Types of Tiles

The following are some of the different materials from which tiles suitable for bathrooms are made:

Ceramic – Chrystalline, inorganic carbides or nitrides are the basic material from which ceramics are formed. After ceramic objects are formed, they are baked in a kiln at an extremely high temperature.

Glass – Quartz, lime, sodium carbonate and other substances go into the manufacture of glass. The raw mix of materials is put through a firing process in a furnace to melt and mold.

Metal – Found in the earth in their base forms, heat and energy purify and refine the metals. Hot metal can yield to forming into any shape.

Stone – Natural stone is found in the earth, quarried or cut out of the earth and cut into any shape. Manufactured stone is made from cement, sand, synthetics and other substances as a composite that is formed into any shape or cut.

Terra Cotta – Made of clay that is baked at a high temperature, Terra Cotta is first molded into shapes.

Tiles made of these materials and others like them are durable. Sold in any size and shape imaginable, professionals fix them in simple and complex designs on walls and floors. Laid with grout and sealers between them, the tiles form a strong and enduring, waterproof covering for walls and floors.

Flooring Tiles

Those who design and build showers can install floor tiles that have a non-skid surface. Here are some of the types of tiles that offer traction for wet, bare feet:

Cork – One way that cork is wonderfully used for spa and bathroom floors is by recycling bottle corks. They are glued to square tiles in mosaic fashion. Cork is naturally mold and mildew resistant.

Pebbles – Like a stream bed, pebbles are arranged and fixed like a mosaic on a flat square.

Mixed Materials – Items of interest such as shells are laid in cement square or circular forms

Stone – Natural stone tiles for bathroom and spa floors have cuts on the top surface for traction. Manufactured stone floor tiles have a grooved pattern on the top to guard against slips.

Teak Slats – Teak wood has long been used in spas, bathrooms and bathhouses as well as outdoors as decks, furniture and more. Formed into long-lasting and mildew resistant wood tiles, teak slats are perfect for wet floors.

Ultimate Retreats

Tiles for bathrooms include quality materials that experts lay in any design imaginable for ultimate retreats. Wall and floor coverings help to give the room the spa look. The appearance can be grand and palatial or rustic with stone walls like a cave and showering waterfall. Wall coverings can have a uniform color that fits the decor or include elaborate patterns or mosaics.

Selecting Tiles

When selecting wall coverings in the form of tiles, the choices are wide. Many affordable options are available for new and upgraded bathrooms. To cover the walls and floor of showers with tiles, designers and home owners select from the styles that fit with personal preference as well as bathroom decor.

DirectBuy has just the right tile for your shower floor or any other area of your home.  Go to www.directhomediscount.com to find out how you can get home improvement products at confidential dealer pricing.

Shower Tile Borders

Create your own border using a contrasting tile color, or invest in special mosaic borders that will add interest and visual appeal to any room.  The shower will be more attractive, making the entire room feel more refined and luxurious.

Use the Points of Shower Tile

Most tiles are installed in square rows, but you can easily create a harlequin pattern by pointing one corner down.  The diamond pattern is a little different, making it a great choice when you want to spice up a bland bathroom.  Alternate colors for a true harlequin effect, or keep the colors the same for a subdued pattern.

Get creative when installing tile in your shower.  You will make the room more appealing and beautiful, creating a space that is ultimately more relaxing and enjoyable.  Different patterns aren’t hard, but they can make a stunning difference.

Visit www.directhomediscount.com to see how you can find what you need in bathroom tile at DirectBuy.  You’ll find name-brand products for your home and never have to pay a retail markup.

Benefits of Tile

Adding tile to the sides of your shower can provide many benefits. The tile will protect the walls and prevent mold, mildew and other growth from developing on the walls.

Many forms of tile are moisture resistant, so the material will not be damaged by continuous exposure to water. Tile is also durable and will last for years. A variety of tile products are available to choose from, so it is easy for homeowners to find tile to coordinate with the rest of the materials that are used in the bathroom.

What to Look for in Shower Tile

Look for shower tile that is moisture resistant. Ceramic tile, porcelain tile and glass tiles are a few good options. Avoid marble tile which is not well adjusted to moisture exposure. Reflective glass tile will make the room feel bigger.

Tile will add a new look to your shower without being accompanied by an expensive price tag when you purchase from DirectBuy.  Find most anything you need for your bathroom remodeling project at DirectBuy and never pay hidden retail markup.

If you want to learn how to replace shower tile yourself, follow these instructions:

Replacing a Single Tile

If you have had just one tile fall off that needs to be replaced, then you can expect to have it back up in a matter of minutes. Simply apply thinset to the back of the tile and press it into place. You can use some grout in between the new tile and the existing ones. Be sure to let the whole thing dry at least one full day before using the shower.

Replacing All Your Shower Tiles

Pull all the old tiles off the shower wall and replace the backer board with a new dry piece. Install the tiles one by one using a pattern to determine where each tile will go.

