The biggest problem for many homeowners is deciding on a specific type of tile to use in their home. Although ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular materials in residential bathrooms, they can look bland and ordinary since they are so commonly used.

A stunning alternative to ordinary tiles is glass mosaic tiles. Glass tiles are a beautiful way to bring light and brightness into a bathroom space. Here are some tips on using glass tile in the bathroom, how to install them, their benefits and some downfalls of the material as well.

The Benefits of Glass Tile

The biggest advantage when it comes to glass tiles is simply the way they look when installed. Glass tiles come in hundreds of different shades and colors, and their light is reflected beautifully to create more space and brightness in the bathroom. They can be combined with other types of tile in order to create subtle patterns or you can opt to create a large mosaic on the walls or backsplash with hundreds of the small glass tiles. They are also incredibly easy to clean and are more Eco-friendly than ceramic or porcelain tiles since they require less energy to process and manufacture.

Installing These Tiles

Although glass tiles are certainly spectacular, they are installed just like any other tiles in the bathroom. The tiles need to be installed over cement or backing board and are held in place with a thin layer of white mortar mix. The process is quite simple and can be done by anyone with a patience and the right tools. Keep in mind that since glass tiles are often small, they can take slightly longer to install.

Care and Maintenance for Glass Tiles

Since mosaic tiles made from glass are resistant to moisture, they are unlikely to deteriorate or suffer from discoloration. Cleaning and maintaining glass tiles is very easy and requires minimal effort for the homeowner. Simply use a glass cleaning solution to spray the tiles and wipe them down once a week for clear and beautiful glass tiles in the bathroom.

Where to Use Glass Tiles in a Bathroom

If you want to use tile in any location in the bathroom, glass tile will be appropriate. It looks beautiful when used to tile customized showers on either the floor or the wall. It can also be used along the wall of the bathroom or even for decorative effect along the floor. Glass tiles are often used to create a backsplash above the bathroom sink, as this is a beautiful and colorful focal point in the space.

The Disadvantages of Glass Tiles

Despite the many advantages of glass tiles, it is important to realize that there are also a few drawbacks. Glass tiles are more expensive than their ceramic or clay counterparts, so you will have to consider whether you can afford the added expense. In addition, when the glass tiles receive scratches it may be noticeable and very difficult to fix.

Although there are certainly some drawbacks to keep in mind, glass tiles are a great overall choice for use in any bathroom. They are incredibly versatile, easy to install, come in hundreds of sizes and colors, are Eco-friendly and don’t require much maintenance. If you are planning to undertake a bathroom tiling project in the future, be sure to use glass tiles whenever possible.

Find glass tile at DirectBuy and transform your bathroom.  Get bathroom remodeling products, home furnishings, accessories and more at confidential dealer pricing when you shop at DirectBuy.

Through many centuries, travertine has been utilized as a building material for interiors and exteriors of homes and other structures. Today, the stone continues to be sought for contemporary decor.

A Popular Tile

Travertine is often cut in tile of various sizes and shapes. Additionally, composite and manufactured stone is often painted and styled with the look of genuine travertine stone. These manufactured stones are made from inexpensive materials like cement. Whether natural or manufactured tiles are chosen, travertine bathroom tile is extremely popular.

Excellent Tile for Bathrooms and More

The beautiful irregular patterns naturally found in travertine and the versatility of the material makes it an excellent tile for use for bathroom floors, walls and other areas of the home. The mostly light hues present in the stone make it a lovely neutral color choice. Especially suited for Mediterranean themes, the stone blends and enhances numerous decor styles. Designers and home owners frequently select travertine bathroom tile for modern bathroom retreats.

You’ll find travertine tile and many other types of tile at DirectBuy.  www.bathroomtiledirect.com shows some of the great tile you can get at dealer pricing.  Find virtually everything you need in home remodeling at DirectBuy and experience great savings.

Ceramic Bathroom Tile

One of the most popular types of floor tile, ceramic tile is made from clay and then fired to make a strong, affordable flooring choice. Some ceramic tiles have veins of varying colors and looks like marble or granite. Other ceramic tiles have the appearance of hardwood, granite, stone or even solid colors that look like a variety of other textures or materials. Ceramic tile is also available in mosaic sheets for easy installation.

Ceramic tile is a highly versatile flooring choice for the bathroom and works with just about any color or design scheme.  Check the porosity rating before purchasing the tile, as not all ceramic tile is waterproof and that is an essential element to any tiles installed in the bathroom.

Porcelain Bathroom Tile

Porcelain floor tile looks much like other natural stones, such as marble or granite but is usually easier to maintain and more durable. The tile is fired at high temperatures, making the flooring very strong.

