long Lasting: Since these are moisture resistant, designed for heavy usage, and have lots of potential for weather resistance, they last long.

- Stylish Designs: From the conventional to the modern style, bathroom designs come in a wide variety.

Selecting the right anti-slip tiles involves both the material and the floor tile design. Here are a few common materials and considerations regarding designs to be able to guide you in your decision:

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Bathroom floors covered with ceramic and porcelain tiles are very common. The materials are naturally resistant to water, easy to clean, and abrasion-resistant. Anti-slip ceramic tiles have a textured finish for better frictional features.

Advantages

- It is one of the more durable and scratch-resistant options.

- It is available in a variety of small format tiles and designs.

- It is one of the easiest to maintain or clean among bathroom flooring options.

- May be more expensive than other options, but the investment is worthwhile for long-term use.

2. Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl tiles are an affordable alternative that’s water-resistant and easy to install. While not all vinyl tiles are slip-resistant, certain types are manufactured with anti-slip coatings, making them safe for bathroom use.

Pros:

- Cost-effective and easy to install.

- Water-resistant and low maintenance.

Cons:

- Extremely limited in design options and may not be able to match aesthetic qualities of ceramic or porcelain.

Bonus Read - 7 Trending Bathroom Tile Designs in India to Elevate Your Space

Natural Stone Tiles

Other types of natural stones are well suited for slip-resistant flooring, such as slate or granite. Since these stones have a natural texture on the surface, they provide good traction. However, their wet resistance should be sealed in.

- Higher maintenance and cost compared to ceramic or porcelain tiles.

Important Considerations When Selecting Anti-Slip Bathroom Tiles

Tile Size and Format

Small format tiles are ideal for bathrooms because the extra grout lines provide more grip and improve slip resistance. Large tiles may look modern, but they can increase the risk of slipping due to fewer grout lines.

Slip-Resistance Ratin

Choosing anti-slip tiles? Look for the R rating. This rating gauges the slip resistance of tiles:

  • R9 to R10: Suitable for areas which occasionally experiences moisture
  • R11 to R13: Ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and showers.

Installing Anti-Slip Bathroom Floor Tiles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Anti-slip tiles should be installed in the right way to achieve maximum effectiveness. Here is the step-by-step process of the installation:

Step 1

Your bathroom floor must be clean, dry, and even before setting up the tile installation. Remove existing tiles, old adhesives, and other debris off the floor. If it is uneven, apply a leveling compound to get an even floor surface.

Step 2

Determine the design and plan for tile layout. For a professional finish, preplan the layout of the tiles. Measure the area you would like to cover in the bathroom. Then move your string or line to the center of the measured area, marking it as your point of reference. It helps ensure that the tiles space out and align perfectly.

Step 3

Choose a good grade of bathroom floor tile adhesive. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to a corner of the floor by using a notched trowel. This is to prevent the adhesive from drying out since it is quite wet when applied. Lay the tiles in the section you have applied the adhesive to.

Step 4

Start laying tiles from the middle towards the outwards direction. Make sure that every tile is placed firmly on the adhesive. Do it using spacers between the tiles so that there will not be any difference in the grout lines. Do that around the outer edges in an expansive spread of tiles until the floor area will be covered with tiles.

Step 5

For cutting tiles into position around edges, corners, and around fixtures, use tile cutter or wet saw with extreme care to achieve an exceptionally clean professional finish. Protective equipment to wear while cutting the tiles can also ensure safety in this step.

Step 6

After setting all the tiles, let the adhesive sit for a minimum period of 24 hours and as recommended by the manufacturer. Never walk on the tiles during this period to ensure that no shifting of the tiles occurs.

Step 7

Remove spacers and grout the tiles once the adhesive sets. In a bathroom, choose mold resistant as well as water-resistant grout. Use a rubber grout float in spreading to ensure that all the gaps will be filled.

Step 8

Apply a grout sealer to protect the grout from moisture and staining. This step will only add extra security to your bathroom floor over time.

Tile Maintenance Tips for a Safe Bathroom

Daily and Weekly Cleaning Do not let the soap scum build up on the tiles and thereby reduce the slip resistance. Clean the tiles once a week using a mild cleaner. Maintenance of Grouts Regularly re-seal the grout so that you prevent water penetration and staining. Avoid products that may leave the tiles slippery. Oil-based cleaners can form an oily film over the tiles. Avoid them.