This guide can help anyone to replace a single shower tile or even the whole shower in their home.  DirectBuy has a wide array of home improvement products including tile for showers to help you create a stylish bathroom.  You’ll enjoy dealer pricing on brand-name products for your home.

Choosing Tile For Your Shower

Modern style usually dictates plain white shower tile, but there are actually many options available. Tile comes in different colors and sizes. Some tile even has special artistic designs engraved into the ceramic. Select what appeals to you.

Installing Bathroom Tile

Homeowners can save money by installing new tiles themselves. This is a labor intensive process, and might be more work than you would initially expect. For the best results, use a professional to make your new tile really shine.

Remodeling a bathroom is one of the most sound renovating decisions a homeowner can make. By putting in new tile, you aren’t just making your bathroom prettier, you’re also increasing the value of your home. Don’t put up with an ugly shower any longer.

DirectBuy has a wide array of home improvement products including many types of tile to help you create a stylish bathroom.  At DirectBuy, you’ll never pay hidden retail markup on brand-name products for your home.

You no longer have to choose between ivory, white or sea-foam green. You can choose brilliant glass tiles, luxurious natural stone or elegant textured ceramic.

Glass Tiles

Glass reflects more light, visually expanding a space and making it brighter at the same time. Choose any incredible shade of blue, green, brown or red to add style and interest to the bathroom. You can even combine different colors to draw a picture, create a border or just add some highlights.

Natural Stone

Elegant and luxurious, natural stone is a fantastic addition to any bathroom. The tiles can be set on point to create a diamond pattern, or you can offset them in a brick pattern. Regardless of the pattern you choose, the end result will look amazing.

Texture Porcelain

Porcelain is still a popular choice for bathrooms, but you don’t have to settle for plain white and a smooth finish. Choose border tiles that feature three-dimensional patterns or open spaces where you can inset brightly colored tiles. The effect will be traditional with just a hint of modern style.

When shopping for shower tile, consider adding something different and wonderful. You don’t have to settle for ordinary. With glass tiles and natural stone, you can enjoy a shower that is truly extraordinary.

DirectBuy has a wide array of home improvement products including tile for showers to help you create a stylish bathroom.  Never pay hidden retail markup on brand-name products for your home.

Keep it Simple

When choosing a tile for your shower, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. The first step is to think about the overall design of your bathroom; is it light or dark? Do you have specific theme you want to follow? How big is the shower? Once you’ve answered those questions, you can then proceed to choose a tile for your shower.

The Options for Tile

Tile for showers can be found in a variety of different sizes including large, medium, and mosaic. Tile will also be available in different materials ranging from ceramic, porcelain, to slate. Be sure any tile chosen, particularly for the shower floor, is appropriate for use in a wet area. Once you’ve chosen the material and size, the next step is easy; just choose a color and or shade!

It’s important to do your homework before deciding on tile for your shower; ask the professionals to avoid making costly mistakes. DirectBuy has a wide array of home improvement products including tile for showers to help you create a stylish bathroom.  Let the DirectBuy professionals help you pick the perfect tile and pay no hidden retail markup on brand-name products for your entire home.

Shower Wall Tile

Tiles used for shower walls are usually made with a shiny and water resistant glaze. This glaze also makes cleaning easier since it’s harder for soap scum and mildew to adhere to it. For the porous grout in between the tiles, use a cleaner made for showers to kill mildew and keep everything sparkling.

Shower Floor Tile

Shower floor tiles are made in a variety of sizes to allow you to follow the contour of sloped floors. If the floor is nearly flat, the tiles tend to be larger and may match the size of the wall tiles. If there is a steep slope toward the drain, the tiles can be very small. This allows them to follow the angle without cracking.

All types of shower tiles come in a wide variety of colors. Wall tiles may even include designs or accent pieces. Choose the color and style that will match or complement the rest of the bathroom flooring for the best effect.

DirectBuy has a wide array of home improvement products including tile for showers to help you create a stylish bathroom.  You’ll save up to 50% on brand-name products for your home.

Stone Tile

Since stone is porous by nature, tile made from stone, such as marble and travertine, must be finished with a polish and/or sealer that keeps moisture from staining the stone. While nothing quite matches the elegance of a stone shower surround, polished stone tile does need periodic polishing.

Ceramic Tile

Glazed ceramic tile is an affordable and decorative option. Glazed ceramic tile is coated with liquid glass, which helps it resist stains and scratches and also makes it easier to clean. Dense and durable porcelain tile stands up well under heavy use.

Glass Tile

Glass tile is beautifully suited for shower surrounds. Moisture-resistant and easy to clean, the reflective surface of glass tile comes to life under water, adding a shimmering texture to shower walls.

Shower tile is available in a broad range of colors and sizes. Make the most of a shower’s expansive surface with shower tile that is decorative, functional and easy to maintain.

DirectBuy has a wide array of home improvement products including tile to help you create a stylish bathroom.  You’ll save up to 50% on brand-name products for your home.