Most porcelain tiles are available in neutral tones and with a marbled or veined appearance, adding a subtle visual interest to each tile.

Using Natural Stone Tile In The Bathroom

Natural stone tiles include granite, slate, marble, sandstone and even onyx. Stone floor tiles are largely strong and are stain-resistant and heat-resistant. Slate stone tiles are slip-proof but other forms of stone can be very slippery when wet, so use caution. While unpolished stone may be less slippery, a sealant is necessary in order to make the stone waterproof.

Most stone tiles come in neutral colors with marbling or veins and even with mosaic patterns for added beauty and style.

Glass Tiles For Bathroom Walls And Backsplashes

While glass tiles are less common on the floor of a bathroom, the option adds versatility as a backsplash behind the vanity, on the wall, bordering the shower or as a wall border. Glass tiles come in a wide variety of colors and range from clear to bright colors. Sheets of small glass tiles are available to make installation easier and less time-consuming.

Vinyl Tiles For Bathrooms

Vinyl tiles are between 12 to 18 inches in size and are both affordable and easy to install. However, vinyl tiles have gaps and seams, which allows bacteria and mold to grow if not carefully cared for. Be sure to have the vinyl treated and grouted well in order to increase the durability of the tile floor and prevent problems later on.

Tile Style Options

Bathroom floor tiles are available in a wide variety of kinds, styles and even sizes. Get creative with your style and consider installing the tiles diagonally for a different appearance than the standard horizontal effect.

Grout color is available in neutral or light shades to blend in with the tiles or in contrasting colors to change the look of the floor. Remember that grout and tiles should be well sealed to help protect against the inevitable moisture in the bathroom.

Try a mosaic on the center of the floor or on the wall for a spa-like appearance or to contrast with neutral tones in the rest of the bathroom.

Check out the tiles in local spas for ideas about colors, patterns and design schemes. Remember that light, neutral colors help a bathroom look bigger, while darker colors will add a more sophisticated tone.  There are so many tile options for bathrooms that any homeowner can find a tile that compliments the desired style and tone while offering durability, easy cleaning and beauty to the bathroom as well.

Find the tile you need for your bathroom or any other area of your home at DirectBuy.  You not only get name-brand home improvement products at DirectBuy, you save with confidential dealer pricing too.

Small Wall Tiles

Many bathrooms use glazed ceramic wall tile that is relatively small. These tile squares typically range from 3″x3″ all the way down to 1″x1″. This makes it possible to construct wall murals or other designs from the tile. However, most bathroom designs simply use a single color or randomly add tiles of contrasting colors as accents.

Large Bathroom Wall Tiles

Large wall tiles can exceed a square foot per piece. When the tiles are made of stone like marble, the effect is very luxurious. These tiles would likely be more prevalent if it wasn’t for their high cost. The cost can be mitigated by using composite stone, also known as engineered stone, in place of solid pieces of rock.

Whether you choose small or large tiles, you will find that they are durable and easy to care for. To add visual interest, try adding a border in a contrasting color.

DirectBuy has a beautiful selection of tile to choose from for your bathroom walls. Go to www.bathroomtiledirect.com to learn more about the types of tile you can find. The best thing is you won’t ever have to worry about paying a retail markup on any home improvement products when you shop at DirectBuy.

Tile For Tubs and Showers

Decorative tile is a great way to change the look of a tub or shower.  Whether you choose a simple checked pattern, or you choose an intricate mural, there is something for all tastes.  Those who prefer a less serious approach can find themes that even include cartoon characters.  A solid, bright color is also an option.

Anywhere Else

Tile is not just for sprucing up shower areas.  Try adding a backsplash around the toilet for an interesting look.  Another option is to frame around a mirror with tile, or a matching backsplash behind the sink and toilet.  The sky really is the limit when it comes to decorative tile.

As a final note, be sure to consider things such as how long you plan to stay in the house, who will be using the room, and how often you can take the time and money to change the tile.  If you are selling in the next few years you might want to go for a more neutral look.

The floor of your shower should be a highlight of the room.  Rather than being an afterthought, it should be an integral part of the space.  Make it stand out more and add something wonderful to the room by considering a few artistic touches.

Shower Floor Tile Borders

Highlight the size of the shower by having a thin border put around the basin.  Appropriate for any size tile, it adds something special to the floor and makes it stand out.  Contrasting colors will show up the best, and it will allow you to coordinate the decorating and pull everything together with a clear color theme.

Shower Floor Tile Medallions

There’s no reason to settle for a plain shower floor when you can turn it into a work of art.  Have a medallion centered on the floor, and you will add something magnificent that will have family and guests always focusing on the floor.  Beautiful and stunning, it’s an unexpected addition that will take your shower to the next level.

When it comes to the floor of your shower, you don’t have to choose fiberglass basins or solid color tiles.  Add variety and spice things up with a border or medallion.  You will love the cool style, and your bathroom will look more sophisticated than you thought possible.

DirectBuy has beautiful tile appropriate for all areas of your bathroom.  Get bathroom tile at confidential dealer prices when you shop at DirectBuy.

Glass Mosaic Tile Defined

Mosaic tiles are typically no larger than two inches. They’re usually attached to pieces of mesh that can be cut or trimmed without special tools. Their small size and mesh backing makes it easy to fit them around fixtures and hardware.

Surround Yourself with Sparkle and Shimmer

The reflective quality of glass surfaces enhances the interplay between light and water in a bathroom, making glass tiles ideal for shower and bathtub surrounds. For the shower, look for mosaic tiles that come in long panels for easy application. You can even find panels with built-in patterns. One distinctive pattern features variations of blue shades that get darker as the pattern reaches the floor, creating the look of a tumbling waterfall.

Chip-resistant glass mosaic tiles are easy to work with. If you’ve been longing to try your hand at a DIY tile project, mosaic tiles are the way to go.

Glass bathroom tile can provide you with the best material for modern bathrooms. Glass tile reflects the light in the room, making the space feel larger than it really is. It is ideal for several reasons.

Glass Tile Provides Many Color Options

Glass tile is not limited by the same restraints as other materials because it is made of glass. Nearly any color that you desire is available in a glass tile form, including red, blue, black, white, gray, purple, pink, gold, brown, yellow and more. One color can be used or a mosaic can be used that incorporates multiple coordinating colors.

Glass Tile Is Available in a Variety of Designs

Glass tile is available in a larger size, a mosaic form, in a pattern and in a mural form. Patterned tile may consist of using rectangular tiles that, when placed together, form a circle or other image. A mural can be created by placing certain tiles next to each other and form an image such as a beach scene.

Glass bathroom tile adds elegance and sophistication to a space. It also makes a traditional space feel more modern and updated. With the variety of color options and designs available, you can find a tile perfect for your bathroom.

DirectBuy has beautiful glass for your bathroom as well as other types of tile for your entire home.  Get bathroom remodeling products, home furnishings and accessories at dealer prices at DirectBuy.

Rock Origins

Travertine is a limestone rock that is formed over many years from mineral deposits like calcium carbonate in hot mineral springs. During the creation process, impurities often change the pure white of the stone to various shades of yellows and browns.

The stone matter is more or less porous depending on how hot the temperature of the water is in which the rocks are formed. The reason is that often during the creation process algae and other organisms gather on the surface of the stone and remain. These growths add a porous quality to the stone, but when the temperatures are hotter, these organisms cannot exist.

Collections of these stones congregate around and underground in hot springs as centuries pass. Hot springs limestone is found all over the globe. The stones are often cut away and shipped to professional stone cutters that apply their precision skill to the stone.

Rock Characteristics

Sometimes the stone can have a truly pitted surface that occurs because of natural wear over time. Those that prepare tiles from the stone, smooth the surface. The light-colored stone can range in color from a pinkish to a grayish hue. The travertine limestone is a soft and durable stone that is easily cut into different shapes and thicknesses of tiles perfect for any design style of restroom tiling.

Manufactured Stone

Engineered or manufactured stone is made of materials such as cement and resin. Tiles are made with a surface that has veining patterns that mimic the look of travertine and other natural stones. These tiles are less expensive than the natural stone, but they have the same attractive appearance. Other tiles have stone veneers for an authentic look and lower cost.

Luxurious baths with decorative tiling do not have to cost a fortune. Different types of engineered stone tiling come in all types of tiles, borders and decorative tiles. Even mosaic panels are made that look great on bathroom floors or walls.

Choosing Stone Tiling

Travertine tiling for bathroom walls, floors, countertops and fixtures are chosen because of the strength of the stone. Still, most often the decision is made because of its distinctively attractive appearance and neutral colors that work so well with many types of decor styles.

The look of this particular limestone type is beautiful and much less expensive than some of the other popular stone tiling on the market like granite and marble. This stone has been in use as a building material since the time of the Romans and Greeks. Even the Colosseum was built using the particular limestone found near Rome. Today, the stone is polished for baths and left rough for garden walkways and borders. The timeless appearance of these natural stone tiles makes wonderful surfaces in restroom spa retreats.

Bathroom Design Choice

The colors of travertine limestone tiling are excellent for restrooms. The creams and tans are rich and neutral. The look is quality, but the stone is not overbearing. The stone tiles enhance the space and give it a quality upgrade, a perfect restroom design choice. The durable and elegant tiles are beautiful on walls, floors and covering tubs, showers and sinks. For bathroom retreats in homes large and small, travertine bathroom tile gives a lovely finishing touch to walls, flooring and fixtures.

Never pay hidden retail markup at DirectBuy where you will find a wide selection of top-quality tile to help you express your style and creativity in your bathroom. You can also purchase most everything you need for kitchen remodeling and home improvement at dealer pricing when you shop at DirectBuy.

Use Ceramic Tile as a Backsplash

Ceramic tile makes a stunning backsplash for any room. Whether you opt for porcelain tile or a muted ceramic tile, you can create a focal point in your room.

Use Tile Around the Tub or Shower

Add ceramic tile to the walls that surround the shower. You can also complete the same look with a bathtub. Take this design feature a step further by adding tile to the front and side of the bathtub. This gives the bathtub a built-in feel.

Use Tile on Your Floors

Tile floors are ideal for bathrooms because they will not easily warp, chip or develop mold or decay. Ceramic tile is resistant to moisture and other substances, making it the perfect material for bathrooms.

Use Tile on Countertops

Tile can also be used on the top of your bathroom vanity. Buying a tile version of a high end material makes it more affordable.

Ceramic bathroom tile can be used in a variety of ways, but it is always beautiful and elegant.  DirectBuy has hundreds of designs of tile to enhance your bathroom.  Get the products you need to remodel your bathroom and entire home at DirectBuy.

Since ceramic is affordable, easy to find, simple to install and versatile, it is a smart choice for nearly every home. If you want to use ceramic yourself, these helpful tips can help you to choose tiles, install them and maintain them in the future.

Choosing Ceramic Tiles

When choosing the ceramic tile to use in your bathroom, it is important that you consider durability, practicality, style, size and color before your purchase. Ceramic tiles are very versatile and come in thousands of different sizes and colors, but not every style will suit your bathroom’s decoration.

The best choice is to stick with neutral tones if in doubt as cream, beige and grey ceramic tiles work in nearly every setting. However, brightly colored tiles can work incredibly well as a highlighting focal point. If you are concerned with people slipping on wet floors, then something slightly textured might be better, but on the shower walls a flat or matte tile will be significantly easier to clean. Smaller sizes of ceramic tile add interest and look attractive, but keep in mind that these will take slightly longer to install.

Ways to Use Ceramic Tiles in Your Bathroom

Ceramic tiles can be used on your floors, on your walls, in your showers, surrounding your bathtubs, on your sink counters or even on your sink’s backsplash. On floors, ceramic tile is very practical as it resists the wetness and humidity that is very common in bathrooms. To create a spacious feeling, it is recommended that you use the same color throughout the bathroom floor.

Another great way to use ceramic tile in the bathroom is by installing it on the walls. Bringing the tile up to eye level along the wall from the floor makes the wall easier to clean and protects the infrastructure at the same time. Using bright, small or textured tiles on your sink’s backsplash is a fun way to create a focal point that draws in the eye.

Installing Ceramic Tiles

To install ceramic tiles in your bathroom, you simply need to follow the same steps as you would installing any other type of tile. It can be done as a DIY project as long as homeowners have tools like mortar, a trowel and a wet saw.

Simply spread the wet mortar along a section of the floor and place the tiles in place, using spaces to create a gap for the grout. Once the tiles have dried in 24 hours, the spacers are removed and grout is spread across the whole floor. Then, simply wipe down the tiles and your tiles will be installed perfectly.

Cleaning and Maintaining Ceramic Bathroom Tile

Although your ceramic tiles will look great once they are installed, you will need to clean and maintain them over time in order to keep them looking great. Homeowners should sweep or vacuum their floors at least twice a week in order to remove any dirt, which can scratch the tiles. You will also need to use a mop or soft wet rag to clean the tiles weekly. Some commercial cleaners can be helpful, but it is important to only use those cleaners that won’t damage or deteriorate the seal of your ceramic tiles.

By following these helpful tips, homeowners can choose, buy, install, clean and maintain ceramic tiles for their own bathrooms.  DirectBuy has a beautiful selection of tile for use throughout your entire home.  You will find home improvement products, furniture, appliances and more at DirectBuy and save with confidential dealer prices.